Sabian 17" AA Holy China Brilliant Finish
- Developed with RHCP drummer Chad Smith, truly a monster of loudness and cut!
- 51 holes, large raw bell, high profile and wide lip combine to create an explosive package
- Creative designs for creative players
- Protected by SABIAN Two-Year Warranty
Out of stock
- SKU
- 21716CSB
Description
Sabian 17" AA Holy China Brilliant Finish
Developed with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, the 17" AA Holy China cuts through dense mixes with explosive volume and uncompromising attack. This cymbal is engineered for maximum projection and aggression—a true statement piece that maintains relentless presence in any recording or live tracking session. The high-profile design, raw bell, and distinctive hole pattern combine to create a trashy, short-sustain character that sits powerfully in hard-hitting rock, funk, and aggressive jazz productions.
Design & Construction
The AA Holy China's high-profile design pairs with a large raw bell and wide lip to generate its signature explosive response. The 16 rows of volume and trash-enhancing holes are engineered into the cymbal body, creating the distinctive voice that defines this model and setting it apart from traditional china cymbals.
Tone & Character for Recording
Bright and cutting with aggressive edge definition, this cymbal produces a short sustain ideal for controlled, articulate playing that translates clearly to tape. The combination of design elements creates a uniquely trashy, explosive sound that projects with authority in the mix—making it one of the most cutting cymbals in the SABIAN AA lineup for capturing bold, defined cymbal tones.
Key Features
- 17" diameter size
- AA series — classic bright bronze sound
- Brilliant finish for maximum light reflection and visual presence
- 16 rows of volume and trash-enhancing holes
- High-profile cymbal design
- Large raw bell for explosive projection
- Wide lip construction
- Designed by and for professional touring drummer Chad Smith
- Bronze alloy construction
- Protected by SABIAN Two-Year Warranty
The Sabian 17" AA Holy China Brilliant Finish is purpose-built for producers and engineers tracking drummers who need maximum volume, cut, and unfiltered aggression captured in a single cymbal voice.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 17" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 17" AA Holy China is a bright, aggressive china cymbal that brings cutting edge definition and explosive projection to rock and funk recordings, sitting well in dense mixes where clarity and attack are essential. The short sustain and trashy character give it studio versatility for layering with other drums without muddying the kit sound. Home recordists and producers tracking heavier material will find it captures articulate, controlled cymbal hits that don't require heavy gating or editing.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the AA Holy China different from a standard china cymbal?
The 16 rows of volume and trash-enhancing holes, high-profile design, and large raw bell are engineered specifically for maximum aggression and cut rather than traditional sustain. This creates a uniquely bright, explosive, and trashy sound that projects with authority in loud contexts.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz or worship music?
No—this cymbal is purpose-built for rock, funk, hard rock, and aggressive playing styles. Its trashy, short-sustain character and explosive projection are not designed for the warm, sustained tones preferred in jazz or worship contexts.
What skill level should I have to play this cymbal?
This cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers who understand how to control its aggressive attack and cut. Its uncompromising character demands solid technique and intentional playing.
How loud is the 17" AA Holy China compared to other cymbals?
It is one of the loudest cymbals in the Sabian AA lineup, engineered for maximum projection and cut to slice through any mix during live performance or recording in loud band settings.
What finish is this cymbal, and does it affect the tone?
The Brilliant finish provides maximum light reflection and visual presence on stage while delivering the signature bright, cutting tone of the AA series. The finish is a cosmetic choice that does not alter the core sound character.
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