Sabian 17" AA Holy China Brilliant Finish
Share
- Developed with RHCP drummer Chad Smith, truly a monster of loudness and cut!
- 51 holes, large raw bell, high profile and wide lip combine to create an explosive package
- Creative designs for creative players
- Protected by SABIAN Two-Year Warranty
Out of stock
- SKU
- 21716CSB
Description
Sabian 17" AA Holy China Brilliant Finish
Developed with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, the 17" AA Holy China delivers explosive volume and cut with an uncompromising attack. Built for drummers who need a cymbal that cuts through dense band mixes and holds its own on stages where power and projection matter—this is a true workhorse for hard-hitting rock, funk, and aggressive jazz. The high-profile design, raw bell, and distinctive hole pattern combine to create a trashy, short-sustain character that responds instantly to hard strikes and lives up to relentless live demands.
Design & Construction
The AA Holy China's high-profile design pairs with a large raw bell and wide lip to generate its signature explosive response. The 16 rows of volume and trash-enhancing holes are engineered into the cymbal body, creating the distinctive voice that defines this model and setting it apart from traditional china cymbals.
Tone & Character
Bright and cutting with aggressive edge definition, this cymbal produces a short sustain ideal for controlled, articulate playing when you need precision under pressure. The combination of design elements creates a uniquely trashy, explosive sound that projects with authority—making it one of the loudest cymbals in the SABIAN AA lineup. On stage, it sits perfectly in a dense mix without sacrificing attack or clarity.
Key Features
- 17" diameter size
- AA series — classic bright bronze sound
- Brilliant finish for maximum light reflection and visual presence
- 16 rows of volume and trash-enhancing holes
- High-profile cymbal design
- Large raw bell for explosive projection
- Wide lip construction
- Designed by and for professional touring drummer Chad Smith
- Bronze alloy construction
- Protected by SABIAN Two-Year Warranty
The Sabian 17" AA Holy China Brilliant Finish delivers the aggressive voice and stage-ready reliability that professional touring and gigging drummers count on night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 17" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 17" AA Holy China is an aggressive, cutting cymbal engineered for rock, funk, and hard-hitting live performance—designed with Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith to deliver explosive volume and projection that cuts through any stage mix. Its high-profile design, raw bell, and distinctive hole pattern create a trashy, short-sustain character ideal for drummers who need maximum articulation and presence without ring. Choose this if you're touring or gigging in loud, high-energy contexts where controlled attack and relentless cut matter more than sustain.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the AA Holy China different from a standard china cymbal?
The 16 rows of volume and trash-enhancing holes, high-profile design, and large raw bell are engineered specifically for maximum aggression and cut rather than traditional sustain. This creates a uniquely bright, explosive, and trashy sound that projects with authority in loud contexts.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz or worship music?
No—this cymbal is purpose-built for rock, funk, hard rock, and aggressive playing styles. Its trashy, short-sustain character and explosive projection are not designed for the warm, sustained tones preferred in jazz or worship contexts.
What skill level should I have to play this cymbal?
This cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers who understand how to control its aggressive attack and cut. Its uncompromising character demands solid technique and intentional playing.
How loud is the 17" AA Holy China compared to other cymbals?
It is one of the loudest cymbals in the Sabian AA lineup, engineered for maximum projection and cut to slice through any mix during live performance or recording in loud band settings.
What finish is this cymbal, and does it affect the tone?
The Brilliant finish provides maximum light reflection and visual presence on stage while delivering the signature bright, cutting tone of the AA series. The finish is a cosmetic choice that does not alter the core sound character.
Artists Who Play This
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.