AB7 vs SBR1806 — Compare
Sabian 7" Alu Bell vs SABIAN 18" SBr Crash
The Alu Bell is a hand-cast 7-inch melodic percussion instrument designed for textural and compositional work, while the SBr Crash is an 18-inch drum cymbal built for live rock and punk performance. Choose the Alu Bell if you need tonal effects and world music textures; choose the SBr Crash if you're a drummer looking for a responsive, cutting accent cymbal.
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 7" Alu Bell | SABIAN 18" SBr Crash | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $128.23 | $130.81 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Effects | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 7" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 7" Alu Bell
- ✓ Hand-cast aluminum with unique sonic character—no two identical
- ✓ Long sustain and soft, bright tone ideal for contemporary composition and effects
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive 7-inch format for intricate percussion work
- ✓ Budget-friendly entry into melodic percussion
Why choose SABIAN 18" SBr Crash
- ✓ Fast, articulate punch with tight focus cuts cleanly through live and studio mixes
- ✓ 18-inch size covers traditional crash-cymbal role in drum kits
- ✓ SABIAN Brass construction delivers consistent durability and performance
- ✓ Competitively priced entry into quality crash cymbals
Frequently asked questions
Are these products compatible—can I use them together in one setup?
Yes, but they serve different roles. The Alu Bell is a melodic percussion accent instrument for hand-striking, while the SBr Crash is a drum-kit cymbal played with sticks. They could coexist in an experimental or expanded percussion ensemble, but they target different performance contexts.
Which is better for a beginner drummer?
The SBr Crash is designed for drum kit players and offers the responsive punch and cutting tone drummers expect from a crash cymbal. The Alu Bell is not a drum cymbal and requires different striking technique and musical context.
How do the tones differ?
The Alu Bell produces soft, bright, sustaining tones with a sweet character suited to effects and transitions. The SBr Crash delivers fast, punchy articulation with a tightly focused sound designed to cut through without wash—optimized for accent work in rock and live settings.
Why does the Alu Bell have a rough, unfinished surface?
The pitted, unpolished surface is intentional and results from sand-casting—a traditional hand method that gives each bell unique sonic properties. This is not a manufacturing defect but evidence of authentic production.