10959 vs 21402-1 — Compare
9" HH RAZOR PLATE vs SABIAN 14" AA Medium Hat Top
The 9" HH Razor Plate is a compact, aggressive effect cymbal built for metal and hard rock precision, while the SABIAN 14" AA Medium Hat Top is a versatile hi-hat cymbal designed for rock, funk, jazz, and blues with balanced articulation and wash. Choose the Razor Plate if you need a cutting utility effect for dense, heavy music; choose the AA Hat Top if you want a primary hi-hat that works across multiple genres.
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Specs side by side
| 9" HH RAZOR PLATE | SABIAN 14" AA Medium Hat Top | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.99 | $244.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Effects | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 9" | 14" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose 9" HH RAZOR PLATE
- ✓ Surgical precision and tight attack ideal for metal and progressive music
- ✓ Compact 9" size fits tight drum kits and spaces
- ✓ Rapid decay ensures quick articulation without wash in dense arrangements
- ✓ Budget-friendly effect cymbal for studio and live metal applications
Why choose SABIAN 14" AA Medium Hat Top
- ✓ Versatile 14" hi-hat size works across rock, funk, jazz, and blues
- ✓ Bright, crisp stick definition with snappy pedal chick for groove definition
- ✓ Balanced articulate wash when opened, not muddy or overly washy
- ✓ SABIAN Two-Year Warranty and classic AA series reliability
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these cymbals as primary hi-hats?
The SABIAN 14" AA Medium Hat Top is specifically designed as a hi-hat cymbal paired with a bottom. The 9" HH Razor Plate is classified as an effect cymbal and is too small and specialized for standard hi-hat duties; it works best as an accent or secondary effect cymbal.
Which cymbal is better for jazz and blues?
The SABIAN 14" AA Medium Hat Top is explicitly designed for jazz and blues with its bright, articulate character and controlled wash. The 9" HH Razor Plate is not recommended for these genres, as its aggressive bite and rapid decay don't suit the tonal nuances jazz and blues require.
What's the main difference in size and application?
The Razor Plate at 9" is a compact effect cymbal for specific articulate accents in metal and progressive music, while the AA Hat Top at 14" is a full-sized hi-hat cymbal for groove and ride applications across multiple genres. They serve completely different roles in a drum kit.
Do both cymbals work in studio recording?
Yes, both are suitable for studio use. The Razor Plate excels at cutting through dense mixes with defined accents in heavy music, while the AA Hat Top provides the fundamental, bright hi-hat tone needed for rock, funk, jazz, and blues recording.