Sabian 18" AA Medium Crash Cymbal Vintage 1980's 1st Gen "Hollow Logo" B20 - 1714g

Sabian 18" Medium Crash - 1714g | A full rich and powerful crash sound with higher pitch and more sustain.
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

Because of that 1714g weight profile combined with 40+ years of aging, this cymbal is going to offer a very specific, powerful acoustic vibe:

• The Crash Character: It will be incredibly bright, explosive, and loud. It requires a slightly firmer strike to completely open up compared to a thin crash, but when it does, the initial projection is massive. The pitch will be significantly higher than the 1522g crash/ride, giving it an aggressive, cutting bite that sits perfectly over a dense rock or pop mix.
• The Decay: More mass means a longer sustain. This cymbal won't just flash and disappear; it will bloom into a long, shimmering, glassy B20 ring.
• The "Accidental" Ride Potential: Ironically, even though it is stamped "MEDIUM CRASH," at 1714g this cymbal actually has enough structural integrity to function beautifully as a tight, bright, high-pitched alternative ride or left-side accent ride. The stick definition will be much more pronounced and distinct than on the lighter crash/ride, and the wash will stay firmly controlled.

Sonic Characteristics

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

Has some light wear, NO cracks, dents or keyholing. 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