SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom
Description
SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom
The 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom captures a thin, dry hi-hat tone with exceptional articulation control—a pair that records with character distinctly different from conventional 18" cymbals. The solid bottom cymbal (without holes) pairs with a perforated top to create a reversible setup that eliminates airlock and lets you adjust tonal character between takes or sessions. This is an essential tool for engineers and drummers who need precision hi-hat articulation that cuts through the mix without fighting the arrangement.
Tone & Sonic Character
Thin and very dry overall, Sick Hats function as a tight, controllable hi-hat source with virtually no airlock thanks to the large holes in the top cymbal. The medium-heavy bottom provides stable attack and definition in the recording, while the natural finish B20 bronze delivers the classic bright, cutting response the AA series is known for—ideal for cutting through dense mixes during tracking and mixdown.
Design & Versatility
The bottom cymbal's solid construction (no holes) allows you to flip the pair hole-side down for reduced wash and cleaner cymbal isolation during recording, completely transforming the sonic footprint without breaking down the kit. This design choice gives you two distinct hi-hat voices from a single pair, making Sick Hats exceptionally practical for session work where quick tonal adjustments save time and maintain continuity across multiple takes or songs.
Key Features
- 18" diameter cymbal
- AA Series — bright, cutting tone
- B20 Bronze construction
- Natural finish
- Medium-heavy bottom cymbal weight (1721 grams)
- Bottom cymbal with no holes for solid response
- Top cymbal with large perforations for zero airlock breathing
- Reversible design — play holes-up or holes-down for tonal variation
- Dry, controllable articulation ideal for defined hi-hat work
- SABIAN limited 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects
The combination of thin profile, B20 bronze construction, and reversible configuration makes the Sick Hat Bottom an unusually flexible tool for tracking sessions and live recording, delivering definition and control while maintaining the distinctive character that defines the AA series.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Hi-Hats |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 18" AA Sick Hat Bottom delivers a thin, dry hi-hat sound with remarkable control and minimal airlock, making it a versatile choice for recording sessions where precision articulation matters. The reversible design lets you flip the pair hole-side down to reshape the sonic footprint without changing hardware, giving you tonal flexibility within a single setup. B20 bronze construction and defined medium-heavy bottom cymbal weight ensure these hats sit clearly in dense mixes and respond predictably to different playing techniques.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Practice
- – Beginners
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level are these cymbals designed for?
The AA Sick Hat Bottom is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers who understand cymbal control and articulation. They are not recommended for beginners or practice-focused players, as their thin profile and dry response demand technique to unlock their full potential.
How does the reversible design work, and why would I flip them?
The bottom cymbal is solid (no holes) while the top has large perforations. Flipping them hole-side down eliminates airlock and reduces air in your face, transforming the sonic character while keeping the same physical setup. This gives you two distinct voices without changing hardware—essential for touring or studio sessions where cymbal swaps aren't feasible.
What makes these hats stand out in a live mix?
The thin, dry construction and B20 bronze material deliver a bright, cutting response with controllable white-noise articulation and virtually zero airlock. The medium-heavy bottom cymbal provides stability and definition, allowing your hi-hat patterns to punch through dense mixes without getting lost.
How do these compare to conventional 18" hi-hats?
Sick Hats sound nothing like standard 18" cymbals when heard without seeing them play. Their thin profile, zero-airlock design, and reversible configuration make them unusually flexible working tools for drummers seeking precision and adaptability rather than traditional closed-hat tone.
What is included, and what is the warranty coverage?
You receive one 18" bottom cymbal (solid, no holes) and one 18" top cymbal (perforated). SABIAN provides a limited 2-year warranty against manufacturer defects on these cymbals.