Wow looks like a GREAT time Mike! Thanks for the pictures and write up. Very interesting. Did you hear any of those effects cymbals in Area 51? Some crazy looking stuff there.

Glenn,

Yes, our guide demonstrated some interesting, weird stuff including that square cymbal. He was the nicest guy (like everyone else in New Brunswick), and I can see why the company chose him to give the tours. He said he has worked in every operation in the plant, and his knowledge of cymbal production was amazing. In the work area where the cymbals are pressed and shaped by machine, I asked him how the hand-hammering is applied to the HH series. He immediately picked up a cymbal and a odd looking ballpeen hammer, placed the cymbal on an anvil and began hand-hammering a pattern around the cymbal. I love watching any manufacturing process, but witnessing actual cymbal production was a thrill.

Another crazy thing I played with there was this double high-hat....

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When you stepped on the pedal, the two 14" hats closed and "chinked" as normal, but as you closed the 14's, two 10" hats mounted above the 14's opened, then as you released the pedal opening the 14's, the two 10's closed making a softer "chink" on the upbeat. So just tapping straight quarter notes on this high hat produced steady eighth notes! I couldn't figure out how the internal mechanism was accomplishing this, but what a blast it was to play with all this neat stuff. I was a kid again in a candy shop.

I must say this though; as great as Sabian products are, they can't compare to the quality of the Sabian employees. It was a pleasure meeting and watching them at work. They seem to truly enjoy what they're doing, and are rightfully proud of the fine instruments they are producing. I recommend to anyone, if you ever find yourself driving down country roads in the small town of Meductic NB and stumble upon the Sabian plant, stop in and say "hi". They may not be able to give you tour, but they'll make you feel welcome like they're just some small "mom and pop" store in your hometown. Wish all companies could be like this.

Mike

Mike,

One terrific post, and enjoyed every word....the pictures were just the icing on the cake!

Thanks for sharing!

Nevin

Excellent story and pictures!

My cymbals tend to change over the years, but the one that has been with me since the 80's is my Sabian AA 20" medium ride. It forms a perfect "family" with my Zildjian 16" thin crash and 14" New Beat hats, both from 1972 and my first pro cymbals!

-Mark