SABIAN 14" HH Crescent Hammertone Hat Bottom
Description
SABIAN 14" HH Crescent Hammertone Hat Bottom
This 14" hat bottom delivers a solid foot sound without heaviness, designed by SABIAN in close collaboration with veteran Jazz artist Jeff Hamilton. The fully lathed finish and medium weight construction produce musical sizzle with generous wash—characteristics that cut through dense arrangements while maintaining clarity in tight ensemble recordings. Part of a light-top/medium-bottom pairing, this bottom cymbal contributes to an open, responsive sound with the higher profile and lighter weight that define the Crescent Hammertone series, making it an asset for capturing authentic jazz and big band sessions.
Design & Construction
Built with meticulous attention through every manufacturing step, this cymbal reflects the uncompromising standards Jeff Hamilton brought to the development process, including multiple visits to the SABIAN factory to work directly with Vault craftsmen. The fully lathed finish is a cornerstone of the Crescent Hammertone aesthetic and tonal character, ensuring consistent mic'ing behavior and predictable studio performance across tracking sessions.
Tone & Performance
The medium-weight bottom cymbal pairs with a lighter top to create a versatile hat sound that leans toward musical wash and sizzle rather than cutting attack. In the mix, this profile translates to a hat that sits naturally alongside horns and reeds without demanding excessive EQ, making it especially valuable for jazz and big band tracking where nuance and musicality take priority over cutting power and where the drums serve the ensemble rather than dominating it.
Key Features
- 14" diameter
- Fully lathed finish
- Medium weight bottom cymbal
- Part of light-top/medium-bottom pairing
- Higher profile design
- Lighter weight construction
- Designed in collaboration with Jazz artist Jeff Hamilton
- Manufacturer Part Number: H14H/2
- Solid foot sound without heaviness
- Musical sizzle with enhanced wash
- Ideal for jazz and big band setups
- Protected by SABIAN 2-year warranty
This cymbal represents the result of careful craftsmanship and artist collaboration—a flawless bottom that delivers the open, musical character essential to professional jazz and big band recordings, tracking sessions, and live-to-studio workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 14" |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
This 14" hat bottom pairs with a lighter top to produce musical wash, sizzle, and articulate foot sound in recording and mixing sessions, making it a versatile choice for jazz, big band, and session recording where nuance matters more than attack. The medium weight and fully lathed finish deliver clarity without harshness, sitting naturally in the mix alongside other instruments. Studio drummers and producers will appreciate its responsiveness and the open character it brings to jazz and ensemble recordings.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Big Band
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Hard Rock
- – Punk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this cymbal designed for?
The SABIAN 14" HH Crescent Hammertone Hat Bottom is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. Its musical character and responsiveness reward players who can control dynamics and articulate the foot sound.
Is this a complete hi-hat pair or just the bottom cymbal?
This is the bottom cymbal only. It is designed as part of a light-top/medium-bottom pairing, so you will need a lighter top cymbal to complete the set.
What genres is this hat bottom best suited for?
The Crescent Hammertone Hat Bottom excels in jazz, big band, and live performance settings where musicality and open wash are priorities. It is not recommended for metal, hard rock, or punk, where cutting attack and sustain are more essential.
How does this compare to other jazz hat bottoms?
The SABIAN HH Crescent Hammertone Hat Bottom offers comparable alternatives in the Zildjian K Custom Dark Hat Bottom, Paiste Sound Formula 14" Hat Bottom, and Meinl Byzance Traditional Hat Bottom, each with slightly different tonal profiles suited to different jazz and ensemble contexts.
What is the fully lathed finish and why does it matter?
The fully lathed finish is machine-worked across the entire cymbal surface to create the Crescent Hammertone's tonal character—it contributes to the musical sizzle, generous wash, and articulate foot sound that define this cymbal's performance in jazz settings.