Sabian Percussion 12" Chopper

Group: Other
Type: Chopper
Size: 12 Inch
Series: Percussion
Weight: 1785g, 1792g, 1809g
Years of production: 2008¹ - Present
Sound file: Percussion 10" & 12" Chopper
Percussion 12" Chopper
Percussion 12" Chopper
Percussion 12" Chopper
Percussion 12" Chopper
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: ""The Choppers produce blasts of brilliant metallic crunch. We were struck by how many nuances and subtleties could be pulled out of them"

The Choppers, which come in three sizes - 8", 10" and 12" - are a little closer to regular cymbals, being cut from sheets of B8 bronze. There any resemblance ends though, as the Choppers feature an intricate three-layer design that has taken Sabian some time to arrive at.

At the bottom of each Chopper lies a solid disc of bronze, which features swirls of textured lathing for friction-creating purposes. The next layer is a similarly textured disc, which has been cut into a seven-bladed fan shape. Above this, the final layer is also cut into a fan shape, but it's offset so that its blades overlap those of the layer below. Unlike the other two layers it's also buffed to a shine.

All the fan blades are cut in a way that leaves a sharp edge pointing below each incision, again to encourage friction. This sandwich of metal is held together by three rivets that allow a few millimetres of movement, but no more.

By contrast, the Choppers produce blasts of brilliant metallic crunch. We were struck by how many nuances and subtleties could be pulled out of them. A gentle tap brings forth a crisp 'tsk', while increasing the velocity hardens up the sound. The speedy decay, which Sabian has worked hard on, makes it easy to distinguish between regular notes and accents. Their response remains clean throughout all dynamic levels and we found it near impossible to over-hit them.

Also, unlike many effects, their sound didn't become wearing over time."

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

Review: "The Chopper is configured like a set of stacked cymbals, in order to produce a white-noise sound. But it’s actually made up of three flat bronze disks. The bottom disk is a complete circle with a textured finish. The middle disk is cut in to a propeller shape, and is also textured. The top disk is also propeller-shaped, with a smooth, polished finish that creates an attractive overall look. Models are available in 8", 10", and 12" sizes.

When the Chopper is struck, you hear the sharp, stinging attack of the disks vibrating together. I was truly surprised by the articulation and clarity of their sounds. The 8" size was high-pitched, the 10" had a medium-high tone, and the 12" was still relatively high, but with a slightly larger presence. Whichever one I played, any sort of pattern came through clearly.

I also tried the 10" disk on a snare drum. If I hit the drumhead just off of the Chopper, the snare sound was chopped off, with highlights from the disks. If I struck right on the Chopper, the sound was even shorter.

If a Chopper is to be mounted on a cymbal stand, you’ll want to make sure that stand is strong and well balanced. The Choppers might look like light-weights by virtue of their small diameters. But you have the equivalent of three cymbals in a very tight package."

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

Artist/song where it can be heard: Joby Burgess

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Source:
¹ Sabian What's Your Sound Catalog 2008