My New Ride: 21" Sabian Raw Bell Dry Ride

[Fat Elvis]

Although i play Zildjians, I went into sam ash and started to beat on some rides -- got a fairly big gig on new years eve and i dont think my washy 19" A Zildjian will cut it (although i will keep it on my kit as a crash/ride). I played all sorts of Zildjians -- A's and A Customs and did not find what i thought was exactly what i needed. If the ride tone was there, it washed out too easily (i do like some, but not too much). What i found mostly though was the bell was finicky -- meaning the sweet spot was hard to find.

Then i went to sabian -- found some AA rides and tried the 21" Raw Bell Dry ride and fell in love with the tone immediately. Perfect amount of ping and wash -- ideal blend. But then i hit the bell -- man what a monster! No matter where you hit this bell, it sounded incredible. Exactly what i was looking for.

The price? $206 -- almost $50 cheaper than the (smaller) 20" A Zildjian rides. I was sold immediately. They had two, i chose the one i liked and walked out. Cant wait to play it!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Sabian! The way forward! I'm kidding, but actually when I break it down in my mind, you tend to get a larger palette of sounds from the Sabian range than with Zildjian (just look at all the lines, there's dozens now, when it's all worked out!) and the prices are cheaper. Although some people 'find their sound' with Zildjian I think Sabian have the edge when it comes to innovation and pricing. It drove me towards Sabian and away from Zildjian.

[tamadrummer132]

i absolutely LOVE this cymbal. it has a great tone. congratz on your purchase.

[Fat Elvis]

Sabian! The way forward! I'm kidding, but actually when I break it down in my mind, you tend to get a larger palette of sounds from the Sabian range than with Zildjian (just look at all the lines, there's dozens now, when it's all worked out!) and the prices are cheaper. Although some people 'find their sound' with Zildjian I think Sabian have the edge when it comes to innovation and pricing. It drove me towards Sabian and away from Zildjian.

well honestly having brand loyalty to any brand that is not paying me is dumb. I was planning on going with some Bosphorus anyway in the future, so i pretty much had given up on finding exactly what i wanted (at the price i wanted to pay) with zildjian. What i am happiest about is that i found exactly what i was looking for -- which i did not with zildjian -- and it happened to be cheaper. I will defenately look to sabian in the future with crash purchases (i have already 2 sets of zildjian hats that i love).

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Brand loyalty, however, is a major part of the music industry, even without financial obligations on any sides. Just look at the Fender vs. Gibson wars that've been going on for over half a century, I'm not necessarily accusing you of brand loyalty though buddy, although most people like to stick to one brand or another.

Now then, Bosphorous. Now we're talking! I'm looking around for an 18" or 19" trashy crash right now. Bosphorous look right up my street.

[the.tree]

Yea I was thinking about that ride but got the aa metal-x instead. They both have awesome bells, but as for the brand loyalty personally I have a little bit of it toward sabian. I always look at there cymbals first however, the A custom mastersound hats are really nice I may have to get a pair. I find the hi-hats of zildjian a little better.

[Nick5]

Is that the AA Raw Bell Dry Ride or the Hand Hammered Raw Bell you bought? The price is leading me one way.

[Ozzy Biz]

I was planning on going with some Bosphorus anyway in the future

Good move; you won't regret that one. I think it's just about time for a Fat Elvis updated kits thread.

Biz

[Jay.B.]

That my friend is indeed an awesome lump of metal you picked up there, I was on for getting the HH version of the raw bell dry ride until I came across the HH heavy ride which just had the edge for me, but a fine choice indeed, did it cut the mustard at the gig? (I'm most definitely sure it did)