The Sabian AAX El Sabor Picante Hand Crash cymbal is designed specifically for percussionists. Available in 16 and 18 sizes this innovative model features three very distinct playing surfaces -- two for playing with stick one for playing by hand. The raw non-hammered bell is ideal for playing the clave. The unlathed medium-weight center area is a dry ride area. And the lathed extra thin outer half is highly sensitive making it ideal for slapping hot shimmering sounds by hand. Its name--El Sabor ( the Flavor ) and Picante ( hot ) combine to define its very unique character. Commented Sabian product specialist Kevin Laskey: Though it was designed for Latin players the Picante Hand Crash is a cymbal for percussionists playing any style of music. And while it is named Hand Crash the center half and bell of the Picante Crash are for playing with a stick. Karl Perazzo who evaluated Picante prototypes with Santana for over a year says The Picante Hand Crash is the hottest cymbal I ve ever heard. It s great that Sabian continues to design sounds for every type of player. This Picante Hand Crash is a good example of just how creative they are. Inspired by such legendary percussionists as Perazzo and Richie Gajate Garcia the Picante Hand Crash is the latest El Sabor model from this award-winning cymbal maker. With its appearance and sound shaped by high-density AAX hammering and half n half surface lathing the Picante Hand Crash is individually hand crafted by Sabian artisans using SABIAN B20 caste bronze the world s most durable and musical cymbal metal. All Sabian AAX cymbals are available in Natural and Brilliant finishes and are quality-protected by Sabian s one-year warranty.