Sabian 16" AA Chinese
- An aggressive and brash China cymbal
- Bright, penetrating trashiness for accenting with attack
- Classic Bright sounds for modern players
Out of stock
- SKU
- 21616
Description
Sabian 16" AA Chinese Cymbal
The Sabian 16" AA Chinese captures aggressive, brash attack with bright penetrating trashiness that cuts through dense mixes and sits distinctly in the stereo field. This cymbal excels at accentuation, offering the explosive energy and vintage bright sound that defines the AA series. Perfect for sessions across rock, funk, jazz, and blues where a China cymbal with character and presence strengthens the percussion layer.
Tone & Character
Characterized by bright, explosive energy with a trashy cutting edge, this cymbal is engineered for attack-driven accents rather than sustained wash. The AA series voice draws from classic drum sounds that have shaped modern music while delivering the clarity and intensity required in contemporary recording and mixing.
Construction & Durability
Forged from B20 bronze—the industry standard combining 80% copper and 20% tin with silver traces—this cymbal is built to withstand aggressive recording sessions. The 16-inch size sits in the sweet spot for China cymbals, offering articulate response without excessive mass, making it responsive to mic placement and easily isolated in multi-track capture.
Key Features
- 16-inch diameter
- AA series
- Chinese-type cymbal
- B20 bronze construction (80% copper, 20% tin with silver traces)
- Weight range 840g–961g
- Bright, penetrating tone with trashy character
- Designed for attack and accentuation
- Classic bright sound suitable for rock, funk, jazz, and blues
- In production since 1984
- Protected by Sabian Two-Year Warranty
The Sabian 16" AA Chinese is a dependable cymbal for recording sessions where aggressive articulation and vintage brightness define the drum tone and ensure clarity across the mix.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 16" |
| Cymbal Type | Effects |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 16" AA Chinese brings bright, penetrating trashiness and explosive energy to drum recordings, sitting perfectly in rock, funk, jazz, and blues mixes where articulate, attack-driven accents matter most. B20 bronze construction and the AA series' classic voice capture modern clarity with vintage character, adding personality and presence to session drums. Ideal for producers and engineers tracking live drums or building drum sounds that demand cutting-edge definition.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Blues
Not the best pick for
- – Worship
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this China cymbal different from Sabian's other cymbals?
The AA series Chinese delivers bright, explosive energy with a trashy cutting edge engineered specifically for attack-driven accents rather than sustained wash. The 16-inch size offers articulate response without excessive mass, making it ideal for accentuation in rock, funk, jazz, and blues.
What is B20 bronze and why does it matter?
B20 is the industry standard for professional cymbals, combining 80% copper and 20% tin with silver traces to create durability and tonal clarity. This cymbal is forged from B20 and is built to withstand aggressive playing while maintaining its bright, penetrating tone.
Is this cymbal suitable for rock and funk playing?
Yes, the 16" AA Chinese excels in rock, funk, jazz, and blues applications where aggressive articulation and bright clarity are essential. Its trashy cutting edge and explosive energy make it perfect for accentuation-heavy playing styles.
What is the weight range for this cymbal?
The Sabian 16" AA Chinese weighs between 840g and 961g, falling within a range that provides articulate response without excessive mass.
How long has this cymbal been in production?
The Sabian 16" AA Chinese has been in production since 1984 and is protected by Sabian's Two-Year Warranty, ensuring a proven, reliable design.