What are the differences between original and fake Sabian cymbals? How to identify Sabian cymbals? Do original and fake Sabian cymbals differ that much? If you are planning to buy a Sabian cymbal, and you are not sure whether it is an original or a fake one, then you are in the right place. We are going to discuss some of the main factors that you should check out before buying one so that you can be sure that you are going home with a genuine Sabian cymbal.
Difference Between Original And Fake Sabian Cymbals
Sabian cymbals are one of the most popular and respected brands of cymbals in the music industry. Their cymbals are known for their quality, durability, and unique sound, so they are highly sought by professional drummers and musicians. However, with the popularity of Sabian cymbals, there are also many fake Sabian cymbals that are also in circulation. These counterfeit cymbals may look similar to the original ones, but they are typically made of inferior materials and lack the quality of the real thing.
So now, we are going to further discuss the differences between original and fake Sabian cymbals, and here are some of the factors that you should check out:
Quality Of Materials
The first and most significant difference between original and fake Sabian cymbals is the quality of the materials used to make them. Usually, Sabian cymbals are made of high-quality alloys, such as B20 bronze, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This blend gives Sabian cymbals their unique sound and durability.
On the other hand, all fake Sabian cymbals are made of cheaper materials like brass, which is a combination of copper and zinc. Brass is a less expensive alternative to bronze, but it doesn’t have the same tonal quality and durability as bronze.
In most cases, most of the fake Sabian cymbals sold are a replication of the top-level and flagship cymbal models of the company, and an example is the Sabian AAX. An original Sabian AAX has a pale golden brown color, which is what you see on cymbals made of B20 bronze. However, fake Sabian AAX cymbals come in reddish gold, which means that the fake cymbals are made of low-quality materials.
Weight
Another significant difference between original and fake Sabian cymbals is their weight. As a top-level cymbal brand, Sabian cymbals are known for their consistency in weight and thickness. This consistency ensures that each cymbal has a uniform sound and response.
When it comes to fake Sabian cymbals, on the other hand, you will often notice that they have inconsistencies in their weight and thickness, which can result in an uneven sound. This is also a result of a different and low-quality material used in making the fake high-end Sabian cymbal, which is usually either brass or B8 bronze.
Sound
Of course, the third on our list is the sound it produces. The sound of a cymbal is a critical factor in determining its quality. With Sabian cymbals, they are known for their unique and distinct sound, making them one of the go-to brands in the industry.
This sound is achieved by using high-quality alloys and precise manufacturing techniques. The sound of a Sabian cymbal is also influenced by its shape, size, and weight. All the time, you can expect that fake Sabian cymbals have a dull and lifeless sound compared to the original cymbals. This is because they are made of inferior materials and are not manufactured with the same level of precision as the original cymbals.
Durability
The fourth difference that you will notice between original and fake Sabian cymbals is their durability. As a renowned brand in the cymbal industry, Sabian cymbals are designed and are known to be durable and long-lasting. They are made of high-quality materials and are manufactured with precision to ensure that they can withstand the rigors of frequent playing.
With fake Sabian cymbals, on the other hand, they are often made of low-quality materials and are not manufactured with the same level of precision. As a result, they are more prone to cracks, dents, and other forms of damage, while also producing a dull sound that you can immediately notice.
Price
Another difference between original and fake Sabian cymbals is their price. One of the easiest ways to identify a fake Sabian cymbal is also by its price. Sabian cymbals are relatively expensive, and the price reflects their quality and craftsmanship.
On the other hand, fake Sabian cymbals are often sold at a significantly lower price than the original cymbals. This is because they are made of cheaper materials and are not manufactured with the same level of precision as the original cymbals. They also have a different sound compared to those originally made by Sabian, and you can really expect that they do not really sound good, especially since they are made of lower-quality materials.
Other Factors
Another factor that you should check out with original and fake Sabian cymbals is their hammering technique. With original Sabian AAX cymbals, they are hammered commonly light and are almost non-reflective; however, with fake Sabian cymbals, they have a pronounced pattern of hammering marks.
The next is the logo. With original Sabian AAX cymbals, the letter “X” has a long extended upper line, while on fake Sabian cymbals, the letter “X” typically has a vertically shorter front.
Lastly, with Sabian AAX cymbals, they do not have any unusual lathing on their edges, while with fake Sabian cymbals, they usually come with a lathing on the edge of the bow.
So, what are the differences between original and fake Sabian cymbals? How to identify Sabian cymbals? One of the huge main differences when it comes to original and fake Sabian cymbals is the quality of materials used in making them. They also have different weights, fake cymbals also deliver a dull sound, and original Sabian cymbals are way more durable compared to fake ones. There is also a huge difference between their prices and the techniques that were done in making them.
