What finish option should I choose?

The Brilliant finish delivers maximum brightness and cutting power ideal for modern rock and metal, while the Traditional finish offers warmer, more complex tonal character. Choose Brilliant for aggressive, cutting definition; Traditional for a rounder, vintage-inflected sound.

Is this cymbal suitable for jazz or softer styles?

No—this cymbal is optimized for rock, metal, hard rock, and contemporary styles where articulate, punchy accents are the goal. Its bright attack and cutting edge make it less suited to jazz, folk, or dynamics-driven playing.

What skill level do I need to play this cymbal?

Intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers will get the best results. The responsive inverted bow design requires solid technique to control its quick snap and project clearly.

How does the 8" size and extra-thin weight affect playability?

At 159g extra-thin, this cymbal responds instantly to light or aggressive stick attacks with snappy control. The compact 8" size makes it ideal for tight staccato slaps and accent work without excess weight, keeping articulation fast across dynamic playing.

What material is it made from?

The cymbal is cast from B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin with traces of silver) and hand-hammered using traditional techniques with coarse lathing. This construction delivers the bright, cutting tone and responsive feel characteristic of Sabian's AA series.

Sabian 8" AA China Splash

The 8" AA China Splash captures crisp, articulate accents with its inverted bow design that produces quick staccato slaps—essential for cutting definition in dense arrangements and layered drum recordings. This compact splash sits cleanly above the kit in studio mixes and responds immediately to light or aggressive stick attacks. Built from B20 bronze using traditional hand-hammering techniques, it bridges vintage character with modern playability ideal for session work and overdubbing.

Design & Construction

Hammered using traditional techniques with traditional coarse lathing, this cymbal features an inverted bow profile engineered for fast response and cutting definition. The extra-thin weight at 159g keeps attack snappy while maintaining enough mass for controlled projection in both live and studio recording environments.

Recording & Mix Presence

The AA series bright sound cuts through dense mixes with clarity and edge, making it essential for rock, metal, and contemporary sessions requiring articulate cymbal definition and punch. Available in Brilliant finish (brighter, more cutting) or Traditional finish (warmer, more complex tone), you can choose the sonic character that best fits your production palette and complements your drum track layering.

Key Features

Size: 8 inches
Material: B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver)
Weight: Extra-Thin
Weight specification: 159g
Sound profile: Bright
Style: Vintage
Design: Inverted bow for quick staccato accent slaps
Construction: Hand-hammered with traditional techniques
Lathing: Traditional coarse lathing
Available finishes: Brilliant and Traditional

This AA China Splash delivers the responsive attack and tonal character professional studios and recording drummers rely on from Sabian's flagship series.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	8"
Cymbal Type	Splash
Country of Manufacture	Canada