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If one were to be asked what is the second most often used crash cymbal model, regardless of the brand, it would probably be the Medium Thin Crash (the most popular is probably the 18″ medium crash). Sabian has one in their AA line, which is reviewed here. It has a neutral tonality, slightly brighter than its “medium” cousin, but not too bright. It has more wash than the medium version as well. The medium and medium thin are perfect mates. They also have the same sizes and weights in their HH line, which has a darker sound. The AA’s are at the bright end of the scale.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Line: AA
- Type: Crash
- Style: Medium Thin
- Alloy: B20 – CuSn20 – 80% Copper, 20% Tin
- Diameter: 18″
- Metal Work: CNC Hammered, Hand Lathed, Brilliant Finish
- Weight: 3 Pounds
- MSRP: $ 377 USA; Street Price $209
- Sabian
This cymbal is lightly hammered, but deeply lathed, and the lathe lines are widely spaced. The bell is also lathed. The brilliant finish is stunning (but a pain in the butt to photograph). If you purchase this cymbal, it would probably be best to have your other cymbals in the brilliant finish as well. Otherwise, it might look a bit out of place. The 18″ AA Medium Thin Crash is also available in the standard buffed finish (look at the photo of the 18″ AA Medium Crash, which is in the standard buffed finish).
The spectrum shows a peak at 450 Hz, then declines slightly, only to rise again to 4 kHz, and slowly declines to 40 kHz. Its roll-off at the high end is more shallow than the medium version, which translates to a brighter crash. Truly, you can’t go wrong choosing the medium and medium thin AA crashes if you are a jazz artist. If you are a metal rocker, then perhaps you will prefer a heavier weight crash cymbal such as the 18″ AA Rock Crash, or one of the AA Metal-X series. As a ride cymbal, the medium thin AA does not have enough ping above the wash background to satisfy me. I would ride the medium version, but not the medium thin.
The Level vs. Time spectrum indicates the peak at 0.14 seconds, and then a steady slow decay. It is a bit faster than the medium crash.
Click HERE to listen to an audio sample, which will include crash (when appropriate), ride, and bell sounds (these are 24 bit, 176.4 kHz wav files, so be sure your sound card is capable of handling these high resolution sound files).