SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top
Description
SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top
The SABIAN 16" AA Apollo Hat Top delivers responsive, articulate stick definition and tight pedal control with its thin profile and balanced weight distribution. This bright, vintage-voiced cymbal cuts through dense mixes while maintaining musical clarity and projection. The natural finish and B20 bronze construction provide both visual character and the tonal stability needed for professional recording and live tracking sessions.
Studio Tone & Mix Clarity
Engineered with a bright sound signature and vintage styling, this top cymbal sits in the mix without fighting other sources while delivering precise stick articulation. The combination of thin top cymbal weight paired with a medium-thin bottom cymbal creates balanced transient definition and responsive decay—ideal for capturing clean, defined hi-hat parts across genre-focused sessions.
Build Quality & Session Reliability
Crafted from B20 bronze with a natural finish, this pair demonstrates heavy-duty durability engineered for consistent use across tracking and live sessions. The precisely matched weights—1142 grams (top) and 1331 grams (bottom)—ensure stable, predictable response that translates reliably across microphone placement and recording chain variables.
Key Features
- Material: B20 bronze
- Top cymbal weight: Thin (1142 grams)
- Bottom cymbal weight: Medium-Thin (1331 grams)
- Diameter: 16 inches
- Sound character: Bright
- Finish: Natural
- Style: Vintage
- Model Number: 21680AH
- Heavy-duty construction for extended durability
- Balanced pair setup for hat cymbal applications
The AA Apollo Hat Top pairs bright articulation with build quality engineered for studio tracking, delivering the hi-hat definition and predictable response that anchor professional drum recordings.
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 Top delivers a bright, articulate hi-hat sound that sits clearly in a mix without overwhelming other instruments, ideal for recording sessions across jazz, rock, funk, and pop. The thin top and medium-thin bottom create quick stick response and responsive decay, giving engineers control over definition in tight arrangements. B20 bronze construction and matched weights ensure consistent, predictable tone across takes and sessions.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Heavy Metal
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill levels is this hi-hat pair suitable for?
The SABIAN AA Apollo Hat Top works for beginners through professionals. Its responsive, balanced feel and bright articulation support learning drummers and experienced players alike across jazz, rock, funk, studio, and live settings.
What genres is this pair best suited for?
These hats excel in jazz, rock, funk, studio sessions, and live performance. Their bright, articulate character and quick decay are not recommended for heavy metal or thrash metal styles.
What are the specifications of the top and bottom cymbals?
The top cymbal weighs 1142 grams (thin profile) and the bottom weighs 1331 grams (medium-thin), both 16 inches in diameter. They are crafted from B20 bronze with a natural finish for both durability and aesthetic appeal.
How does the tone compare to other budget hi-hat options?
The SABIAN AA Apollo Hat Top delivers a bright, vintage-voiced sound with clear projection and responsive decay, positioning it alongside comparable budget options like the Zildjian New Beat and Paiste PST while offering balanced articulation across dynamic playing.
Will these cymbals work in both live and studio contexts?
Yes. The B20 bronze construction and matched weight pairing provide heavy-duty durability and consistent response in any setting, making them reliable for both live performance and recording sessions.