Sabian 20" HHX Zen China Brilliant
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- Trashy China opens up easity and provides plenty of dynamics.
- Inverted design makes it easier to play when mounted flat.
- HHX cymbals offer Modern Dark tone that cuts at all volume levels.
Out of stock
- SKU
- 12016XBZ
. Description
Sabian 20" HHX Zen China Brilliant
The HHX Zen China delivers a full, trashy voice that opens up with minimal effort thanks to its inverted design and dual-hammering construction. Mounted flat, this cymbal sits naturally in your setup while offering the cutting clarity and dynamic response that define the HHX line. This 20" size cuts through at any volume, balancing articulate attack with sustained wash in ways that work both in tight band arrangements and live settings where definition matters.
Design & Construction
The inverted Chinese design flattens the playing surface next to the bell, making the cymbal more responsive and easier to play when mounted in a traditional flat position—a real advantage during long gigs when you're playing with dynamics and speed. The construction combines traditional hand hammering with additional HHX hammering, resulting in a cymbal that produces a full, complex tone without requiring aggressive strikes to open up, letting you control your sound across the entire dynamic range.
Tone & Character
The HHX Zen China Brilliant delivers the modern, dark tonality characteristic of the HHX series while maintaining the trashy, washy character essential to China cymbals. Its brightness and cutting power ensure articulation at all volume levels, from controlled accents to full crash applications—essential for players who need their China to hold its own in a live mix without getting buried or overshadowing the kit's other voices.
Key Features
- 20" diameter
- B20 Bronze alloy (Bronze, Tin, and Silver)
- Brilliant finish — highly polished
- Inverted Chinese design for easier flat-mounting playability
- Traditional hand hammering combined with HHX hammering technique
- Weight: 1534g
- Modern dark tone with cutting clarity at all volumes
- Full, trashy sound with dynamic range and easy opening
- Protected by Sabian Two-Year Warranty
This cymbal excels as a dedicated China voice in any kit where articulation and wash must coexist without compromise, providing the reliability and tonal flexibility serious players demand night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 20" |
| Cymbal Type | Effects |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 20" HHX Zen China Brilliant is an inverted-design China cymbal built for rock and metal players who need articulate attack and trashy wash in one voice. Its dual-hammering construction and flattened profile make it responsive and easy to open from a flat-mounted position, cutting through live and studio settings without aggressive playing. Choose it when you need a China that delivers dark, complex tone with clarity at any volume while sitting naturally in your kit setup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Classical
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the inverted design do differently?
The inverted Chinese design flattens the playing surface next to the bell, making the cymbal more responsive and easier to open when mounted flat in a traditional kit setup. This design reduces the playing effort needed to achieve full wash and articulation.
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?
The HHX Zen China excels in rock, metal, hard rock, and studio sessions. Its cutting clarity and articulate attack are optimized for heavy music; it is not recommended for jazz or classical applications.
How does it compare to other China cymbals?
The HHX Zen China sits between the Zildjian A Custom China and Paiste PST China in the market, offering the modern dark tonality and cutting power of the HHX line while maintaining the full, trashy character essential to China cymbals. The dual-hammering construction and inverted profile set it apart for easier playability and responsiveness.
Will this work in a live setting?
Yes. The 20" size and cutting clarity ensure articulation at all volumes, from controlled accents to full crash applications, making it reliable for both live performance and studio recording.
What is the weight and material composition?
The cymbal weighs 1534g and is made from B20 Bronze alloy (Bronze, Tin, and Silver) with a brilliant finish that is highly polished. It is protected by a Sabian Two-Year Warranty.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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