Sabian has unveiled two new additions to its lineup aimed at players interested in adding sonic texture without going electronic. The Cymbits and the XSR Effeks Clap Stack are both compact in design, but each offers a very different approach to shaping cymbal sound.
The Cymbits are small, just two inches across, and made from B20 bronze, the same alloy used in many of Sabian’s professional cymbals. They’re cut from O-Zone models and linked together into a flexible chain that drummers can drape across a ride cymbal. The idea is pretty straightforward: by resting this set of discs on top of the cymbal, it changes the sustain. Instead of a long wash, the ride becomes tighter and more controlled, with a shimmering effect. It’s subtle, but for players looking to reduce ring without gaffer tape or gels, it’s an alternative that still sounds musical.
On the other end, the XSR Effeks Clap Stack is a bit more specific in what it delivers. It’s a three-cymbal setup: 11, 13, and 15 inches, that’s stacked together and designed to sound like those classic handclap samples from early drum machines. The sound is tight, short, and intentionally dry. There’s very little overtone, no long decay, just a crisp hit that cuts through and gets out of the way. It’s not a replacement for a crash or a hi-hat, but it has a distinct use. Some drummers might reach for it in a live hip-hop or funk setting. Others might use it sparingly in breakdowns or intros where a sharper texture fits better than a traditional cymbal voice.
These releases don’t change the core of a drum setup, but that doesn’t seem to be the point. Sabian is aiming at the players who like having tools for detail work, those who want to shape the tone of their cymbal track by track or even song by song.
Neither product is large or flashy, and that’s part of the appeal. The Clap Stack has a raw finish and a relaxed profile that feels handmade. Cymbits can be tossed in a stick bag and added to any cymbal on short notice. They don’t require mounting hardware or changes in setup.
As you’re looking to shape a new sound on the kit, using fun stacks or cymbals like this is a good way to spice it up. Check them out and play around with different combinations to make them stand out in your recordings or performances.