Sabian XS20 12" Splash

Group: Splashes
Type: Splash
Size: 12 Inch
Series: XS20
Weight: ?g
Years of production: ? - 2016
Sound file: XS20 12" Splash
XS20 12" Splash
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: (NOTE: This is for the wide blade lathing version) "The sounds produced by the 10" and 12" splashes belied their size and thinness. They sounded robust, full-bodied, and a bit clangy, with quite a bit of sustain. (Surprisingly, this was more prevalent on the 10" model than on the 12"—probably because the 12" had a little more surface area with which to let the sound “spread.”) These characteristics would make the Xs20 splashes effective in medium-to high-volume pop/rock settings, where the splash sound would need to be heard amidst a lot of sonic competition. But the cymbals lacked the airy delicacy that would make them useful in softer situations."

Review written by Rick Van Horn ("Sabian “New Look” Xs20 Cymbals", Modern Drummer, March 2008, p.37)

Review: "Smaller cymbals in a price-conscious series, more so than larger ones, often run the risk of exposing the reality of cost-effective manufacturing methods. This is true in the case of the Xs20 splashes. Splashes are all about the subtle character in the overtones, the flash of the thinned-out "caaa" sound, and the ability to add a dynamic alternative to crashes. Both Xs20 models voiced their better qualities when struck hard. The 12" ($138) sounded more like a trashy fast crash, with a quick attack and decay. The series as a whole had a thick, glossy tactile feel, and the 10" ($134) didn't seem to have enough give, resulting in a stiffer, less splashy sound."

Review written by Michael Dawson ("Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Series Cymbals", Modern Drummer, May 2010, p.24)

Review: "The XS20 10″ splash shocked me with its superior sound quality. It barks with an instant, explosive burst of papery highs and mids that quickly disperse without any weird lingering overtones. This splash sounds better than many other professional splashes I’ve heard that cost much more. The 12″ splash, in similar fashion to the 10″ model, also quickly explodes with a papery splash. Yet this 12″ model’s sound is filled with a much fuller range of mids. I loved this splash so much that I took it to a few of my professional gigs, and I would still love this cymbal if it listed for $202 like an AA 12″ splash. But the XS20 12″ splash lists for only $138. What a deal!"

Review written by David Libman ("Sabian XS20 Cymbals Reviewed!", drummagazine.com, July 6, 2010)

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