Sabian Artisan 15" Hats

Group: Hi-Hats
Type: Hats
Size: 14 Inch
Series: Artisan
Weight: Top: 1098g / Bottom: 1544g

Top: 1109g / Bottom: 1462g

Top: 1115g / Bottom: 1520g

Top: 1143g / Bottom: 1485g

Top: 1180g / Bottom: 1533g

Top: 1180g / Bottom: 1590g

Median Weight: Top: 1129g (n=6) / Bottom: 1527g (n=6)
Years of production: 2009 - Present
Sound file: Artisan 15" Hats
Artisan 15" Hats
Artisan 15" Hats
Artisan 15" Hats
Artisan 15" Hats
Artisan 15" Hats
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: " Even when you jump from the 13" to the 15" models, the Artisan hi-hats feel consistent, while the sound difference is what you would expect going from smaller to larger hi-hats. I used the 13", 14", and 15" pairs on the same jazz gig and found them all appropriate, depending on the sound I was going for. The 13" set was tight, but without too much "chick." When played loosely, they had a nice dark, simmering (not shimmering) wash that was easy to control. I found the pair to be surprisingly warm for their smaller size, even though the medium/heavy weight might lead you to think they'd sound brighter. I also used these hats on a funk ses- sion, and they were ideal. Their volume was easy to control, and the stick sound was dark and articulate. The open-to-closed "bark" sound was sharp, helping to make everything else I played sound even tighter and more groovy.

The 14" and 15" pairs had qualities similar to the 13" models, but with a wider range of sounds. The 14" set was great all around and was definitely the most versatile. They fit best in a jazz situation, with a nice foot "chick," a smooth stick sound, and a nonabrasive wash. The 15" hats were the most rockin'. Even the smallest amount of looseness between the cymbals created a huge, and highly palatable, washy sound. These beautiful- sounding cymbals were just as warm and responsive as the other sizes but with more volume and deeper, darker frequencies."

Review written by Anthony Riscica ("Sabian Artisan Vault and Radia Nano Hi-Hats", Modern Drummer, July 2009, pp. 38-39)

Review: "Rounding out the Vault Artisan set, Sabian has added three Artisan hi-hats, with standard diameters of 13", 14" and 15". Each pair has a medium weight top cymbal coupled with a heavy bottom. The top and bottom look the same, with the script 'Artisan' and 'V' for Vault logo. All the Vault Artisan cymbals have a classic satin finish, shallow lathing and high-density hammering to both sides.

However, whereas the crashes are not for heavy thrashing gigs, the hats are made of sterner stuff. They're thicker and will hold up to fierce playing if necessary. And yet they match the crashes beautifully - as they do with the aforementioned rides. We tried the 13" pair on a rock gig and was rather surprised just how sharp they were when opened and shouldered. They're real sizzlers, bright and spirited.

The 15" pair are the most buttery, deep and mellow. We couldn't believe how pithy and yet thick the closed sound with the tip of the stick was. Part-opened, they emit a huge wallowing slush - a steam engine of power. But in the end, almost predictably, we settled on the 14s as the perfect compromise pair.

They have a superbly authoritative pedalled chip, dark and fat, yet still edgy and sonorous. All the hats can handle a wide dynamic range - tickle them and the sound is clean, lay in and they never wash out or turn ugly."

Review written by Geoff Nicholls ("Sabian Vault Artisan Hi-Hats and Crashes review - More from the ultra smooth and creative vintage-tinged line", musicradar.com, September 18, 2009)

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