Sabian AAX boxed set.

[fijjibo]

Right.

The end of exams is approaching, which means that I can go and get a job.

This means that I can finally get new cymbals.

Ive been looking around, and I think that maybe brand loyalty isnt important...
Ive always been a zildjian fan, but im not sure I want to marry them...lol

There are a few Sabian Boxed sets that Ive seen, and that I may look into.
Sabian AAX performance set:
14" regular hats
16" medium-thin crash
20" medium ride
Sabian AAX effects pack:
18" china
10" splash

These are the sizes I use now, so I wont be changing my setup, just upgrading it.
Im happy with my cymbal layout for now.

(also, what cleaner should you use on Sabian cymbals?)

Of course, I will go and listen to each individual cymbal when I buy, but id like to know what you all think about this.

[hurders]

I have the AAX performance set - 14" stage hats, 16" stage crash, 20" stage ride and they are great. I would say that though as they are the first set of pro cymbals I got! I also added a 17" AAXplosion Crash which is great too! All the cymbals are nice and bright and cut through really well.

I have been using Crazy Johns cymbal cleaner for brilliant finish cymbals although I'm not sure if its available outside the UK. It is good, gets rid of the grime and gives the cymbal a nice shine but it seems to take quite a lot of hard work and I often find it is difficult to completely polish all the residue off. I have heard the official Sabian spray cleaner is excellent and think I will probably give that a try if I can find it anywhere.

[44Ronin]

I'd advise against the purchase of a box set because you wont be able to individually hand select the cymbals in question.

[T.Underhill]

Those sizes sound pretty good. You might want a 2nd larger crash but it's all up to you. Keep us posted on your decision!

I've found that the Sabian cymbal cleaner works pretty good. With any cleaner just make sure you use a soft cloth (I use a towel) otherwise it'll leave dull streaks.

[fijjibo]

Cool, I think that I will go with them, but its not final untill I walk out the shop...
..meaning that Ill let you know when I get them, if I get them.

What crash would compliment the set?

Something around 18" I reckon....

Ive heard of "AAXplosion's" but Im put off by the name....
Anyone used one?

[shuffle]

I compared box sets from Zildjian A, A customs and Sabian a few months ago, and I ended up choosing the Zildjian A.

I based my decision mainly on how I liked the hi-hats and the ride. The Zildjian sets also offers you a "free" 14" crash with their box set, but I find myself not using it very much.

I also found that an 18" crash was required and added it after. Choosing it individually was so much fun that I now kinda regret buying the box set in the first place, but it does save some money. Still, I believe you must focus on being at least very happy with the ride and the hats, otherwise you may regret those savings.

[fijjibo]

I compared box sets from Zildjian A, A customs and Sabian a few months ago, and I ended up choosing the Zildjian A.

I based my decision mainly on how I liked the hi-hats and the ride. The Zildjian sets also offers you a "free" 14" crash with their box set, but I find myself not using it very much.

I also found that an 18" crash was required and added it after. Choosing it individually was so much fun that I now kinda regret buying the box set in the first place, but it does save some money. Still, I believe you must focus on being at least very happy with the ride and the hats, otherwise you may regret those savings.

Good point, I may add different crashes as time goes by.
I do intend to listen to all the components individually, so Ill have a rough idea.

Another option for me could well be the A-custom box, but its a bit expensive...

[hawk9290]

The AAXplosions are cool crashes for rock, and I've had good experiences, but I know a guy who cracked his (he's a pretty hard player, but still...)- they are fairly thin, but they sound nice and play loud.

[ECVail]

I have a 14" and 17" AAX Studio crash. They're both really nice cymbals. The 14" cuts like glass and decays really quickly. The 17" is definitely more substantial and works very well for the rock/funk I play.

My recommendation though would be don't buy a boxed setup. Keeping the same series of cymbal for everything is kinda like using only 1 spice when cooking. Along with my 2 AAXs, I have a 21" Sabian Hand Hammered series (Raw Bell Dry) Ride, a 16" Sabian HHX Evolution crash, a 15" Bosphorus Antique crash, 14" Sabian HHX Groove hats and a 9" Istanbul Sultan splash. Even though I have all different series and some different brands of cymbals - it all works well together because of the contrasting sounds. If I need a super-shimmery crash sound, I go to the HHX Evolution, if it needs to be heavier with more sustain, the AAX Studio crash.

Don't limit yourself to one series, even if you do stick to one brand. Explore! Have fun with it. But beware - cymbals can become VERY addictive. I'm fighting the urge right now to add an 18" Bosphorus Antique Med-Thin crash. Who really needs 5 crashes in a 4 piece setup? Me, darn it.

[tynn]

Cool, I think that I will go with them, but its not final untill I walk out the shop...
..meaning that Ill let you know when I get them, if I get them.

What crash would compliment the set?

Something around 18" I reckon....

Ive heard of "AAXplosion's" but Im put off by the name....
Anyone used one?

I have a 19" AAXplosion crash and I love it!:)

[fijjibo]

Cool, I was thinking of just getting the boxed set to get me started, then I will add some HHX's, I love the sound, because thats what Mike Portnoy uses...

See, my current cymbal setup is:
16" crash
14" hats
20" ride
10"splash
18"china

So by getting the two boxed sets I would replace what Ive already been using and am comfortable with, and upgrade it.
I will build on it from there, with whatever I like the sound of.

Boxed set issues aside, I think it is an extreme step up from what ive got....

[hurders]

I'd advise against the purchase of a box set because you wont be able to individually hand select the cymbals in question.

Yeah this is true, although with the AAX box set Sabian claim that they 'sonically match' the cymbals so they work nicely together. Whether there is much truth to that, I don't know and I guess Zildjian do something similar with their box sets.

[fijjibo]

Yeah this is true, although with the AAX box set Sabian claim that they 'sonically match' the cymbals so they work nicely together. Whether there is much truth to that, I don't know and I guess Zildjian do something similar with their box sets.

Yeah, Im sure Sabian do something, but like I said before, id try the cymblas out before buying.

The thing is though, will it be hard to find other crashes that work well with the cymbals?

[siva]

If you already have a full set of cymbals I would be buying individual ones rather than the pack. Check out all the samples on the net and find which types you like most then go to the store and try them out. I always find if I try out the packs in store, I can usually find cymbals I like better and end up replacing the whole set...but somtimes I start going in circles with which cymbals sound best together :p

[CASP3Rdrummer]

if you play more rock/metal i would suggest you meinl mb10 rock set. it might not be b20 alloy but those cymbals are very nice plus the crash is 18 , not 16

[fijjibo]

if you play more rock/metal i would suggest you meinl mb10 rock set. it might not be b20 alloy but those cymbals are very nice plus the crash is 18 , not 16

I do yes.

What kind of price do they come in at?

[komodo]

the mb10s are expensive,bout the same as A custom set i believe. Very good for metal. I myself though got the AAX set to start myself off,and i find it very versatile which i was looking for. I to wish to purcahse a second crash possible an 18" stage crash to match,but not sure yet

[CASP3Rdrummer]

well check out for yourself :)

AAX : http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Sabian-AAX-Stage-Performance-Pack-with-Cymbal-Bag?sku=440136


MB10 : http://www.massmusic.net/shop/?shop=1&cart=5834043&cat=1681&noCookiePassThrough=Y& (choose set up : mb10-14/18/20 Rock Set w/free bag )

the only problem with the meinl set is shippment possibilities. i think its harder to get them online in us.

[fijjibo]

Well, I might check them out today, as Im going down to my dealer to check stuff out.

Im not sure about shipping either, as Im in the UK. lol

cheers.