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Diversity seems to be the key to the Vault banner.

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The word 'Vault' conjures up an image of a cache of vintage cymbals that Sabian has kept shored up in its cellars for decades, while 'Artisan' hints at experience and craftsmanship. These are popular themes in recent years, with every cymbal company working to produce that perfect, old-school, dark, slightly trashy ride.

But while the Artisan rides have an undeniably traditional vibe, the Vault crashes have an altogether more modern appearance and sound. Diversity seems to be the key to the Vault banner. Sabian says there will be "no limitations in terms of looks or sounds" to the Vault collection.

In the past, Sabian has taken a load of prototype Vault cymbals out on tour to garner feedback from its customers. The conclusion was that "because player needs are diverse and always changing, the Vault collection will be ongoing and open-ended in terms of model additions." In other words, Vault cymbals are designed to reflect the wishes and needs of Sabian's customers and endorsees.

And they draw on the ability of Sabian's craftsmen to fashion cymbals relevant to what players want to play, now and in the future. We're not sure how this differs much from the market research any smart company normally does - but we get the picture.

The sound of silver

Vault cymbals are crafted from Sabian's finest B20 bronze. This alloy is always described as containing a trace of silver. I was assumed that the silver was the 'magic' added ingredient. Apparently not. Silver is present in unrefined copper, and most companies actually extract it by electrolysis.

Sabian, however, uses the older method of 'fire refining' which leaves the silver embedded in the copper. Needless to say, Sabian reckons that the silver improves the sound. And the Vault cymbals are somehow crafted to make a particular feature of the silver, the ingredient that emphasises the 'tsss' sibilance.

Vault crashes

There is a range of five crashes from 16" to 20", all in Brilliant finish, with fine lathing top and bottom. They bear the usual Sabian logo, plus the big 'V' for Vault logo. They are quite thin, with slightly enlarged bells for added volume. What generally happens with crashes is that you get a high-pitched initial 'tsshh' that quickly dies and is followed by a deeper after-tone.

With the Vault crashes, it's noticeable that the initial 'tsshh' is bright, smooth and silvery, with a rising pitch, but the after-tone is not as deep as usual. This makes the cymbals very clean and toppy, although luckily there's still plenty of body. The fine pin lathing increases the top end so that, although the cymbals are quite lightweight, they nevertheless have a pitch that's higher than usual.

They are very bright, shimmery and punchy, without being brash. They also have good sustain following the initial fast crash. And being thin, they respond well at low volumes, as well as high. So they are capable of being both sensitive and powerful.

There is good consistency across the range, so whichever size(s) you choose, you shouldn't be disappointed. We loved the 16", which is lightning fast and super clean, almost like a splash cymbal, while the 18" and 19" appealed because they are large without being too deep.