The world of cymbals is a vast soundscape where every musician seeks that unique blend of tonal beauty and versatility. Sabian, a renowned name in the cymbal industry, has recently introduced the new Stratus Cymbal line, a bridge between their popular and affordable XS20 line and the dark complex HHX series. These cymbals offer a distinctive combination of thin weights and hand hammered emulation, culminating in a warm, complex, and musical character, at a killer price. Still made from high-quality B20 bronze, the Stratus series is poised to be a versatile choice for musicians who desire depth in their cymbal sound without breaking the bank.
The Stratus Cymbal Lineup
Stratus Hi-Hats
The Stratus hi-hats come in two sizes, 14" and 15". These hats produce a warm and shimmering tone, making them perfect for various musical genres. The thin weight ensures a quick response and allows for a dynamic range of expression, whether you're looking for crisp articulate closed tones or unleashing the sloshy wash of open tones.
Stratus Crashes
The Stratus crash cymbals are available in three sizes, 16", 18", and 20". These crashes are slightly lower in pitch, while also being washy, complex, and offering a quick decay. The 16" delivers a full, responsive attack, while the 18" and 20" crashes offer more depth and sustain, making them suitable for both subtle accents and thunderous thick crash textures.
Stratus Rides
The Stratus ride cymbals come in 20" and 22" sizes, offering rich, versatile tones. These rides provide the perfect balance between stick definition and a wash of complex overtones. The 20" ride is ideal for more controlled articulation, while the 22" option delivers a broader, full-bodied and complex sound. Both of these ride cymbals are incredibly musical, and blend well in several musical applications.
Stratus Zero Crash
The Stratus Zero Crash, an 18" cymbal, is easily recognized for its distinctive sound and appearance. It's a thin and complex cymbal that produces a unique blend of attack and wash, due to 16 small holes, and 4 large holes drilled to add both sensitivity and complexity. Perfect for adding a touch of individuality to your drumming, or creating a trashy accent coupled with the other crash options.
Stratus Chinese Cymbal
The Stratus Chinese cymbal, also 18" in size, provides a bold, traditional and trashy character with a quick response. With an oversized flange, this cymbal achieves an explosive attack and dark, complex tones. This make it a versatile choice in chinese for drummers who want to add depth to their sound, while also maintaining the character of a traditional Chinese cymbal.
The Stratus Sound Experience
The Stratus cymbal series is characterized by warm, distinctive, and complex sounds that set it apart in the cymbal market. Despite being machine-hammered, these cymbals retain a the hand hammered complexities Sabian has prided themselves on for decades. With several options offering distinct, individual voices, each piece carries a musicality that is unparalleled in its price range.
Washier than the XS20 series, and offering more depth and complexity as compared to the competitive counterparts in their price range, Stratus really does fill a gap in the market. The thin weights contribute to their responsiveness and quick decay, allowing for a wide range of dynamic expression, and musical application. The warmth in their tones is achieved through the careful crafting of top quality B20 bronze, which Sabian has built its history and reputation on.
The Stratus cymbals are not limited to a specific genre, making them an attractive choice for a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, a rock drummer, or anything in between, Stratus cymbals have something unique to offer as both a set and individually.
Competitive Pricing
One of the most attractive features of the Stratus cymbal series is its competitive pricing. While boutique cymbals can break the bank, Stratus cymbals offer an excellent balance between price and quality. Musicians can now access high-quality, complex handcrafted cymbals without emptying their pockets. This line is poised to be one of the best values on the cymbal market.
Conclusion
Sabian's Stratus Cymbal Series fills the crucial gap between the XS20 line and the HHX series. With thinner weights, machine-hammered precision, and high-quality B20 bronze construction, these cymbals deliver warm, complex, and versatile sounds. From hi-hats to crashes, rides, and unique offerings like the Zero Crash and Chinese cymbal, the Stratus series offers something for every drummer. So, if you're in search of cymbals that bring a touch of warmth and musicality to your sound, consider giving the Sabian Stratus series a try - you won't be disappointed!