Sabian 21" HHX 3-Point Ride
Description
Sabian 21" HHX 3-Point Ride
The 21" HHX 3-Point Ride delivers a dark, smokey tone with remarkable projection across three distinct playing surfaces, each revealing different sonic character. Developed in collaboration with jazz legend Jack DeJohnette, this cymbal combines simmering heat and musical aggression in a single instrument. The hand-hammered construction and innovative design make it a powerful choice for drummers commanding unconventional voice and clarity in darker contexts.
Playing Character & Projection
On stage, this ride excels at cutting through with genuine musicality—the three distinct playing zones produce dry, controlled tones in the inner and middle sections ideal for defined stick definition, while the edge yields deep, washy overtones for texture and color. The Tone Projection design ensures the dark character cuts through the mix with authority, delivering the simmering heat and musical dirt that defines the HHX series and translates to a cohesive kit voice in live settings.
Build & Feel
Crafted from B20 bronze alloy (copper, tin, and silver) with hand-guided large-peen hammering, the cymbal features lathed inner and outer rings paired with a raw, unlathed centre ring. This meticulous hand-hammering process creates the complex, modern-dark finish that distinguishes HHX cymbals from conventional designs and contributes to the cymbal's responsive stick feel and long-term durability in the gigging environment.
Key Features
- 21-inch diameter size
- Weight range: 1916g to 2520g (median 2492g)
- B20 bronze alloy construction (copper, tin, and silver)
- Hand-hammered with large-peen finishing
- Lathed inner and outer rings
- Raw, unlathed centre ring
- Three distinct playing zones with varying tones
- Dark, smokey fundamental tone
- Innovative Tone Projection design
- Developed in collaboration with Jack DeJohnette
- Sabian Two-Year Warranty included
- Natural finish option available
The HHX 3-Point Ride projects darkness and definition where conventional cymbals fall short, making it an essential voice for drummers building a kit that refuses to blend into the background.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 21" |
| Cymbal Type | Ride |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 21" HHX 3-Point Ride is a hand-hammered B20 bronze ride developed with jazz legend Jack DeJohnette, delivering a dark, smokey tone with three distinct playing zones for dry control on the bell and deep, washy overtones at the edge. Built for intermediate to professional drummers who play jazz, fusion, and progressive music and need a ride that cuts through the mix with musical aggression and projection without sacrificing complexity. Choose this if you want a modern-dark, unconventional voice that refuses to blend in—a statement piece for players chasing genuine character and clarity in darker musical contexts.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Fusion
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Pop
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three distinct playing zones on this ride?
The inner and middle sections deliver dry, controlled tones ideal for crisp definition and comping, while the edge produces deep, washy overtones for wash and coloration. Each zone was designed to reveal different sonic character within a single instrument.
Is this ride suitable for styles outside jazz and fusion?
The HHX 3-Point Ride is optimized for jazz, fusion, and progressive music. Its dark, smokey tone and musical aggression are not designed for pop or country contexts where brighter, more traditional ride voices are typically preferred.
What is the weight range for this cymbal?
This 21-inch ride weighs between 1916g and 2520g, with a median weight of 2492g. Weight variation is natural in hand-hammered cymbals and contributes to the unique voice of each individual cymbal.
How does the hand-hammering construction affect the tone?
The large-peen hand-hammering process, combined with lathed inner and outer rings and a raw, unlathed centre ring, creates the complex, modern-dark finish that distinguishes this cymbal. The B20 bronze alloy (copper, tin, and silver) contributes to the simmering heat and musical dirt characteristic of the HHX series.
How does this compare to other 21-inch rides like the Zildjian K or Paiste 2002?
While the Zildjian K 21", Paiste 2002 21", and Istanbul Mehmet Traditional 21" are all respected rides, the HHX 3-Point Ride stands apart with its innovative three-zone design and modern-dark character developed with Jack DeJohnette. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize the HHX's unconventional voice and Tone Projection design over the sonic profiles of those alternatives.