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SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top vs SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
The Hat Top is a complete matched pair ready to use, while the Hat Bottom is a single bottom cymbal designed to pair with your own thin top. Choose the Hat Top if you need a full hi-hat setup; choose the Hat Bottom if you already own a compatible top cymbal or want to customize your pair.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top | SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $294.99 | $294.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats | Hi-Hats |
| Cymbal Size | 16" | 16" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top
- ✓ Complete matched pair—no additional purchase needed
- ✓ Balanced weight distribution (1142g top, 1331g bottom) optimized together
- ✓ Bright, vintage-voiced character with clear projection
- ✓ Versatile across jazz, rock, funk, and studio work
Why choose SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
- ✓ Single bottom cymbal for drummers customizing their own pair
- ✓ Dirty, bone-dry tone with fat response—cuts through live mix
- ✓ Medium-thin 1331g weight designed to pair with thin tops
- ✓ Two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Hat Bottom with any thin top cymbal?
The Hat Bottom is designed to pair with thin top cymbals. For best results, match it with a similarly voiced thin top from the AA Apollo line or a comparable SABIAN thin top, though any thin top can technically work.
What's the main tone difference between these two?
The Hat Top pair emphasizes bright, vintage-voiced articulation with clear projection. The Hat Bottom alone is characterized as dirty and bone-dry—it's tuned for a fatter, grittier closed sound that cuts through louder environments.
Are both suitable for beginners?
The Hat Top is recommended for beginner through professional levels. The Hat Bottom is listed as best for intermediate, advanced, and professional players—it demands more nuanced technique to realize its expressive potential.
Which is better for studio versus live performance?
Both are suitable for both contexts. The Hat Top offers balanced articulation in either setting. The Hat Bottom's bone-dry, cutting tone is particularly valued in live performance where you need to project without muddiness.