Sabian - Because Sound Matters

PRODUCT REVIEW: 21” AAX MEMPHIS RIDE

Nov 04, 2009

The following is the first of a series of articles from SABIAN Community members who were asked to submit original reviews, road stories and drum/percussion articles.

 

Product Review: 21” AAX Memphis Ride

SABIAN's AAX line is considered their "Modern Bright" family of cymbals. Made with a "Dynamic Focus" design, these cymbals are bright, shimmering, and controlled at all volume levels. I recently purchased SABIAN's 21" AAX Memphis Ride, so let's get down and "dirty" with this cymbal.

Developed in conjunction with Jim Pettit of Memphis Drum Shop in Memphis, TN (get it?), this ride cymbal immediately struck me as being versatile enough to take you from jazz and R&B all the way to pop and rock. Concerning the looks, it has your typical AAX hammering with a narrow pin-lathing on the bottom and a raw, line-lathed top. (Looking past the lathing and at the surface, it reminded me a little of an AA Raw Ride.) The result of the hammering and lathing techniques is clear, articulate stick definition with some light, almost dry wash. Because the cymbal is classified as Medium-Light, it was relatively easy to get a good crash sound from the edge - very similar to that of my 21" HHX Groove Ride. The bell was clear and cutting as I would expect from an AAX ride of its size and weight.

I paired the ride alongside some other AAX and HHX cymbals and everything blended perfectly together while playing along to one of my band's heavier rock tracks. Calming it down to some improvisational jazz and Latin rhythms, I enjoyed the entire cymbal even further. The focused response and warm character provided a nice sonic atmosphere during my testing. The Memphis Ride will surely be in my cymbal bag for the next upcoming gig. If you play in a multitude of musical styles, a ride like this is definitely worth a try. Give a listen at your local music shop or check it out on Sabian.com HERE.

 

Review by: Dominick Velardo (Community Profile name: CardiffGiant)

Check out his SABIAN Community profile, including a bio, videos, pictures and much more HERE !