SABIAN 20" HHX Thin Crash Brilliant Finish
Description
SABIAN 20" HHX Thin Crash Brilliant Finish
The 20" HHX Thin Crash sits perfectly in the setup of drummers and percussionists chasing a fast, responsive crash that cuts through a live mix without weight penalty. Its thinner profile produces a darker, more shimmering character while maintaining the articulate attack that defines the HHX series. This cymbal adapts across musical styles without sacrificing its distinctive personality.
Design & Construction
Built using B20 bronze alloy, this crash incorporates a unique multi-stage hammering process: sparse initial hammering followed by lathing, then denser HHX-style hammering on top. This layered approach yields a thinner cymbal with a darker tone and faster response than its HHX Studio predecessors, while the smaller raw bell ensures a quicker, more defined attack and keeps overall weight down—a real advantage for touring and venue-to-venue reliability.
Tone & Character
The Brilliant Finish provides visual clarity and contributes to a crisp, shimmering response that projects well in live and studio settings. The combination of thinner construction and refined hammering creates a warm, nuanced tone with excellent stick definition—a dark-toned crash that remains musical across genres and sits confidently in any mix.
Key Features
- 20" diameter crash cymbal
- B20 bronze alloy construction
- Brilliant Finish
- Multi-stage hammering process with sparse and dense sequences
- Thinner, darker profile than HHX Studio Crash
- Smaller raw bell for faster attack
- Lighter weight than typical thin crash designs
- Fast, responsive stick articulation
- Versatile across multiple musical styles
- Two-year SABIAN manufacturer warranty against manufacturing flaws
The HHX 20" Thin Crash delivers articulate, dark-toned crashes with genuine musical versatility and the quality assurance backing SABIAN's reputation.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 20" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 20" HHX Thin Crash is a fast-responding, dark-toned cymbal built on B20 bronze with a unique multi-stage hammering process that keeps it lighter than comparable thin crashes while delivering a crisp, shimmering attack. It cuts through on stage with articulate stick definition and adapts across rock, metal, jazz, and progressive styles without losing its distinctive character. Choose this crash for reliable, musical responsiveness that works equally well in the studio or on the road.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Marching Band
- – Classical Orchestral
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this crash cymbal suited for?
The HHX Thin Crash is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its fast response and articulate attack reward precise technique and work well in demanding styles like metal, jazz, and progressive music.
How does the 20" size and thin profile affect the sound?
The 20" diameter with thinner construction produces a darker, more shimmering tone with a faster response than the HHX Studio model. The smaller raw bell ensures a quicker, more defined attack, and the lighter overall weight makes it responsive to subtle stick articulation.
What's the difference between the Brilliant Finish and other finishes?
The Brilliant Finish provides visual clarity and contributes to a crisp, shimmering response that projects well in both live and studio settings. It's part of the cymbal's overall tonal character rather than a cosmetic-only feature.
What musical styles is this crash best suited for?
The HHX Thin Crash works across rock, metal, jazz, progressive, and studio session work. Its dark tone and fast articulation make it particularly effective in styles demanding cut and definition, though its musical versatility means it adapts to many genres.
What construction method makes this cymbal different?
This crash uses a unique multi-stage process: sparse initial hammering, then lathing, then denser HHX-style hammering on top. This layered approach creates a thinner, darker cymbal with faster response and better-defined attack than previous HHX Studio models.