Sabian Signature John Blackwell Jr. Jia 18" Chinese

Group: Chinese
Type: Jia Chinese
Size: 18 Inch
Series: Signature
Alloy: B20
Weight: 1362g
Years of production: 2003 - ?
Sound file: Signature John Blackwell Jr. Jia 18" Chinese
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "We received two Signature John Blackwell "Jia" Chinese Cymbals, an 18" and a 20". The 18" cymbal is lathed around its 2"-wide flange; the 20" cymbal is lathed around its 3"-wide flange. The remaining surfaces are unfinished. The metal on the inner diameter of each cymbal feels thicker than that of the lathed flanges. There are no bells on the cymbals. The 18' cymbal's center is flat where the bell would be, while the bell area on the 20" follows the contour of the cymbal.
The unlathed inner surface of both cymbals has an unfinished, mottled look, with streaks running in all directions over the background of the bronze metal. This is a result of the tin oxide coming through to the surface of the cymbal during forming. The unlathed area helps to give the cymbals a dry sound, and adds strength to what is essentially a fairly thin design. Both cymbals have clearly visible small hammer marks on the top and bottom inner surfaces.
I mounted the cymbals upside-down, so I could hit the flange without concern for my sticks or the cymbals' edges. Both cymbals produced a dark, trashy China sound. They also offered a solid attack, without overpowering the music as some large Chinas can do. The dark, trashy crash sound is explosive, and very pronounced when struck - so much so that it doesn't get lost in the sustain and ring of the cymbal.
The unlathed area of the cymbals makes them wonderful to ride on. Ride patterns were well defined, with a dry stick sound that was clearly heard through the music. This the Jia Chinese models could function well as a second ride.
On the other hand, bashing the cymbals on the edges of their flanges filled the air with a white-noise sound behind which I could lay down a great backbeat. Both cymbals are explosive yet controlled. For example, when I played repeated quarter notes, the cymbal held the volume well enough to be clearly heard, without generating excessive spread that interfered with the tonal qualities. Their crash sound was a tight-fisted punch reminiscent of crystal smashing on the floor. The 18" was slightly brighter than the darker 20". Both has sustain that lingered on nicely, with lots of overtones.
If you're looking for a classy, explosive China with punch and attack - but that won't drown out the rest of the drums or the music - check out the "Jia" Chinese cymbals.
Review written by Kevin D. Osborne ("Product Close-Up - Sabian HHXplosion Crashes, HHX Evolution Mini Chinese, John Blackwell "Jia" Chinese, And X-Celerator Hats - Accents, Effects, and More", Modern Drummer, January 2004, p.37)
Artist/song where it can be heard: