21620-1 vs SD1806 — Compare
SABIAN 16" AA Viennese Single vs 18" STRATUS DRY CRASH
The SABIAN 16" AA Viennese is a medium-weight, bright hand cymbal built for classical, jazz, and ensemble work with moderate sustain and full tone, while the 18" Stratus Dry Crash is an extra-thin, dark accent crash engineered for metal and hard rock with aggressive attack and minimal sustain. Choose the Viennese if you play soft classical or mixed genres; choose the Stratus if you need a tight, controlled crash for heavy, fast-paced music.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 16" AA Viennese Single | 18" STRATUS DRY CRASH | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $294.99 | $294.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 16" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 16" AA Viennese Single
- ✓ Bright, fuller tone with clear articulation suits classical, jazz, and worship settings
- ✓ Medium weight and thickness balance playability with durability for regular use
- ✓ Moderate sustain and medium projection blend seamlessly without overwhelming ensemble
- ✓ Versatile across beginner through professional skill levels and multiple genres
Why choose 18" STRATUS DRY CRASH
- ✓ Extra-thin weight and lightning-quick response ideal for metal, hard rock, and punk
- ✓ Dark, textured attack with extremely short sustain cuts through dense mixes without wash
- ✓ Aggressive, trash-accented character provides focused accent punch in modern drum setups
- ✓ Precise articulation allows fast, stacked crashes without muddiness
Frequently asked questions
Are these hand cymbals or crash cymbals on a stand?
The SABIAN 16" AA Viennese is sold as a pair of hand cymbals designed to be played together with hands. The 18" Stratus is a crash cymbal intended for a drum kit on a stand or boom.
Which is better for jazz or classical music?
The SABIAN 16" AA Viennese is specifically designed for classical, concert band, and jazz with its bright, moderate-sustain tone and clear articulation. The Stratus Dry Crash is not recommended for jazz and excels instead in metal and hard rock.
What's the key difference in how they sound?
The Viennese produces a bright, fuller sound with moderate decay that blends into ensembles, while the Stratus delivers a dark, low-profile attack with extremely short sustain for tight, controlled playing in heavy music. The Viennese sustains longer and sounds warmer; the Stratus is aggressive and dry.
Which is easier for a beginner?
The SABIAN 16" AA Viennese suits beginner through professional players and is easier to control in mixed musical contexts. The Stratus Dry Crash is best for intermediate to professional drummers in specific heavy music genres.