There are a few B8s that I've come across that were seriously nice cymbal sounds. I've always liked the B8Pro China's and such. The B8 hats can age into some very dry and funky hats. I've played a set on and off for quite a few years at my church. Neato thread.

I love when people choose gear with their ears! I dig my 404 hats and I can easily see why 404s/505s changed your view on B8. I have owned a set of Sabian Pro hats that really did a great job. I think these were marketed as B8 Pro in the states. I wonder what the HHX series are made from. I have an 18" studio that I really love and by looking at it i'm not convinced it is made of b20 alloy.

Anyways, Drummerjohn, enjoy your new-found cymbal. Apparently the capacity to change ones mind is a sign of intelligence.

I've owned a 505 18" crash for better than 25 years- it has it's spot over my floor tom. The 15", not so much. I guess through constant use it lost it's tonality and now is looking for a new home via Music Go Round in Natick, Ma. But, through all the wheeler-dealing I have yet to find a B8 keeper. Always either shrill or dead. Lucky you!

Speaking of choosing with your ears, I have to insert a plug for Wuhan crashes. I now own a 12" splash, and 16" and 18 "crash. I was hoping the 18" would be as trashy as the 16", but it turned out to be a different line, which puts it more in a Zanchi-type sound. Well worth $70 shipped. Not even in the same realm as typical B8's.

My secret shame: after cracking a 16" Paiste Signature at band practice, I balked at the price to replace it and decided to search for an economical alternative, if not for gigging, at least for practice. I bought a 16" Wuhan New Traditional off the 'bay, free shipping and CHEEP- brand new... And... Call me a heretic, but it sounds AMAZING. I was so blown away, I bought the pre-pack: 14HH, 16 crash, 18 crash, 20 ride. The hats are not the greatest; kinda clunky, but give a nice alternative sound to my others. The ride is a big washy mess- more like a dark 20" crash, but fun and has a nice bell tone. And both crashes sound FABULOUS. Like I said, I'm almost ashamed how much I like them all. Serious sleepers. Oh, and the more I play them, they've started to sweeten up (you know what I mean...) Any shrillness there initially is going away. And being a secret-shame, it's nice they have no Logo on the bottoms, and the top ones are tiny. No one offstage will know what they are. Creepy?

Sabian B8 pro are not bad cymbals. If taken care of and cleaned properly, they will last a good while. Same as any cymbal. Sound-wise, they might take some familiarization time.

my bud has a set on his hi hats , they are respectable i must say

HHX is made from the B20 alloy,same as the HH,AA,and AAX.

At the end of the video you state, "It is what it is", and I heartily agree. Its a low end sheet bronze cymbal which sounds OK for a Sabian B8 crash, but there is nothing particularly special about it IMHO. Sorry, you asked. The First Crash I believe is (or was?) part of the First Pack series from Sabian, intended as a low budget starter set for first time cymbal purchasers. If you're happy with the sound that's great, but to my ears it sounds harsh and uncontrolled and is not my cup of tea.

I was just surprised at how bright and washy it was. Sheet - yeah, has that sound - but the tonal ring (as opposed to the pure wash) seems to be consistent with all of my B8s and it fits with them.

Yeah - seems to have been marketed as entry level all the way - just sounds different to the entry level Sabian B8s from the 80s/90s. You have any knowledge of any changes that Sabian made over the years?

And a specification - I would not play this cymbal with my B20s or with my Italians (well,, maybe my Italians)......

John