Sabian 17 Inch AA Holy China Cymbal - 21716CS
Description
Sabian 17 Inch AA Holy China Cymbal (21716CS)
The 17" AA Holy China delivers the signature trashy, cutting tone of Sabian's Holy China series in a more manageable size and volume. This cymbal cuts through a live mix with aggressive character while remaining responsive to dynamic playing, making it a solid choice for drummers seeking definition without overwhelming the kit's balance.
Tone & Character
Built with B20 cast bronze and a large raw bell, this China produces a distinctly bright voice with the textured, sizzling wash Holy Chinas are known for. The 48 holes punched throughout the cymbal body contribute to the crisp, trashy articulation that defines this model's personality—ideal for cutting accent hits and crash-crash-ride textures on stage.
Design & Build
The high profile and wide lip structure create a responsive striking surface that locks in quickly, giving you predictable feel under the stick. The thin weight classification keeps the cymbal nimble and easy to control during extended sets, while the brilliant finish reflects light and contributes to the cutting brightness that projects in any venue.
Key Features
- 17 inch diameter
- B20 cast bronze construction
- Thin weight classification
- Bright sound profile
- China-type cymbal
- 48 punched holes
- Large raw bell
- High profile design
- Wide lip
- Brilliant finish
This AA Holy China combines aggressive articulation with controlled volume, making it a reliable piece for working drummers and serious players building versatile setups across rock, alternative, and beyond.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 17" |
| Cymbal Type | Effects |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 17" AA Holy China is a bright, trashy cutting cymbal built from B20 cast bronze with punched holes and a large raw bell, designed for drummers who need definition and aggressive articulation without overwhelming stage volume. Its thin weight and responsive design make it ideal for rock, alternative, and metal players who want crisp punch and dynamic control in their cymbal mix. Choose this China if you need a cymbal that cuts through live sound with character while staying nimble enough to control in a band setting.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Alternative
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Classical
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 17 inch size different from larger Holy Chinas?
The 17" delivers the same signature trashy, cutting tone as larger Holy Chinas but in a more manageable size with reduced volume, making it easier to control on stage and in live mixing situations without sacrificing the aggressive character.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz or classical music?
No—this cymbal is designed specifically for rock, alternative, metal, and hard rock. Its bright, trashy articulation and aggressive character are not suited to jazz, classical, or worship styles.
What does the thin weight classification mean for playability?
The thin weight keeps the cymbal nimble and easy to control, allowing responsive dynamics and quick articulation without requiring heavy striking force, which is ideal for drummers who want precision in a band mix.
What is the purpose of the 48 punched holes?
The punched holes contribute directly to the crisp, trashy articulation and textured sizzling wash that defines the Holy China's personality, creating the bright cutting tone this cymbal is known for.
How does this compare to other budget-friendly Chinas like the Paiste PST?
The Sabian AA Holy China uses B20 cast bronze and a large raw bell to deliver a brighter, more aggressive voice with more pronounced trashy character than the Paiste PST, making it a stronger choice for rock and metal players seeking definition.