What material is used to make the Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hats?

These cymbals are constructed from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of a mix of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is known for providing a bright tonality and high durability.

What is the typical price for these hi-hats?

The Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hats are generally priced at approximately £554 for the pair. This places them in the professional tier of drum cymbals.

What kind of finish do these cymbals have?

They feature a traditional finish. This coating provides a classic look and contributes to a balanced, focused sound rather than the extreme brightness of a brilliant finish.

Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, their bright tonality and cutting precision allow them to be heard through dense mixes. The 'Medium' weight provides enough power for heavy playing while remaining versatile for other styles.

How does the lathing affect the sound of this model?

The cymbals feature standard lathing. This design choice results in a focused tonality and a controlled balance between sustain and resonance.

How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?

While both are 14 inches and offer vintage-style characteristics, the Sabian AA is made of B20 bronze and leans toward a bright, cutting sound. The Giant Beat is often described as having a unique warmth and 'woody' character.

Can these be used for jazz music?

While they are bright and cutting, their versatility allows them to work in jazz fusion or louder jazz settings. However, drummers seeking a very dark, complex 'wash' might prefer specialized jazz hats.

What is the diameter of this hi-hat set?

This specific model has a diameter of 14 inches. This is the industry-standard size for hi-hats, providing a familiar feel and a balanced pitch.

Are these cymbals sold as a pair or individually?

The Sabian 14 AA Medium Hi-Hat set is sold as a pair, including both the top and bottom cymbals. This ensures the two cymbals are sonically matched by the manufacturer.

How does the 'Medium' weight affect the performance?

The medium weight offers an 'in-between' response for sustain and resonance. It is heavier than light hi-hats for better projection, but more responsive than heavy or 'rock' weighted hats.

Is the sound of the AA series considered modern or vintage?

Sabian categorizes the AA series as 'Vintage Bright.' This means they are designed to deliver the energetic, classic sounds of the mid-20th century with modern projection.

What is the difference between these and the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi-Hats?

The Sabian AA 14" is larger, providing a slightly lower fundamental pitch and a broader sound surface. The Bionic series is generally known for even higher levels of power and volume in a smaller 13" diameter.

Gear article

Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals

The Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals are a professional-grade cymbal set crafted from B20 bronze, designed to provide a bright and cutting tone. Part of Sabian's Vintage Bright series, these hats are engineered for versatility across multiple musical genres, offering a balanced blend of sustain and focused resonance.

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Overview

The Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hats are a staple in the Sabian catalogue, known for their ability to deliver a clear and cutting sound that sits well in a live or studio mix. As part of the 'Automated Achieved' (AA) line, these cymbals are designed to replicate the energy of classic vintage sounds with modern consistency. They are constructed using a high-quality B20 bronze alloy, which is the industry standard for professional percussion instruments, ensuring durability and a complex harmonic profile.

Construction and Design

These hi-hats feature standard lathing across both the top and bottom cymbals, which helps in focusing the tonality and controlling overtones. The B20 bronze alloy—consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin—provides the bright, energetic character typical of the AA series. The traditional finish gives the cymbals a classic aesthetic while maintaining a natural, responsive surface for stick contact.

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the AA Medium Hi-Hats is a 'Vintage Bright' response. They offer a crisp 'chick' sound when closed with the foot and a powerful, cutting wash when played slightly open. The medium weight provides a perfect middle ground between the airiness of light hats and the aggressive volume of heavy models, resulting in an optimum balance of sustain and resonance.

Target Audience

Because of their versatile nature, these cymbals are suited for a wide variety of musical environments. They are particularly effective for drummers playing pop, rock, and funk who require a hi-hat that can cut through amplified guitars and vocals without becoming harsh. The precision of the response also makes them a reliable choice for session drummers who need a predictable, high-quality sound for recording.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional options, the Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hats offer a brighter, more classic rock sound than darker alternatives like the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats or the vintage-inspired Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats. While the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats serve as an entry-level brass alternative, the Sabian AA is a professional-tier B20 instrument. For players seeking a drier, more experimental sound, the Meinl Byzance or Istanbul Agop lines offer different textures, whereas the AA Medium focuses on clarity and traditional brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used to make the Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hats?: These cymbals are constructed from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of a mix of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is known for providing a bright tonality and high durability.
What is the typical price for these hi-hats?: The Sabian AA 14" Medium Hi-Hats are generally priced at approximately £554 for the pair. This places them in the professional tier of drum cymbals.
What kind of finish do these cymbals have?: They feature a traditional finish. This coating provides a classic look and contributes to a balanced, focused sound rather than the extreme brightness of a brilliant finish.
Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy metal music?: Yes, their bright tonality and cutting precision allow them to be heard through dense mixes. The 'Medium' weight provides enough power for heavy playing while remaining versatile for other styles.
How does the lathing affect the sound of this model?: The cymbals feature standard lathing. This design choice results in a focused tonality and a controlled balance between sustain and resonance.
How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?: While both are 14 inches and offer vintage-style characteristics, the Sabian AA is made of B20 bronze and leans toward a bright, cutting sound. The Giant Beat is often described as having a unique warmth and 'woody' character.
Can these be used for jazz music?: While they are bright and cutting, their versatility allows them to work in jazz fusion or louder jazz settings. However, drummers seeking a very dark, complex 'wash' might prefer specialized jazz hats.
What is the diameter of this hi-hat set?: This specific model has a diameter of 14 inches. This is the industry-standard size for hi-hats, providing a familiar feel and a balanced pitch.
Are these cymbals sold as a pair or individually?: The Sabian 14 AA Medium Hi-Hat set is sold as a pair, including both the top and bottom cymbals. This ensures the two cymbals are sonically matched by the manufacturer.
How does the 'Medium' weight affect the performance?: The medium weight offers an 'in-between' response for sustain and resonance. It is heavier than light hi-hats for better projection, but more responsive than heavy or 'rock' weighted hats.
Is the sound of the AA series considered modern or vintage?: Sabian categorizes the AA series as 'Vintage Bright.' This means they are designed to deliver the energetic, classic sounds of the mid-20th century with modern projection.
What is the difference between these and the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi-Hats?: The Sabian AA 14" is larger, providing a slightly lower fundamental pitch and a broader sound surface. The Bionic series is generally known for even higher levels of power and volume in a smaller 13" diameter.