Sabian 18" AA Crash/Ride Cymbal Vintage 1980's 1st Gen "Hollow Logo" B20 - 1522g

Sabian 18" Crash Ride - 1522g | Dual purpose cymbal with light ride and medium crash characteristics
The Vintage A. Zildjian Connection

Because this is a first-generation machine-lathed cymbal from the New Brunswick factory, it was crafted using the exact same tooling, B20 bronze formulas, and automated lathing techniques that Robert Zildjian brought with him from the original family split.

The tight, precise tonal grooves running from the bell to the edge are practically identical to late-1970s and early-1980s Avedis Zildjian cymbals. In fact, many vintage drum historians note that these early 80s "Pre-AA" hollow-logo cymbals are arguably some of the finest "A-style" cymbals ever made because of the intense quality control of a young, hungry Sabian company proving itself to the market.

Expected Sonic Profile

In the cymbal world, an 18" model at 1522g sits right on the border of Thin and Medium-Thin.

• The Physics: If this were a dedicated 18" Crash, 1522g would lean toward the medium-heavy side. But because it was designated as a Crash Ride, it was intentionally given a bit more mass to ensure the stick wouldn't immediately get lost in a sea of wash.
• The Result: It balances perfectly. It's thin enough to easily open up and flex under a stick shoulder, but heavy enough to hold a rhythmic pattern without turning into total acoustic mush.

Sonic Characteristics

Having aged for over 40 years, this particular weight profile will yield a highly responsive, expressive instrument:

• As a Crash: It will be explosive, full-bodied, and dark-edged. Because it has a little bit of multi-purpose muscle to it, the crash will have a powerful, cutting initial projection with a gorgeous, shimmering B20 decay.
• As a Ride: Expect a soft, glassy, "clicky" stick definition. It won't have the loud, piercing "ping" of a heavy rock ride; instead, it will provide a smoky, retro jazz or indie-rock ride vibe. It’s the kind of cymbal where the wash dynamically follows your playing—if you dig in, it roars; if you play lightly with a small wood tip, it stays beautifully controlled.
• The Bell: The bell on these 1st-gen 18" multi-models is usually relatively small but distinct, giving you a clear, integrated accent tone that works beautifully in low-to-medium volume acoustic, studio, or blues settings.

Has some light wear, NO cracks or keyholing. It DOES have a small fingernail size dent near the bell hole. Some patina in areas. This cymbal is a highly versatile workhorse that sounds right at home in modern recording studios or classic live gigs. Sold AS-IS