Sabian 22" AA Apollo
- Huge fun to play!
- Big, dark, loose and dynamic
- An incredibly versatile Ride cymbal
- Protected by SABIAN Two-Year Warranty
Out of stock
- SKU
- 22280A
Description
Sabian 22" AA Apollo Ride Cymbal
The Sabian 22" AA Apollo is a medium-thin ride that captures articulate stick definition and warm, complex sustain in the studio or live room. Its B20 bronze construction responds well to dynamic playing and sits naturally in dense mixes, offering crisp attack for jazz and fusion sessions while maintaining enough body for rock and pop production. The patina finish reflects the cymbal's mature sonic character, making it a dependable foundation for tracking and overdubs.
Recording & Mix Presence
Built from premium B20 bronze alloy, this Apollo captures warm, nuanced sustain that records cleanly across microphone placement. The medium-thin weight profile (2232–2477g) produces responsive, articulate stick definition that cuts through without harshness, allowing it to anchor rhythm tracks or sit cohesively behind louder elements. Its projection scales effortlessly from intimate jazz sessions to fuller ensemble arrangements.
Session Versatility & Consistency
The patina finish reflects aged character and contributes to a darker, more complex harmonic palette that translates well across genres and production contexts. A properly maintained B20 cymbal in this weight class delivers reliable performance across multiple session types, with the medium-thin specification providing an ideal balance between responsiveness and tonal stability for both tracking and long-form use.
Key Features
- 22-inch diameter
- AA series — Sabian's professional-grade traditional line
- B20 bronze alloy construction
- Apollo model — ride cymbal designation
- Medium-thin weight profile
- 2232–2477 gram weight range (median: 2384g)
- Patina finish
- Catalog ID 22280A
- Warm, articulate tone with strong stick definition
- Balanced response across jazz, fusion, and rock applications
This AA Apollo is a versatile, tonally mature ride that responds consistently to technique and integrates smoothly into production work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 22" |
| Cymbal Type | Ride |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 22" AA Apollo ride captures the warm, complex harmonic character of premium B20 bronze in a medium-thin weight that records with excellent stick definition and articulate transients. In the mix, its balanced projection sits naturally in ensemble recordings and translates well across jazz, fusion, and rock sessions without overshadowing other kit elements. This is a versatile studio ride for producers and engineers tracking live drums who want tonal sophistication and predictable, recorded response.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Fusion
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Extreme Metal
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the AA Apollo different from other 22-inch Sabian rides?
The AA Apollo is built from premium B20 bronze with a medium-thin weight (2232–2477g) that emphasizes articulate stick definition and warm, complex sustain. This weight and alloy combination is designed to balance control and projection, making it equally suited for detailed jazz phrasing and punchy rock applications.
Is this cymbal suitable for metal drumming?
No; the AA Apollo is optimized for jazz, fusion, rock, and live performance, and is not designed for extreme metal or thrash metal playing. Its medium-thin profile and warm tone are better suited to styles that reward articulation and tonal nuance over aggressive volume and cutting extreme high-end.
What skill level do I need to play this cymbal well?
The AA Apollo is rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. Its responsive, articulate character rewards solid technique and dynamic control, and while it is playable, it benefits from drummers who can appreciate and exploit its warm stick definition.
How durable is the AA Apollo for regular gigging?
B20 bronze cymbals in this medium-thin weight class are built for regular performance and studio use, and the AA Apollo's balanced weight specification provides a reliable sweet spot between playability and structural integrity. With proper maintenance, this cymbal offers excellent longevity for touring and frequent live work.
What is the patina finish and does it affect the tone?
The patina is a darkened, aged surface finish that contributes to the cymbal's darker, more complex harmonic profile. Visually, it gives the cymbal a sophisticated, mature character that develops further with road use and performance.
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