Sabian’s latest addition to its HHX Complex line is more than just another ride cymbal. The 22” HHX Sabian Complex Big Cup Ride arrives with a clear design intent: to give drummers more control over articulation without losing the nuanced character that defines the HHX series. It’s a careful blend of precision and warmth, aimed at players who demand clarity in one moment and a full wash of overtones in the next.
The first thing that catches the eye and ear is the oversized bell. Dubbed the “Big Cup” for obvious reasons, this feature isn’t simply about volume. It’s about contrast. The larger bell allows for cleaner, more defined sticking that stands apart from the body of the cymbal, something that can easily get lost in denser musical settings. While smaller bells tend to blend into the cymbal’s overall sound profile, the Big Cup’s purpose is to offer a focused, slightly cutting tone without sounding too brash or metallic.
Sabian continues to rely on B20 bronze for the Complex series, and that remains true here. But what sets this ride apart is the dual hammering process, combining traditional HH (Hand Hammered) and more aggressive HHX hammering techniques. This approach gives the cymbal its rich, dark tonal range while still allowing for modern articulation. The hammering leaves visible indentations, but more importantly, it shapes the sound. The stick response is clear on the bow, the bell rings with authority, and there’s a buttery, musical crash available for those who like to ride the edge during dynamic builds.
This model also seems to walk a fine line in terms of weight. It isn’t overly heavy, nor is it thin or overly washy. The medium profile makes it suitable across multiple genres. Jazz players might lean into the complex overtones, while rock and fusion drummers may appreciate the projection and attack. It’s not a cymbal that shouts unless pushed: it speaks, and it does so with a tone that leans dark but never muddy.
Sabian’s HHX Complex series, in general, represents a shift in how cymbals are voiced for today’s drummers. Borrowing cues from other Sabian lines like the Artisan, Legacy, and even Evolution, the HHX Complex cymbals blend the past and present. They are hammered and lathed in a way that brings out character rather than conformity. That direction continues with the Big Cup Ride. It doesn’t try to be everything at once, but it gives players a versatile enough palette to adapt without compromise.
While it’s still new on the market, early impressions suggest that the 22” Big Cup Ride may find a place among players who’ve grown tired of overly bright, factory-polished cymbals that favor volume over subtlety. Sabian seems to be betting that drummers are once again looking for instruments that sound like instruments, not samples.
In an era where the line between acoustic and electronic performance continues to blur, this cymbal stands firmly in the acoustic world. It’s not flashy in finish or marketing, but it has a voice, one that speaks with confidence, depth, and musical purpose.