Sabian 18" AA Chinese
Description
Sabian 18" AA Chinese Cymbal
This 18" AA Chinese cuts through the mix with aggressive brashness and penetrating trashiness—a must-have accent cymbal for drummers who need sharp articulation and bite on stage. The thin profile and explosive character deliver classic vintage bright tones with modern edge, giving you definition that reads in live contexts from small clubs to larger rooms. The attack-focused voice translates across rock, funk, jazz, and blues where cutting through matters.
Tone & Character
The bright tone signature produces penetrating trashiness that accentuates rhythmic figures with aggressive bite and clarity. This vintage bright sound gives you classic character with the explosive energy needed for contemporary setups and demanding live situations.
Build & Specifications
Built from B20 bronze alloy, the cymbal's thin weight category delivers responsive, cutting articulation that sits naturally in most drum kits. The 18-inch diameter projects clearly without drowning out other kit elements, making it a practical choice for gigging musicians who need balanced cymbal response.
Key Features
- 18-inch diameter
- B20 bronze alloy construction
- Thin weight category
- Bright tone
- Vintage style
- Model number 21816
- Typical weight range 1031–1525g (median 1339g)
- Sabian two-year limited manufacturer warranty
- Aggressive, brash character
- Attack-focused accent cymbal voice
The Sabian 18" AA Chinese pairs proven B20 metallurgy with a thin, responsive profile to deliver the bright, trash-forward sound that gigging drummers depend on for cutting definition and reliable tonal character night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 18" AA Chinese is a bright, aggressive accent cymbal built from B20 bronze with a thin profile that cuts through any mix with sharp articulation and trashy bite. It's built for intermediate to professional drummers playing rock, funk, jazz, and blues who need penetrating attack and vintage bright character without sacrificing modern edge. Choose it when you want a cymbal that defines rhythmic figures with attitude and sits naturally in live kits without drowning out the rest of your setup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Blues
Not the best pick for
- – Soft, ambient, or orchestral settings
- – Mellow, warm tones
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is this cymbal best suited for?
The Sabian 18" AA Chinese excels in rock, funk, jazz, and blues where bright articulation and aggressive bite are priorities. It is not recommended for soft, ambient, or orchestral settings that require mellow, warm tones.
What is the tone character and why would I choose it over other chinas?
This cymbal delivers a bright, penetrating tone with aggressive brashness and trashy articulation, combining vintage bright character with modern explosive energy. Its thin B20 bronze profile produces attack-focused definition ideal for cutting through a mix with sharp, cutting articulation.
What is the weight and will it fit my drum kit?
The 18-inch diameter with a typical weight range of 1031–1525g (median 1339g) sits comfortably in most setups while maintaining enough mass to project clearly without overwhelming other kit elements. The thin weight category contributes to its responsive, cutting sound.
What material is it made from and what warranty comes with it?
The Sabian 18" AA Chinese is constructed from B20 bronze alloy and comes with Sabian's two-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Is this cymbal good for beginners?
This is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers; beginners may find its aggressive, attack-focused character and bright articulation too pronounced for foundational practice and development.
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