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SABIAN 18" AA Molto Symphonic Suspended vs SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom
The AA Molto Symphonic Suspended is a dedicated orchestral suspended cymbal designed for rolls, swells, and nuanced dynamics in classical and jazz contexts, while the AA Sick Hat Bottom is a working hi-hat pair engineered for live performance and studio recording with adaptable dry articulation. Choose the Suspended for controlled melodic texture; choose the Sick Hat Bottom for precision hi-hat definition and cutting through dense mixes.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 18" AA Molto Symphonic Suspended | SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $344.99 | $344.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 18" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 18" AA Molto Symphonic Suspended
- ✓ Orchestral sophistication with sophisticated harmonic complexity and singing quality
- ✓ Controlled sustain via flanged edge prevents wash while maintaining articulation
- ✓ Thin, responsive design rewards technique and dynamic shaping in rolls and swells
- ✓ B20 bronze delivers bright voice ideal for classical, jazz, and experimental settings
Why choose SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom
- ✓ Thin, dry response cuts through dense mixes in live and studio environments
- ✓ Flippable design—solid bottom cymbal eliminates airlock when reversed for two distinct voices from one pair
- ✓ Medium-heavy bottom provides stability and defined articulation for working drummers
- ✓ Zero airlock design with perforated top makes it a practical touring/session tool
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Sick Hat Bottom as a suspended cymbal for orchestral work?
No. The Sick Hat Bottom is designed as a hi-hat pair with a specific dry, cutting character optimized for live and studio hi-hat articulation. The AA Molto Symphonic Suspended is the correct choice for orchestral suspended cymbal work, offering the controlled bloom, sustain, and harmonic complexity that role demands.
What is the key difference in weight and response?
The Molto Symphonic Suspended is a thin, single suspended cymbal with moderate response time that rewards patience and technique. The Sick Hat Bottom is a paired setup with a medium-heavy bottom cymbal designed for immediate, defined articulation in a hi-hat context.
Which is better for studio recording?
That depends on the context. For orchestral or jazz rolls and swells, choose the Molto Symphonic Suspended. For hi-hat tracks in rock, pop, or contemporary music where dry, cutting articulation and mix clarity matter, the Sick Hat Bottom's controllable white-noise character and flippable design make it a practical studio tool.
Can the Sick Hat Bottom eliminate airlock like claimed?
Yes. The perforated top cymbal combined with the solid bottom (no holes) creates nearly zero airlock. You can flip the pair hole-side down to further reduce air in the face and completely change the sonic character—a design feature unavailable on traditional hi-hat pairs.