Sabian 11800XEB HHX Series Evolution O-Zone Crash Cymbal 18"

Manufacturer's Description

A Nasty Crash, Designed for Dave Weckl

It’s hard to believe Sabian introduced its radically innovative O-Zone cymbals way back in 2002. Described as having a “space-age look”, they delivered a brand new sound that was aggressive, raw and nasty. Happily, the instant Sabian uber-endorser Dave Weckl played one. He was intrigued by the possibilities of the radical new design. As a result, a brand new concept was developed within Weckl’s HHX Evolution line. The HHX Evolution O-Zone is not a typical crash. The sound is a crude and very aggressive combination of a Thin Crash and Chinese - extremely raw, nasty and very biting. The attack has an immediate high followed by low, dark and dirty sustain. The 18” HHX Evolution O-Zone has eight 2” holes that serve to increase the nasty-factor. They also lighten the weight of the cymbal, so while size and volume remain the same, the response is actually much faster with less metal mass to move. The holes also limit the movement of vibrations to gate the sound, which increases the definition of each stroke.

Versatile by Design

“The perforated design of the O-Zone,” notes Sabian Master Product Specialist Mark Love, “is something we had developed in The Vault. Dave Weckl was intrigued by its possibilities and he wanted something that was more ‘out there’ - something really different, yet compatible. Because the Evolution O-Zone Crash is so unique, it has something to offer in virtually any music setting. We see all kinds of Sabian artists adding these to their set-ups, and these are guys playing everything from jazz to hard rock.” Available in 16” and 18”, the HHX Evolution O-Zone Crash features a large bell and narrow lathing. It’s available in Brilliant Finish, and along with the Evolution Mini-Chinese and Evolution Effects Crashes, it rounds out a trio of incredibly versatile effects cymbals within the HHX Evolution line.

Sabian HHX – Modern Dark

Until HHX, dark cymbals simply did not cut. With HHX, Sabian changed all of that. Using an innovative combination of high-profile shape, large raw bell and jumbo sized hammering, they ensured that the dark, tonally complex sound of HHX cuts in any situation. Essentially, they took the warm, dark, complex tone of HH cymbals and made it cut for modern musical settings. While other cymbals may generate darkness, HHX stirs up more simmering heat, more musical dirt, more of what drummers want to hear – and projects it. It gets you heard. It’s just another innovative design feature, created by the Sabian Vault team.

Who Plays HHX?

Delivering simmering Modern Dark tone at all volumes, it’s little wonder HHX is played by top Sabian artists.

Hand-crafted – Every Step of the Way

Like all Sabian B20 Cast Cymbals, the HHX Evolution O-Zone Crash begins its life in the Foundry, where a centuries-old family process is used to create the most musical and durable of all cymbal alloys. Inside the Foundry, Sabian metallurgists combine carefully measured amounts of Copper, Tin and Silver, heat it to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit, and pour it into casts. At this stage, it’s hard to believe these castings will eventually become a cymbal. But first, they must go on a journey that will take them through the processes of Multi-rolling for intensity, Hammering for tone, Lathing for enhanced response and projection, and a final Aging process in the legendary Sabian Vault for optimum sound. In a sense, it’s a journey that’s only complete when you play the cymbal of your choice - an evolution from idea to reality. It is this process – innovation blended with traditional cymbal-making – that made HHX an award-winning sensation when it burst upon the scene in 2001.

Features