Sabian B8 20" Rock Ride

Group: Rides
Type: Rock Ride
Size: 20 Inch
Series: B8
Weight: 3048g
Years of production: ?
Sound file: B8 20" Rock Ride
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The 20" ride is particularly wrist-stretching, and that's not something to have any complaints about. The sound is similarly meaty, with excellent stick definition and projection. More than that, it has a discernibly unique character that immediately sets it apart from any other ride I have heard in this price range. It's similar to the "trashiness" that is so prized in more costly cymbals - a rough edge that hints at chaotic noise, yet avoids being unmusical.

The best sound comes from really laying in to the thing with the butt end of an already heavy stick. It can certainly take that kind of punishment without an intrusive build-up of overtones. Obviously it throws out a lot of noise, but even at the highest volume the ride beat remains focused and strong.

The profile of all the B8 Rock cymbals reveals them to have a very shallow bell and quite an unpronounced bow. What influence this has on their tone I can't really say, but it certainly seems to have no ill effects. The bell of the ride cymbal is more than adequately piercing; in fact I wouldn't be surprised if its dimensions actually help to accentuate this by promoting the higher frequencies. Whatever the case, the ride cymbal lacks nothing in the "ding-ding-a-ding" department."

Review written by Simon Braund ("Sabian B8 Cymbals", Phaze 1, February 1989)

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