What makes the 48-hole pattern special on this china?

The strategically placed holes reduce low-end mud while maintaining a bright, cutting response and smooth attack. The smaller hole configuration eliminates distortion, making the cymbal cleaner and more articulate in dense mixes and fast-moving passages.

Is this china suitable for jazz or folk music?

No, this cymbal is engineered for rock, metal, hard rock, and contemporary styles. Its bright, cutting character and low-mud reduction are optimized for those genres; jazz and folk players typically prefer the darker, more wash-heavy sound of other china designs.

What's the weight and material?

The cymbal is thin-weight B20 bronze with a large raw bell, high profile, and wide lip design. These specs generate powerful projection and durability while keeping the attack smooth and focused.

How does the unfinished bell affect the sound?

The unfinished bell allows the bronze to resonate freely, contributing to both tonal character and cut. Combined with the natural finish on the rest of the cymbal, it enhances projection and durability.

How does this compare to other 19-inch chinas?

The Sabian AA Holy China sits between the Zildjian K Custom China, Paiste PST China, and Meinl Soundcaster China. It balances Sabian's vintage AA series character with modern hole-pattern engineering for a bright, low-mud alternative that cuts without distortion.

Sabian 19 Inch AA Holy China Cymbal

The Sabian 19" AA Holy China delivers a bright, cutting attack with controlled sustain—a cymbal engineered for recording and mix clarity without excessive wash. Its high-profile design and distinctive hole pattern create a focused, modern china sound that cuts through dense arrangements while maintaining the vintage character Sabian's AA series is known for, making it an excellent choice for studio tracking and live session work.

Design & Construction

Built from B20 bronze in a thin weight, this cymbal features a large raw bell with high profile and wide lip that generates powerful projection and durability. The natural finish and unfinished bell contribute to both aesthetic appeal and tonal character, allowing the bronze to resonate freely and capture detail during recording.

Tone & Sonic Character

The 48 holes strategically punched throughout the cymbal reduce low-end mud while maintaining a bright, cutting response—ideal for recording sessions where definition in fast-moving passages and complex arrangements matters. The smaller hole configuration delivers a smooth attack that cuts without distortion, positioning this China as a versatile workhorse across rock, metal, and contemporary production styles.

Key Features

Size: 19 inches
Weight: Thin
Material: B20 bronze
Sound character: Bright
Large raw bell with high profile
Wide lip design
48 holes for controlled volume and sustain
Smaller holes create smooth attack minus lows and distortion
Natural finish
Unfinished bell for cut and durability
AA series construction
Vintage-style profile with modern engineering

The Sabian 19" AA Holy China combines forward-thinking cymbal design with proven B20 craftsmanship, delivering a focused, articulate sound ideal for studio recording, production work, and session playing.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	19"
Cymbal Type	Effects
Country of Manufacture	Canada