A1856-1 vs H21R — Compare
SABIAN 18" Artisan Sym Medium Light Single vs SABIAN 21" HH HAMMERTONE RIDE
The Artisan Sym 18" is a classical and orchestral specialist with quick response and short sustain, while the HH Hammertone 21" is a jazz and big band utility ride built for volume and crash-like versatility. Choose the Artisan for chamber, auditions, and delicate articulation; pick the HH for ensemble settings where one cymbal must do double duty.
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 18" Artisan Sym Medium Light Single | SABIAN 21" HH HAMMERTONE RIDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $639.99 | $644.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended | Ride |
| Cymbal Size | 18" | 21" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 18" Artisan Sym Medium Light Single
- ✓ 18" size ideal for orchestral excerpts and auditions with quicker articulation
- ✓ Shorter sustain and splashy character perfect for soft passages and successive crashes
- ✓ Hand-hammered traditional construction with vintage character suited to classical repertoire
- ✓ Rich, warm tone maintains definition across the full dynamic range
Why choose SABIAN 21" HH HAMMERTONE RIDE
- ✓ 21" size delivers commanding projection and presence in large ensemble contexts
- ✓ Functions effectively as both ride and crash, eliminating need for separate cymbals
- ✓ High-profile design with exaggerated bow produces increased volume and crashability
- ✓ Tapered edge provides controlled stick definition while maintaining warm spread
Frequently asked questions
Which cymbal suits orchestral and chamber music better?
The Artisan Sym 18" is purpose-built for orchestral excerpts, auditions, and chamber music with its quick response, shorter sustain, and traditional hand-hammered construction that preserves vintage classical character. The HH Hammertone 21" is designed for large ensemble and big band contexts.
What is the main functional difference between these cymbals?
The Artisan Sym specializes as a crash or paired cymbal with defined articulation for soft to loud passages, while the HH Hammertone functions as a ride that can also perform crash duties in ensemble settings where a single versatile cymbal is preferred.
How do the sizes and weights affect playing style?
The 18" Artisan Medium Light is lighter and more responsive for precise articulation across dynamics, while the 21" HH Hammertone at 2185 grams is heavier and designed for commanding volume with heavier stick weights in projection-demanding big band applications.
Which cymbal has more sustain?
The Artisan Sym features a shorter sustain profile ideal for orchestral clarity and preventing wash, while the HH Hammertone produces a warm spreading wash characteristic of ride cymbals designed for sustained phrasing in jazz and big band.