How to date Sabian cymbals? If you have a Sabian cymbal but you do not know or whether you are unsure of its manufacturing date, you can still find a way to get answers out of your problem. If you are really interested, you should finish reading the article, as we believe that it can be a big help for you in learning about your Sabian cymbal’s history.
Dating A Sabian Cymbal
Like other cymbal companies, Sabian cymbals have their own unique serial number system that includes a code for the year of manufacture. This makes it relatively easy for you to determine the date of manufacture of a Sabian cymbal. So, if you are determined to know how to date Sabian cymbals, here are the steps that you should follow:
Locate The Serial Number
The first step in determining the manufacturing date of the Sabian cymbal is to locate the serial number on the cymbal. The serial number is usually stamped on the underside of the cymbal, near the bell. This serial number consists of a series of digits, usually six or seven, and may include a combination of letters and numbers.
Identify The Cymbal’s Year Code
The second step is to identify the cymbal’s year code. The year code is the first two digits of the serial number. For Sabian cymbals, the year code is represented by two numbers that indicate the year of manufacture. With Sabian’s serial number system, it starts with the year 1981, represented by the number “81.” Each subsequent year is represented by the corresponding two-digit number, such as “82” for 1982, “83” for 1983, and so on.
Decode The Year Code
The third step is for you to decode its year code. Once you have identified the year code, you can now decode it to determine the year of manufacture. For example, if the serial number starts with “82,” then the cymbal was manufactured in 1982. If the serial number starts with “17,” then the cymbal was manufactured in 2017.
Verify The Year Code
The fourth step is for you to verify the year code. While Sabian’s serial number system is relatively straightforward, it’s always a great idea for you to verify the year code to ensure that you have correctly identified the year of manufacture. You can do this by checking Sabian’s online serial number decoder when you visit their website or contacting Sabian directly.
Other Factors To Consider
The last step is you should also consider other factors that can help you determine the manufacturing date of the Sabian cymbal. While the serial number is the most reliable way to determine the date of manufacture of a Sabian cymbal, there are other factors to consider as well. For example, Sabian has used different logos and font styles over the years, so you can sometimes determine the approximate age of a cymbal based on its appearance. Additionally, some Sabian cymbals may have a model number or other markings that can help identify their age.
Finding the date of manufacture on a Sabian cymbal is a relatively straightforward process that involves identifying the year code in the serial number. Once you have identified the year code, you can surely decode it to determine the year of manufacture with ease.
However, it’s always a good idea to verify the year code and consider other factors, such as the cymbal’s appearance and any model numbers or other markings, to make sure that you have accurately identified the age of the cymbal. So, knowing how to date Sabian cymbals is a very easy thing to do.
Determining The Manufacturing Date Of Old Sabian Cymbals
So, here are the steps in determining the manufacturing date of old Sabian cymbals:
Locate Its Serial Number
The first step in identifying an old Sabian cymbal is to locate the serial number. The serial number is typically stamped or inked onto the cymbal near the bell or on the underside of the cymbal. In some cases, the serial number may be difficult to read due to wear and tear or corrosion. If this is the case, you can try cleaning the area around the serial number with a soft cloth or using a magnifying glass to read the number more clearly.
Decode Its Serial Number
Once you have located the serial number, the next step is to decode it. Sabian uses a specific format for their serial numbers on their cymbals, which contains information about the age and model of the cymbal. The format of Sabian serial numbers has changed over the years, so it is important to know which format corresponds to which time period.
Here are the different formats that Sabian has used for their serial numbers over the years:
1981 – 1989
The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, followed by a letter that denotes the month (A=January, B=February, and so on). The last two digits are the batch number.
1990 – 1999
The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, followed by a letter that denotes the month. The last two digits are the individual cymbal number.
2000 – 2012
The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, followed by a letter that denotes the month. The next two digits are the individual cymbal number, followed by a letter that denotes the specific line of cymbals (e.g., A=AAX, B=B8, H=HH, etc.).
2013 – Present
The first two digits represent the year of manufacture, followed by a letter that denotes the month. The next two digits are the individual cymbal number, followed by a letter that denotes the specific line of cymbals.
Determine The Age Of The Cymbal
Once you have decoded the serial number, you can now determine the age of the Sabian cymbal. For example, if the serial number is 882345, the cymbal was manufactured in 1988 (the first two digits represent the year), in March (the letter C represents March), and was the 2345th cymbal produced in that batch.
Identify The Model Of The Sabian Cymbal
Aside from being able to determine the age of the cymbal, you can also use the serial number to identify the model of the cymbal. Sabian produces a wide range of cymbals, each with a specific model name or number. To identify the model of the cymbal, you can look up the serial number in a Sabian cymbal database or contact Sabian customer service.
Check For Other Features
Lastly, it is important for you to check for specific features on the cymbal that can help identify its age and model. For example, some Sabian cymbals produced before the 1990s have a “Made in Canada” stamp on the underside of the cymbal. Additionally, some Sabian cymbals have a specific logo design that corresponds to a specific time period.
So, how to date Sabian cymbals? First is to locate its serial number, then start to identify the cymbal’s year code. You should then decode and verify the year code. You should also consider other factors that can help you determine the manufacturing date of the Sabian cymbal.
