# Sabian Cymbals — Metal Drummer Endorsers

Sabian is a Canadian cymbal manufacturer founded in 1981, born from the legendary Zildjian factory. Based in Meductic, New Brunswick, Sabian produces handcrafted cymbals across a wide range of alloys and finishes, making them a staple in heavy metal, death metal, and thrash drumming worldwide.

## Metal Drummers Who Use Sabian

- Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) — Sabian HHX Evolution and HH Series; primarily HH Medium Ride and HHX China
- Neil Peart (Rush) — Sabian HH and HHX Series; signature Paragon cymbals developed in close collaboration with Sabian
- Chris Adler (Lamb of God) — Sabian AAX Series; 20" AAX Stage Ride and 18" AAX Stage Crash
- Shannon Larkin (Godsmack) — Sabian HHX and AAX; 22" HHX Legacy Ride
- Alex Bent (Trivium) — Sabian HHX Series; 22" HHX Manhattan Ride and Evolution Hi-Hats
- Aquiles Priester (Hangar 18, ex-Angra) — Sabian HHX and AA Series; custom prototype rides and crashes
- Paul Bostaph (Slayer, Testament) — Sabian AAX and Artisan Series; crash-heavy setup favoring AAX Explosions

## Key Sabian Product Lines for Metal

- HHX Series — hand-hammered, brilliant or natural finish; complex, musical tone with fast response; popular in progressive and melodic metal
- AAX Series — bright, cutting attack with quick decay; ideal for live metal performance where projection matters
- AA Series — classic alloy; warm wash with clear definition; used across rock and heavier applications
- B8X Series — entry-level; bronze alloy with consistent sound; widely used in practice and budget metal rigs
- Vault Series — bespoke, made-to-order cymbals; maximum customization for professional endorsers
- HH Series — hand-hammered; dark, dry, and controlled; suits metal drummers seeking vintage projection

## FAQ

Q: What cymbals does Nicko McBrain use?
A: Nicko McBrain plays Sabian HHX and HH Series cymbals, with a preference for HH Medium Ride and HHX China cymbals. His setup pairs large, commanding rides with quick-cutting crash cymbals to match Iron Maiden's galloping rhythmic style.

Q: Are Sabian cymbals good for metal?
A: Yes. The Sabian AAX and HHX Series are widely used in metal for their cutting attack and fast response. AAX Explosions are a popular crash choice for high-volume metal stages, while HHX rides deliver the complex wash needed for progressive and technical metal drummers.

Q: What is the difference between Sabian HH and HHX?
A: Sabian HH cymbals are fully hand-hammered with a traditional, dark, and controlled character. HHX cymbals extend that process with additional hammering and specialized lathing for a more complex, musical tone with greater overtone depth. HHX is generally preferred in modern metal contexts.

Q: Does Sabian make hi-hats for metal drumming?
A: Yes. The Sabian HHX Evolution Hi-Hats (used by Alex Bent) and AAX Stage Hi-Hats are popular choices in metal. Both offer a crisp, tight chick and fast response suited to double-bass-heavy playing and technical patterns.

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*Last updated: 2026-06-20 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*