What makes the 28 holes in the top cymbal important?

The hole pattern is integral to the Sick Hat's design, providing flexibility in stick response and wash control that a solid cymbal cannot match. This gives you the ability to dial in cutting articulation or a more washy character depending on your playing technique and foot pedal control.

Is this cymbal pair suitable for jazz?

No—the SABIAN AA Sick Hat Top is designed for rock, metal, hard rock, and funk applications and is not recommended for jazz playing.

What are the weights and do they matter for my setup?

The top cymbal weighs 1107 grams and the bottom weighs 1721 grams; the medium-thin top paired with a heavier bottom ensures quick articulation while the solid bottom provides a stable, reliable foundation under the foot pedal. This asymmetrical pairing is purposeful and delivers the cutting character the Sick Hat is built for.

What skill level do I need to play these cymbals?

The AA Sick Hat Top is suited for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers who understand how to control cymbal wash and articulation through technique and pedal dynamics.

What finish does this cymbal have?

The cymbals feature a natural unlathed finish in B20 bronze, which preserves raw, complex tonality and a distinctive vibe characteristic of the Sick Hat design.

SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Top

The SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Top cuts through live mix with crisp, articulate stick response backed by a medium-thin weight that keeps you locked in without sacrificing sensitivity. This top cymbal delivers the tight pocket definition you need for straight-ahead playing, while the controlled wash opens up when you want dynamic accents. The signature hole pattern is the voice—it's what sets the Sick Hat apart and defines how these cymbals feel under your sticks.

Construction & Materials

B20 bronze is the foundation of SABIAN's signature warmth and complexity, and the unlathed natural finish keeps that raw sonic character intact. The medium-thin weight reacts fast to your touch without disappearing into the mix, and those 28 two-inch holes in the top aren't decoration—they're essential to the Sick Hat's vibe and how it responds to your playing.

Specifications & Pairing

This top cymbal weighs 1107 grams and ships as a complete hi-hat pair with a solid bottom cymbal (1721 grams). The holes are engineered into the top only, giving you real control over vibe and stick feel in your hands, while the unperforated bottom stays stable under the clutch and locks in your groove.

Key Features

Size: 18"
Series: AA
Material: B20 Bronze
Weight: Medium-thin
Top cymbal weight: 1107 grams
Bottom cymbal weight: 1721 grams
Finish: Natural unlathed
Top cymbal features 28 two-inch holes
Bottom cymbal solid (no holes)
Sold as complete hi-hat pair

This pairing is built for drummers who demand cutting articulation and a one-of-a-kind character on stage, with the hole configuration giving you real flexibility in stick feel and wash control set to your touch.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	18"
Cymbal Type	Hi-Hats
Country of Manufacture	Canada