Sabian Percussion 9" Alu Bell

Group: Other
Type: Alu Bell
Size: 9 Inch
Series: Percussion
Weight: ?g
Years of production: 2008 - Present
Sound file: Percussion 9" Alu Bell
Percussion 7" & 9" Alu Bells
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "You’ve most likely seen bells like these before now. They’re dome shaped, almost like inverted bowls, with a narrow, flat edge. The bells are made using traditional sand casting, so the finish is rough. They are also relatively thick.

The element that makes Sabian’s Alu Bells unique is that they’re made from— you guessed it— aluminum. Frankly, I wasn’t sure that aluminum would be a good choice for something that’s supposed to ring. But, in fact, the 7" and 9" Alu Bells let out a brilliant, ringing tone when struck. To put it simply: These bells are killers!

The 9" bell has a predictably lower pitch than its 7" sibling. I got the greatest amount of tone from striking the edge. Hitting the dome with the shoulder of my stick generated a useful ping, but hitting the rim produced the most sound. The tone was pure and sweet, and it wavered slightly as the bell rocked from being hit.

One characteristic that I especially enjoyed with the Alu Bells was the warmth of their tone. Many similar bells I’ve heard that were made of bronze tended to be piercing, with a tone best described as a “clang.” The Alu Bells’ tone is a bit dryer, though with no lack of sustain. I’d describe it as more of a “clahhng” — with an emphasis on the “ahhh.”"

Review written by Chap Ostrander ("Sabian Choppers and Alu Bells", Modern Drummer, June 2008, pp.42-43)

Review: "A clue to the construction material of the Alu Bells is in the name, and each Bell is cast individually from aluminium. Unlike cymbal manufacture, the Alu Bells are cast in their completed shape using sand moulds. Available in 7" and 9" diameters, both models feature a raised dome, which leads down to a flat striking edge.

The bells are quite thick but, being made from aluminium, they're light. An absence of any kind of lathing or polishing means the surfaces are pitted and marked, but the naturally bright hue of aluminium largely masks these details from all but close-up inspection.

The Alu Bells open with a soft, dry note that oscillates slightly. What they lack in attack they make up for in intensity. Their tone is incredibly pure and as the volume fades, the strength of the note lingers on, reminiscent of the running-a-finger-around-a-wine-glass trick."

Review written by Adam Jones ("Sabian Bells and Choppers review", MusicRadar.com, November 24, 2008)

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