Sabian Review: Solar Cymbals

History:

Purchase: These cymbals were part of the school drum kit that I often played. They cost around £70, this gets you a hi-hat, crash and a ride cymbal.

What I Like About This Sabian Solar Cymbals: Firstly the price! That's about it really. The ride sounds passable and I feel is especially suited to jazz as if hit it on the edge makes an acceptable crash sound and the bow sounds fairly muted and isn't at all washy as I expected it would, but the bell isn't up to much. The hi-hat is also fairly jazzy, but I'll complain about that in a minute. Also the cymbals can take so serious punishment as they are incredibly thick, but there are obvious disadvantages to this as I will explain shortly.

What I Do NOT Like About The Sabian Solar Cymbals: The crash is cringing. When my school said they had new cymbals on the kit I thought great. Until I hit the crash. It sounds as though it is continuosly chocked no matter how hard you hit it! It also has some nasty ringing overtones. Just don't ask what it sounds like in live performances, where I ended up forgetting using that cymbal and used an ancient Zildjian crash/ride instead. The cymbals are increadibly thick and tinny. I play fairly loudly, but don't hit hard. After five minutes of playing my sticks were ruined on the thick edges of the hi-hat. They usual last six months. Like I said previously the hi-hat sounds rather jazzy and muted; this is most definately not to be used for rock drumming as the hats produce more a muted sizzle than a chick, the bell is the only thing that I would remotely consider sounding good.

Sabian Solar Cymbals Quality Rating: As these were fitted to a school kit an hard life was gauranteed. They have stood up well to well to some kids pounding the crap out of them, which has only resulted in some denting around the edges. I'm pretty sure they will never crack or explode, and will carry on for years.

Review Summary: Would you complain for just £70. I would, the ride is the only cymbal I would class as acceptable, the rest are terrible. I just can't believe Sabian do an entire range of this including splashes and china's. Just save up the money and buy a basic set of Zilgjian ZBT's or Sabian B8's. While the hi-hats on these I wouldn't call brilliant the rides and crashes are pretty good. Its well saving and getting these rather than buy the Solars and wish you'd bought something better!

Rating of this Sabian product: 2

This Sabian Solar Cymbals Drums Percussion Review Submitted By: Robert

Review Date: 2005-01-04