Sabian AA Metal-X's?

[BoxcarDrummer182]

How are they, are they like Z Customs, or more musical? Compared to the other series how are they?

[the.tree]

I have the ride and its very pingy with a nice bell. As for the comparison they are certainly a more muscial line that the z customs. Too me they seem less clangy, and have more versatility. I haven't tried the crashes, and since they are medium heavy they might lose sound quality. If you are a heavy hitter check them out, if not there are better crashes on the market.

[teejcombos]

I have the ride and its very pingy with a nice bell. As for the comparison they are certainly a more muscial line that the z customs. Too me they seem less clangy, and have more versatility. I haven't tried the crashes, and since they are medium heavy they might lose sound quality. If you are a heavy hitter check them out, if not there are better crashes on the market.

how convenient.... i have an 18" metal-x crash. mine is natural finish, it sounds pretty sweet and not trashy like the z customs i have heard... but if one was to look into it, i'd say the brilliant finish would sound better. the natural doesn't have that shimmering flair about it. by the way i also have a 19" aa medium crash, it sounds so much better than the metal-x. i'm a relatively hard hitter, but i have had no problems with the aa medium. if anything, it works a lot better than the metal-x because i find that i have to pummel the crap out of it to get a clear response.

[bermuda]

I switched to the Metal-X series in 2003, and they've been fantastic! They're intended for hard-hitters, in fact, they sound their best when being punished. They have a very powerful, AA sound, and not at all clangy when played hard. I use a 22" ride, 14" hats, and 16/18/20" crashes, and beat the hell out of them in about 150 shows (so far) with no issues.

Keep in mind, they're not jazz, or studio, or club cymbals. They're aggressive and loud. If there's one complaint I have, it's that the ride is really a ride - no crashing allowed - and I do miss being able to lay into it as a big crash. But I won't fault Sabian for making a ride that's actually a ride, it's just my playing style.

Bermuda

[fat in the middle]

I have 14 hats,,they are direct, and cut through big amps! I put some tape on them for lighter playing, but have since got a couple different sets for back up,,but any drummer that sits in' wants to buy them.

[BoxcarDrummer182]

bremuda, what does it sound like from the stage? do they clash with the ludwigs or do they match. by the way, thanks for the autograph at NAMM! it's framed in my dad's store. ;)

[bermuda]

bremuda, what does it sound like from the stage? do they clash with the ludwigs or do they match. by the way, thanks for the autograph at NAMM! it's framed in my dad's store. ;)

You're welcome!

This year will be the Ludwigs' first tour with me, so I haven't tried the Sabians with them, but I can't imagine that would be an issue.

Stageside, I'd guess they cut well. I have my iso phones on so the mix is pretty even for me, but I can really feel the cymbals when I crash them. Out front, I've been told they sound great, like powerful AA's... which is how I've always described them.

Bermuda

[BoxcarDrummer182]

do you still drum with al yankovic?

[bermuda]

Yep - 26½ years, and counting.

Just opened up my tour kit today and got to play my Metal-X's again. They are just great!

Bermuda

[jAZZpLANTS]

bermuda is right about those rides, the sound awesome all around: bell, body, and edge. Problem is if you crash them too much they will crack VERY QUICKLY!!! I have the 24" and I cracked it after 2months of heavy riding of the edge. Lesson learned.