11402-2 vs 21816 — Compare
SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom vs Sabian 18" AA Chinese
The HH Medium Hat Bottom is a paired hi-hat cymbal designed for tight, controlled foot-operated hi-hat work in live and studio settings, while the AA Chinese is a standalone 18" crash-ride accent cymbal with aggressive, bright character for cutting through rock and funk mixes. Choose the HH Bottom if you need a professional hi-hat pair foundation; choose the AA Chinese if you want a bright, trashy accent cymbal for rhythmic definition.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom | Sabian 18" AA Chinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 14" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom
- ✓ Heavy bottom construction anchors tight, controlled hi-hat pairs with crisp stick definition
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 bronze delivers organic complexity and natural decay for professional applications
- ✓ Responsive underfoot feel pairs seamlessly with SABIAN HH Medium Top for balanced articulation
Why choose Sabian 18" AA Chinese
- ✓ Bright, aggressive tone cuts through loud rock and funk mixes with penetrating attack
- ✓ Thin B20 construction produces responsive, trashy character ideal for accent work
- ✓ Versatile 18" size fits most setups while projecting clearly without overwhelming the kit
Frequently asked questions
Can these two cymbals be used together in the same kit?
Yes, they serve different roles. The HH Bottom functions as a paired hi-hat cymbal played with your foot, while the 18" AA Chinese works as a separate accent or crash-ride cymbal played with sticks. They complement each other in a full kit setup.
Which is better for a first serious drum kit?
Neither is ideal for beginners according to their descriptions. The HH Bottom requires pairing with a matching HH Medium Top and suits intermediate to professional drummers in live/studio contexts. The AA Chinese is also rated for intermediate to advanced players seeking specific bright, aggressive tones.
What's the key tonal difference?
The HH Bottom emphasizes controlled sustain, warm wash, and organic complexity for balanced hi-hat pairs. The AA Chinese prioritizes bright, piercing, aggressive brashness with attack-focused articulation designed to cut through mixes with trashy edge.
Are both made from the same bronze material?
Yes, both use B20 bronze alloy construction. However, the HH Bottom is heavy-weight hand-hammered for hi-hat control, while the AA Chinese is thin-weight for responsive, cutting accent work—the weight category and intended use differ significantly.