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SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom vs Sabian 18" Medium Crash AAX
The HH Medium Hat Bottom is a cymbal component designed exclusively for hi-hat pairs and live/studio cutting, while the AAX 18" Medium Crash is a standalone crash cymbal built for rock, metal, and modern genres. Choose the hat bottom if you're completing a professional hi-hat setup; choose the crash if you need a bright, projective crash cymbal for ensemble playing.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom | Sabian 18" Medium Crash AAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.99 | $359.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 14" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 14" HH Medium Hat Bottom
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 bronze with organic tonal complexity and articulate stick definition
- ✓ Heavy bottom construction designed to anchor tight, controlled hi-hat pairs
- ✓ Professional-grade cut-through ideal for live mixes and studio sessions
- ✓ Responsive underfoot feel paired with natural decay
Why choose Sabian 18" Medium Crash AAX
- ✓ Standalone 18" crash cymbal—no pairing required, immediate usability
- ✓ Bright highs combined with complex lows for wider frequency bandwidth
- ✓ Fast response and cutting projection designed for rock, metal, funk, and progressive styles
- ✓ Modern character with larger raw bell and distinctive hammering pattern
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the HH Medium Hat Bottom as a standalone cymbal?
No. The HH Medium Hat Bottom is designed exclusively as the bottom cymbal in a hi-hat pair and must be paired with a top cymbal (such as the HH Medium Top) to function properly. It is not intended for crash or ride applications.
What genres and playing styles suit each cymbal?
The HH Medium Hat Bottom excels in live performance and studio sessions across genres where tight, articulate hi-hats are essential. The AAX 18" Medium Crash is optimized for rock, metal, funk, and progressive music where bright, cutting crash tones are desired, and is not recommended for jazz or traditional folk applications.
What is the main tonal difference between these two cymbals?
The HH Medium Hat Bottom delivers controlled sustain, crisp stick clicks, and warm wash through hand-hammered organic complexity. The AAX 18" Medium Crash offers bright highs, complex lows, and fast cutting projection with a modern character—they are fundamentally different instruments serving different roles in a drum kit.
Which is better for a drummer just starting professional work?
Both are professional-grade and suit intermediate, advanced, and professional skill levels. The hat bottom is essential only if you're building a pro hi-hat setup; the crash is a more immediately useful standalone cymbal if you're expanding or upgrading a kit without already owning quality hi-hats.