Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$699.99
Amazon
5.0 (3)
$699.99
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$537.12 New
$635.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$729.00 $728.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $667

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Meet the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats – the perfect fusion of innovation and tradition, crafted for drummers who crave a versatile and expressive hi-hat experience. These cymbals stand out with their unique design and a sound that's both thin and dry, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of musical genres.

The AA Sick Hats feature a perforated top cymbal that not only looks striking but allows for a crisp, articulate response with minimal air lock. This translates to a sound that is incredibly expressive, capturing every subtle nuance of your playing. Flip them to change the tonal character: with holes up for a more pronounced attack or holes down for a warmer, fuller sound. Whether you're layering intricate patterns or laying down a solid groove, these hi-hats respond with precision and character.

Crafted from high-quality B20 Bronze, the AA Sick Hats are built to withstand the rigors of both studio and stage environments, providing a reliable performance with every strike. Their natural finish adds a touch of elegance while preserving the raw, vibrant sound that Sabian is renowned for.

Join the ranks of top drummers who trust Sabian to deliver exceptional sound and experience the dynamic range of the AA Sick Hats for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring musician, these hi-hats will elevate your drumming to new heights.

Key Features:

  • 18" hi-hat cymbals from the AA Sick Series
  • Crafted from premium B20 Bronze for durability and rich tonal quality
  • Unique perforated top cymbal for reduced air lock and increased articulation
  • Thin, dry sound with a wide expressive range
  • Natural finish for a classic, understated look

Product specs

Type Hi-hat with 2" holes
Size 18"
Top Weight Medium Thin
Bottom Weight Medium Thin
Material B20
Sound Dry, Raw, Dark

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats?

The Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats produce a dry, raw, and dark sound, making them ideal for genres that benefit from a more complex and textured hi-hat tone.

Are the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats are well-suited for rock music, providing a powerful and cutting sound that complements loud and energetic performances.

What is the purpose of the 2" holes in the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats?

The 2" holes in the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats contribute to their dry and raw sound by reducing sustain and adding a unique character to their tonal qualities.

What material are the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats made from?

The Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats are crafted from B20 bronze, known for its durability and ability to produce a rich, complex sound.

How does the medium thin weight of the Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats affect their playability?

The medium thin weight of both the top and bottom cymbals allows for a responsive feel and quick articulation, making them versatile for various playing styles.

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Cymbal Vote - Todd Sucherman - Review - 18" AA Sick Hats

Video thumbnail for Cymbal Vote - Todd Sucherman - Review - 18" AA Sick Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

Cymbal Vote - Todd Sucherman - Review - 18" AA Sick Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for More Big & Ugly from SABIAN - 18" AA Sick Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

More Big & Ugly from SABIAN - 18" AA Sick Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for Cymbal Vote - Mike Portnoy - Review - 18" AA Sick Hats by SABIAN Cymbals

Cymbal Vote - Mike Portnoy - Review - 18" AA Sick Hats

SABIAN Cymbals

SABIAN Cymbals

Video thumbnail for Sabian AA Sick Hats 18" Quick Check by Batera Clube Drum Shop

Sabian AA Sick Hats 18" Quick Check

Batera Clube Drum Shop

Batera Clube Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Sabian 18" AA Big Ugly Sick Hats Sound Demo by Drums Bonedo

Sabian 18" AA Big Ugly Sick Hats Sound Demo

Drums Bonedo

Drums Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Sabian AA 18" Sick Hats by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Sabian AA 18" Sick Hats

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive and extravagant sound, unlike typical hi-hat tones

  • Loud, trashy sound great for rock and country gigs

  • Versatile with both trashy and traditional sound options

  • Excellent foot chick projection with minimal pressure

  • Defined, clear strike, even when played with the foot

  • Can function as crash or dry ride cymbals

  • Lightweight due to many holes, easy to handle

  • Provides a full, warm, and dark tone with added chains or tambourine

CONS

  • Not suitable for subtle jazz stick sounds

  • Stick can get caught in the holes

  • Requires adjustment to the larger size

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats.

Features and functionality

  • The Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats produce a "trashy" yet musical tone, offering a big, washy sound when open and tight, groovy sound when closed.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The cymbal with holes is designed to be placed on top, minimizing stick-catching issues unless performing double stroke rolls.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for groove-focused playing styles, these hi-hats are less suited for fast, intricate stick work.

    Source
  • These hi-hats are suggested as fantastic X-hats due to their unique sound, providing a niche tonal option for drummers seeking variety.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite availability challenges, owners feel the rarity and sound quality justify the effort and expense of acquiring these limited-edition hi-hats.

    Source
  • Users interested in darker, quieter cymbals for heavier music consider the 18" Sick Hats a viable option, despite initial reluctance due to size concerns.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 18" Sick Hats are considered specialty hi-hats, with holes in the top cymbal for better control compared to traditional models.

    Source
  • While Meinl cymbals are recommended for dark tones in various genres, Sabian's Big & Ugly series, including the Apollo, offers a shimmery sound with less sustain.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Anderson Paak uses Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats

Anderson Paak

Singer, Drummer

Silk Sonic

...
Verified via SABIAN Cymbals

On Sabian's website they go through .Paak's current set up.

"His current set up includes 18" AA Sick Hats, 19" Artisan Crash, 12" AAX O-Zone Splash over a 10" AA Mini Holy China stack, 22" HH Liquid Ride Brilliant or Artisan Light Ride, 20" AAX Aero Crash and a 20" HHX Evolution O-Zone Crash."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sabian 18" AA Sick Hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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