While the standard Sabian AAX crashes are classic options for any drummer, the AAX Concept crashes offer something a bit different. However, they stay true to many of the loved qualities of the original AAX cymbals.
The Concept Series was introduced a few years ago, and drummers from all over the world have been using these crashes ever since. We’re going to review these cymbals and see what all the hype is about.
The cymbals are made from Sabian’s B20 bronze formula which is the same formula that most of their high-end cymbals are made from. The Concept crashes are fairly thin for bright cymbals, yet they open up fantastically with a fast attack.
The hammering on the cymbals is quite aggressive compared to other cymbals. This makes them a bit brighter than the standard AAX cymbals. Think of it as an AAX crash that is just much more piercing and aggressive.
You get 16”, 17”, and 18” versions of this crash. The smallest one is the highest-pitched and most aggressive, and then it mellows out a bit as the cymbal size increases.
The sound quality of the AAX Concept Crashes is excellent. They have a seriously bright tone, but they decay quite quickly. This makes the bright sound a lot more bearable than cymbals that are bright and ring for long.
The bells of the Concept Crashes are piercing. You could happily play a few bell patterns if you wanted to. The bells on the 16” and 17” don’t sound near as good as the bell on the 18”, though.
Many drummers don’t love 16” crash cymbals. However, the 16” AAX Concept Crash is one of the best bright crash cymbals we’ve heard.
The two biggest construction qualities are the type of metal alloy used and the hammering of the cymbals. Since these crashes use Sabian’s B20 alloy, they’re regarded as some of the most well-constructed cymbals from Sabian. This is definitely true in the world of bright and powerful cymbals.
The aggressive hammering unlocks a strong tone from the cymbals. The way they are hammered makes them sound a lot brighter than the standard AAX crashes. They’re also a lot more punchy and effective when they get crashed hard.
Although the cymbals are quite thin, they’re very durable and designed to take a beating. Bright cymbals are typically used in heavy music settings, so it’s good that they can handle playing from heavy drummers.
The thin nature of the cymbals makes them feel amazing to play. Thicker cymbals don’t feel as nice to hit as thin cymbals do. So, you get the best of both worlds here by having bright cymbals that have thin structures.
Since the sound gets out the way fairly quickly, you can play the cymbals over and over without the tones becoming overwhelming.
The cymbals tend to perform even better when you pair the different sizes. Having a smaller crash on one side and a larger crash on the other leads to some interesting tonal options. The 17” crash is quite difficult to get hold of, so you should bank on getting the 16” and 18” crashes if you want to go down that route.
These crashes are very reasonably priced in the grand scheme of things. They’re not top-end cymbals. Instead, they sit somewhere in the middle range in terms of pricing. So, you’ll pay anywhere between $200 and $300 for a Sabian AAX concept crash.
Considering the high-quality sounds the crashes offer, we’d say that the price-to-value ratio is fairly good. The crashes aren’t affordable to everyone, but they’re a lot more affordable than the $500 high-end crash cymbals.
Getting two of these won’t break your bank, and you might have a bit of room to buy some hi-hats and a ride to go with them.
We wouldn’t say the Sabian AAX Concept crashes are the best options for studio recording. Darker and warmer cymbals are typically preferred in that setting, so having these massively bright cymbals may not be appropriate.
If you were to use a Concept crash, we’d suggest using the 18” version as the 16” version will sound a bit too aggressive in a mix. It will be harder to work with when EQing the kit.
The only setting where the AAX Concept crashes are perfect options would be if you were recording heavy music. These cymbals thrive in metal and rock recordings.
The crashes are much better suited for live gigging than they are for recording. Live performances need a bit of added energy from your gear, and the Concept crashes are perfect for that.
They’re bright and punchy, allowing them to cut through mixes quite easily. They’ll be heard very clearly through the PA system, adding a sense of oomph to any band setup.
While they’re not the most versatile cymbals around due to their brightness, you could use them in most styles of music if you wanted a punchy sound option. The 18” Sabian Concept crash is even a viable option for jazz if you’re feeling brave.
If you’re looking for a bright cymbal, you should consider getting one of the AAX Concept crashes. These crashes will add a lot of energy to your cymbal setup with their brighter tone and quick decay.
They’re excellent for rock, metal, and punk music. However, you’ll find them working quite well in hip-hop, funk, and alternative settings as well.
They’re fairly affordable, so you could get both the 16” and 18” versions without breaking the bank. The 17” version is a Sweetwater exclusive, so you can only get it there when it’s in stock.
Drum Teacher
Brett Clur has a Drum Performance Diploma from Trinity College London has been playing drums for over 20 years. He is passionate about advanced concepts and uses his years of experience to teach his students about them. While he is a full-time drum teacher, he is also working on growing a YouTube channel where shares his insights. You can see him playing there, or on Instagram where he posts daily videos.
Find useful lessons, tips and reviews for any drummer. From beginners to professionals there’s always something new to learn and improve. Join our Newsletter for exclusive advice!
11407 SW Amu St Suite #ABM436 Tualatin, OR 97062
There may be affiliate links on this website, which means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to our readers.
© All rights reserved Copyright 2024
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
