Is this cymbal suitable for beginners, or do I need advanced technique?

The Artisan Medium Ride is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its aggressive character and crash-capability reward controlled, precise technique; beginners may find it demanding compared to lighter, more forgiving rides.

Can I use this as both a ride and a crash?

Yes. The raw bell design and crash-capable construction make the Artisan function effectively as both, allowing you to cover more sonic territory without adding a separate crash to your kit.

What genres is this cymbal best suited for?

The Artisan Medium Ride excels in rock, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. Its crisp stick definition and sizzling wash cut through dense mixes in these styles; it is not recommended for extreme metal or classical music.

What finish does it have, and how is it constructed?

The Artisan features a Brilliant finish coating on B20 Bronze alloy with high-density hand hammering and a raw bell design. At 2513 grams, it carries enough mass to project with authority while remaining responsive to controlled dynamics.

How does the Artisan compare to other 20" rides in its class?

The Artisan competes directly with models like the Zildjian K Custom, Paiste Signature, and Meinl Byzance 20" rides. Its distinctive dark tone with glassy stick definition, piercing bell, and crash-capability set it apart as a multi-functional choice for players seeking versatility and character in a single instrument.

SABIAN 20" Artisan Medium Ride

The 20" Artisan Medium Ride cuts through the mix with crisp, glassy stick definition and a piercing bell that demands attention on stage. Hand-hammered with exceptional density, this ride delivers sizzling intensity and dark, aggressive undertones that sit perfectly in rock, hip-hop, R&B, and jazz setups. The raw bell design and crash-ability make it a genuinely multi-functional ride that handles everything from tight definition to full crashes—letting you cover more sonic ground without stacking extra cymbals on the kit.

Tone & Character

Built from B20 Bronze with high-density hand hammering, the Artisan delivers a distinctive dark tone anchored by a well-defined, glassy stick click that cuts decisively above an aggressive, sizzling wash. The piercing bell projects with authority, and the cymbal's crash-ability means it functions effectively as both a ride and crash—a rare combination that saves real estate on your kit while expanding your palette.

Construction & Build Quality

The Brilliant finish coating protects the B20 Bronze alloy while the raw bell design and meticulous hand-hammering process ensure consistent, professional-grade response across the playing surface. At 2513 grams (approximately 5.5 lbs), the cymbal carries enough mass to project with authority without becoming unwieldy.

Key Features

20" diameter
B20 Bronze alloy
Brilliant finish
2513 grams weight
High-density hand hammering
Raw bell design
Dark tone with crisp stick sound
Piercing bell response
Crash-capable performance
Versatile across multiple genres
Protected by SABIAN Two-Year Warranty

The Artisan Medium Ride is built for players who need a workhorse cymbal with genuine character. Raw tonal complexity meets practical versatility—one cymbal that handles definition, wash, and crash duties across the gig.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	20"
Cymbal Type	Ride
Country of Manufacture	Canada