Meinl Classics or Sabian XS20's

05WideGuy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 12:07 AM

Anyone have personal experience with these two lines of cymbals? They are similar in price and "close" in sound. I tried the XS20's at Guitar Center and listened to the sound files on the Meinl web site. I like the Classics better from listening to the sound files but don't know how they sound live. How about some help guys!

HarleyDude · #2 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 11:20 AM

Go for the Classic's, I have a 18 inch Classic and a 16 inch xs20, the classic sounds so much better.

jack zerkie · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 05WideGuy

Anyone have personal experience with these two lines of cymbals? They are similar in price and "close" in sound. I tried the XS20's at Guitar Center and listened to the sound files on the Meinl web site. I like the Classics better from listening to the sound files but don't know how they sound live. How about some help guys!

Thereis a new guy in town called dream cycmbals just purchased a 20" ride and it sounds as good as my 21" zildjian K that I purchased new in 1958 for$45.00 the dream sells for about$150.00 and they look great.

Drum Key · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2009, 11:02 AM

I haven't played the Meinl Classics, but I know that the XS20 crashes and rides sound quite crap in comparison to alot of other cymbal brands and Sabian lines. However, the XS20 hats are actually quite good - they're second on my list of 'dream' hats, behind the Paiste ones that Mike Johnston uses (I don't know if you guys go on Youtube a lot, but he's got a lot of teaching videos on there. He's also the drummer from Simon Says).
And from my limited experience of playing all Meinl cymbals, I'd say they're probably a lot better than most. So I would go the Meinl Classics.

Infero Exicution · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 04:42 PM

I used to be getting Sabian XS20's but changed my mind to Meinl classics.
They sound great, last a LONG time, and are just all around amazing cymbals for the price that can be compared to 200-$300 cymbals.
Truly amazing cymbals get the Classics dude.

Gus · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 12:24 PM

Thinner (I have heard) last longer because of the cymbal can ripple (like dropping a brick compared to dropping jello, I haven't tried that yet, but thats what I have heard).

I recommend checking out all the cymbals from both series, is it a crime to mix?

I love the XS splash and china.

shazaam · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2009, 09:24 PM

well my xs20's have lasted 5+ yrs so I wouldn't worry about damaging them. perty sure both the classics n xs20's are the same mix of metals....or maybe I'm thinking of b8's. Haven't heard classics but I do love my mb20 china

go by ear is all I can say. both are decent lines.

concrete Building · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 11:56 AM

I gots a Meinl HCS series dat came wit my kit. I got da surprise 12 inch china an i love da china!

Damo · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 08:07 PM

Meinl Classics vs XS20? Theres no comparison!
XS20's are a higher grade bronze alloy with greater workmanship. Classics are closer to entry-level Meinl.