Sabian XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
Group: Crashes
Type: Medium Thin Crash
Size: 18 Inch
Series: XS20
Weight: 1451g, 1461g, 1479g, 1534g, 1576g
Years of production: 2003 - 2016
8
Sound file: XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
XS20 18" Medium Thin Crash
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The 18" medium-thin crash was brighter. When I played a full-on roll on the top of the cymbal, I could hear waves of tones ebbing and flowing with the movement of my sticks. As I used some muscle to really dig in to the cymbal, the pitches were plentiful."
Review written by Will Romano ("Sabian XS20 Series Cymbals - High Sonic Performance At Low-End Prices", Modern Drummer, July 2003, p.31)
Review: (NOTE: This is for the wide blade lathing version) "I’ve saved the best for last. I was extremely impressed by the acoustic qualities of the 16" and 18" medium thin crashes, as well as the 18" crash-ride. They were the best of the batch in terms of sonic range and versatility. Like all Xs20 models they lean toward the bright side, with no dark undertones. But they had excellent sibilance and spread, with moderate explosiveness that wouldn’t overpower the music, despite the high-frequency emphasis. The 16" crash had a relatively quick decay for punctuation; the 18" had a longer sustain that would support big chords.
As is often the case, the 18" crash-ride seemed better suited as a big, powerful crash than as a small ride cymbal. It certainly could be used as a very bright, clean-sounding ride at a low impact/volume level, but it’s rare for that sort of sound to be appropriate in that sort of situation. On the other hand, it might be a good choice for use in thrashy, punky ride situations where riding on a regular crash might not produce enough rhythmic definition. It does have a big, domed bell, which could be used to good effect.
As a trio, the 16" and 18" medium-thin crashes and the 18"crash-ride made a very good melodic ensemble. They also worked very well with the medium hats, offering a consistent tonal character that could serve in a wide variety of musical applications.
Review written by Rick Van Horn ("Sabian “New Look” Xs20 Cymbals", Modern Drummer, March 2008, p.38)
Review: (NOTE: This is for the Brilliant finish version) "There is a delightful warmth to these cymbals. The Medium Thin 18" crash and even the 18" china have a soft whoosh and depth - quite spongey, as though you are squidging into the cymbals rather than glancing off hard metal."
Review written by Geoff Nicholls ("Sabian Xs20 Brilliant Finish Cymbals review - Sabian's budget-conscious B20 cymbals receive a brilliant update", Musicradar.com, August 16, 2010)
Artist/song where it can be heard: