Topic: Sabian Omni cymbals - wow!

[Mister Acrolite]

I've just fallen in love with a new ride cymbal. It's Sabian 21" AAX Omni, which is a new line designed by Jojo Mayer. I've played some other cymbals that claim to give you distinct different sounds on different parts of the cymbal, but this is the first one I've played that really does. It's got a nice powerful bell, a great ride sound with the tip of the stick, and an amazing crash. And you really have to hear this in a musical context - I used it on a gig last night, and found it has a smoky trashiness to it that only comes out when you're playing with other musicians. I think I may have found my ultimate jazz ride.

NOTE: I am a Sabian endorser, so there will be some who think I'm just using the Cafe to market a cymbal. But I actually BOUGHT this cymbal from a drum shop because I was so captivated by its sound - I wanted THIS cymbal, not another of the same size and model.

Do some checking on Youtube - Jojo has a couple of good clips where he describes the concept behind the cymbal. I'm simply blown away by mine.

[Todd Norris]

Cool, thanks for sharing Keith.  I haven't come across too many cymbals with that kind of versatility. 

One worthy of note though is one I tried at NAMM this year by UFIP.  I think they called it a Bellcrash.  It was very rideable, had a nice crash, and unlike most crashes that I've used, had a KILLER bell on it.  They claim their rotocasting process makes it possible... 

[dizz]

What would one of those 22's set me back

[Don Elkington]

Here's a link

Sabian AAX Omni Ride 22"

[Patrick Quigley]

I LOVE rides that I can crash on. I've been very happy with the zildjian sweet ride for a while for that very reason. Hopefully i'll be able to put my stick to one of these soon.

[Rylie]

Mr. Acrolite's description of the Omni is pretty much how I'd describe my 22" Sabian El Sabor ride...that no one has apparently ever heard of or seen....even at Cymbalholic.com. I love it and will never let it go. It's the perfect cymbal to my ears. If I had to play with just one cymbal, this one would be it.

I'd love to find another one like it, so I'll have to check out the Omni's.

[dizz]

This is the first cymbal that seduced me at the local music store in 10 years.  The Vault almost did but I didn't bite on that one a few years back. 

I came home with the 22" version of the Omni last week and it's true - the cymbal is a chameleon.  I'm not rich enough to go dumping 300 bucks on a cymbal so this is a big deal for me.  Usually I have buyer's remorse when I spend this kind of money but when I'm playing it, I feel ok with the investment.

The only thing that concerns me is it's overall weight is quite light due to the lathed outer perimeter.  This is important to the cymbals wash properties however I could see the cymbal crack in that area or perhaps right at the transition of hammered to lathed.

I went ahead and got the 3 year warranty from the local outlet (which I usually just glaze over when it's pitched on me) so I feel a little more secure in the purchase.

The more I think about it though, with the way I play, I won't be smashing this cymbal.  I rarely if ever completely crash my ride.  I have 2 crashes -left and right- so I might have a cymbal that will last the duration here- it's possible -a man can hope.

The real review will have to come in a few years to see just how well it holds up but for now I give it 4.75/5 cups (I think that's Bart's rating system lolol)

PS:  the place I bought the cymbal does price matching even after I purchased it so if anyone knows where I can find a really affordable quote I'd be even happier.  I don't need a direct link -even a general hint is appreciated!!!

[dizz]

I have noticed one limitation of this cymbal and that is volume.   As a crash cymbal alone it doesn't cut.  The bell projects well though.   It's just better designed to -shoulder-slush- than a traditional ride.   It's not a crash cymbal for a modern setting.  Obviously in a jazz setting it doesn't need to be loud and that's really where this cymbal gets to shine it's brightest.  It's a nice controlled cymbal which allows me to really let the stick go in the quieter settings where a traditional ride might take much more control.   

I can make clear defined staccato sounds yet make  trashy washy bursts here and there that get out of the way quick.

One last note:  wood tip sticks sound really nice it.  You can clearly hear the stick and the cymbal.

More to come in time I expect.  I'm still happy with it despite it's limitations.