SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
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- SKU
- 21680AH-2
Description
SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
The SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom sits perfectly under your foot as a responsive, articulate foundation for your hi-hat sound. Pair it with a thin top cymbal and you'll get a characteristically fat, dirty response that cuts live without losing stick definition. This medium-thin bottom rewards precise foot control and nuanced dynamics—whether you're locking in tight closures or opening up for expressive wash—making it an essential tool for drummers who play with intention across all musical styles.
Tone & Response
The dirty, bone-dry sound character combined with layered AA glass gives you articulation that projects on stage without muddying the mix. The medium-thin bottom weight of 1331 grams pairs ideally with a thin top to produce a super-fat closed sound while maintaining stick definition and foot articulation across all playing intensities.
Build & Durability
Constructed from B20 bronze—SABIAN's premium alloy—this cymbal is engineered to withstand consistent performance use. The two-year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship protects your investment and reflects the quality built into every cymbal.
Key Features
- 16" hi-hat size
- B20 bronze construction
- Medium-thin bottom thickness
- Bottom weight: 1331 grams
- Dirty, bone-dry sound character
- Layered over classic AA glass
- Exceptional stick articulation and definition
- Super-fat closed sound response
- Highly responsive foot control
- Two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom delivers the control and versatility demanded by professional and serious amateur drummers—a cymbal that performs across all dynamics and musical contexts.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 16" |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom is a medium-thin B20 bronze cymbal engineered for live drummers and studio session players who need tight control, articulate stick response, and a fat, cutting tone that sits perfectly in the mix. Its dirty, bone-dry character and super-fat closed sound make it ideal for funk, rock, and jazz—genres where your hi-hats need to punch through without losing definition at volume. Choose this cymbal if you're past the beginner stage and want a workhorse bottom that rewards nuanced technique and delivers consistent performance on stage and in the studio.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Jazz
Not the best pick for
- – Beginners
- – Traditional Classical
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from a standard hi-hat bottom, and do I need a specific top cymbal?
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom is a medium-thin (1331 grams) with a dirty, bone-dry tone character that pairs ideally with a thin top cymbal to produce a super-fat closed sound while maintaining stick articulation. It's designed for drummers who want fat response without sacrificing definition—typical pairings would be a thin AA top, though the versatility rewards experimentation with your own setup.
Is this cymbal suitable for live performance, or is it studio-only?
This is built specifically for live performance and studio sessions. The B20 bronze construction and responsive foot control make it reliable under consistent gigging use, while the cutting tone and articulate character ensure it sits well in both live mixes and studio recordings across funk, rock, and jazz.
What skill level do I need to get the best sound from this cymbal?
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. It rewards nuanced playing technique across all dynamics, so beginners may not fully access its versatility; it's not recommended for traditional classical playing.
Does this cymbal come with a warranty?
Yes, SABIAN includes a two-year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, protecting your investment in this B20 bronze cymbal.
What size is this cymbal, and how does it compare to other hi-hat options?
This is a 16" hi-hat bottom, a standard size for modern drumming. Comparable alternatives include the Zildjian K Custom Session Hi-Hats, Paiste PST X Hi-Hats, and other Sabian AA Series Hi-Hats; the AA Apollo stands out for its fat, responsive character and ability to cut through a mix while maintaining articulation.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $21 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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