What if…? At Sabian, the latest innovations in cymbal development often begin with the simplest of questions. In the case of the AAX O-Zone Splash, a Sabian plant foreman wondered what would happen to the cymbal sound if several carefully spaced holes were punched out of the playing surface. That question piqued the curiosity of Sabian cymbal makers and off they went to find out.

The result of their efforts is the multi-hole AAX O-Zone Splash cymbal. Sabian craftsmen discovered that putting holes in the cymbal affects the way sound travels and ultimately how that sound is expressed. In simple terms, sound generates from the bell. When you excite or strike the cymbal, sound travels in concentric circles in and out from the bell across the entire cymbal surface. Evenly spaced holes in the cymbal disrupt and distort those sound waves, agitating its tone and creating an aggressive roar.

The extra thin weight O-Zone is a small model splash the delivers bright and airy sounds. It’s crafted of premium B20 bronze alloy with a brilliant finish, precise hammering detail and pinpoint lathing that all combine to create its unique sonic personality. The cymbal is designed to be modern and extremely efficient with a sensitive response that purifies sound by filtering out distracting and conflicting overtones.

The AAX’s signature “Dynamic Focus” design ensures optimum response at all volume levels and provides a pure sound that remains consistent every time it’s played. Jovol “Bam Bam” Bell whose infectious fusion of hip-hop and classic jazz marries old school feel with new school sound uses the Sabian AAX 12” O-Zone Splash to infuse his music with character and to express his own unique take on what modern music can and should be.