SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
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- SKU
- 21680AH-2
Description
SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom
The SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom captures tight, articulate closed-hat sounds with a characteristically fat, responsive feel that records with clarity and presence. Paired with a thin top cymbal, this medium-thin bottom produces a dirty, bone-dry tone layered over classic AA glass that sits distinctly in a mix without losing stick definition. Built for studio sessions demanding versatility—from controlled, locked-in foot sounds to open, textured wash—these hats reward precise playing across all dynamics and translates accurately through mic placement.
Tone & Recording Character
The dirty, bone-dry sound character combined with layered AA glass captures articulation cleanly on tape, even when driven hard. The medium-thin bottom weight of 1331 grams pairs ideally with a thin top to produce a super-fat closed sound in the mix while maintaining stick definition and foot control articulation that records with separation across all playing intensities.
Build & Studio Reliability
Constructed from B20 bronze—SABIAN's premium alloy—this cymbal is engineered for consistent performance through extended tracking sessions. The two-year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship protects your investment and reflects the quality built into every cymbal.
Key Features
- 16" hi-hat size
- B20 bronze construction
- Medium-thin bottom thickness
- Bottom weight: 1331 grams
- Dirty, bone-dry sound character
- Layered over classic AA glass
- Exceptional stick articulation and definition
- Super-fat closed sound response
- Highly responsive foot control
- Two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom captures the control and versatility essential for studio tracking—a cymbal that performs across all recording contexts and translates well through mixing.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 16" |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Bottom is a professional-grade B20 bronze hi-hat bottom designed to capture tight, articulate closed sounds and responsive, expressive open washes in recording sessions. Its medium-thin weight and bone-dry tone character cut through dense mixes while retaining stick clarity, making it versatile across funk, rock, and jazz productions. Choose this cymbal if your studio recordings demand hi-hats with definition, warmth, and the dynamic range to track everything from controlled pocket work to open, textured grooves.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Jazz
Not the best pick for
- – Beginners
- – Traditional Classical
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from a standard hi-hat bottom, and do I need a specific top cymbal?
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom is a medium-thin (1331 grams) with a dirty, bone-dry tone character that pairs ideally with a thin top cymbal to produce a super-fat closed sound while maintaining stick articulation. It's designed for drummers who want fat response without sacrificing definition—typical pairings would be a thin AA top, though the versatility rewards experimentation with your own setup.
Is this cymbal suitable for live performance, or is it studio-only?
This is built specifically for live performance and studio sessions. The B20 bronze construction and responsive foot control make it reliable under consistent gigging use, while the cutting tone and articulate character ensure it sits well in both live mixes and studio recordings across funk, rock, and jazz.
What skill level do I need to get the best sound from this cymbal?
The AA Apollo Hat Bottom is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. It rewards nuanced playing technique across all dynamics, so beginners may not fully access its versatility; it's not recommended for traditional classical playing.
Does this cymbal come with a warranty?
Yes, SABIAN includes a two-year manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, protecting your investment in this B20 bronze cymbal.
What size is this cymbal, and how does it compare to other hi-hat options?
This is a 16" hi-hat bottom, a standard size for modern drumming. Comparable alternatives include the Zildjian K Custom Session Hi-Hats, Paiste PST X Hi-Hats, and other Sabian AA Series Hi-Hats; the AA Apollo stands out for its fat, responsive character and ability to cut through a mix while maintaining articulation.
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