Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $361
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sabian 19" AA Holy China". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Introducing the Sabian 19" AA Holy China, a truly unique cymbal designed for the modern drummer. Originating from Sabian's innovative cymbal design, this cymbal speaks volumes, quite literally. Its higher profile brings forth a raised pitch, and an array of holes ensure remarkable volume and sustain. The natural finish gives it an authentic feel while the large, unfinished bell guarantees cut and durability.
Designed for Chad Smith, the drummer for Red Hot Chili Peppers, this cymbal is potentially Sabian's loudest creation. Equipped with a combination of 51 holes, a large raw bell, high profile, and wide lip, the 19" AA Holy China delivers a bright, explosive sound that cuts through in any musical style - be it rock, funk, jazz, or blues.
Key Features:
- Packed with 51 holes, a large raw bell, high profile, and wide lip for a loud, explosive sound
- Musical and durable B20 bronze material
- Aged and hand-tested in Sabian's legendary Vault
- Style: Vintage
- Sound: Bright
- Higher profile for raised pitch
- Unfinished bell for cut and durability
- Natural finish for an authentic feel
- Superior volume and sustain due to its unique hole pattern.
This cymbal offers the perfect blend of tone and volume, making it a must-have for serious drummers. Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or rocking out on stage, the Sabian 19" AA Holy China is built to deliver.
Product specs
| Type | China |
| Size | 19" |
| Weight | Thin |
| Finish | Traditional with Raw Bell |
| Material | B20 |
| Sound | Bright, Explosive, Vintage, Classic |
FAQs
-
What sound characteristics can I expect from the Sabian 19" AA Holy China?
-
The Sabian 19" AA Holy China offers a bright, explosive, and trashy sound, ideal for adding dramatic accents in rock and metal genres. Its thin weight and traditional finish with a raw bell contribute to its classic and vintage tone.
-
Is the Sabian 19" AA Holy China suitable for live performances?
-
Yes, the Sabian 19" AA Holy China is well-suited for live performances due to its explosive and cutting sound, which can project well in a band setting. Its bright tone ensures it stands out in the mix.
-
What material is the Sabian 19" AA Holy China made from?
-
The Sabian 19" AA Holy China is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its durability and complex tonal characteristics, making it a popular choice for professional-grade cymbals.
-
How does the raw bell affect the sound of the Sabian 19" AA Holy China?
-
The raw bell on the Sabian 19" AA Holy China enhances its projection and sustain, contributing to a more pronounced and cutting attack, which is ideal for high-energy music styles.
-
Is the Sabian 19" AA Holy China suitable for all music genres?
-
While the Sabian 19" AA Holy China is versatile, it is particularly favored in rock and metal genres for its explosive and trashy sound. However, it may not be as suitable for softer genres that require more subtle cymbal tones.
Videos
Memphis Drum Shop
Sabian 19" AA Holy China Cymbal RHCP Limited Edition - Played by Chad Smith - 1286g
Reviews
PROS
-
Thin design with holes reduces harshness, ideal for recording in small spaces
-
Explosive yet non-strident attack with elongated sustain for fluid sound
-
Remarkable durability, lasting significantly longer than other chinas
-
Exceptionally loud and cutting, suitable for various musical genres
-
Short, controlled sustain allows continuous rhythmic play without overwhelming
-
Dynamic, musical sound that complements other cymbals well
-
Iconic sound with a raw traditional finish preferred over brilliant finish
-
Pierces through mixes effectively, great for both studio and live settings
-
Versatile across rock, metal, jazz, funk, reggae, and blues music styles
-
Fast decay and trashy burst make it ideal for diverse musical applications
CONS
-
Slightly soft sound may not suit all preferences in certain loud environments
-
Some concerns about potential damage in shipping affecting sound quality
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian 19" AA Holy China.
Use cases and applications
-
The Sabian 19" AA Holy China is favored for quick, clean accents, ideal for funky beats rather than metal, providing a consistent polished sound.
Source -
The 20" Paiste Rude Novo China is favored for its explosive brightness, suitable for aggressive styles, contrasting with the Holy China's cleaner accents.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Holy China has a shorter sustain and less complex sound compared to the Zildjian Oriental, which offers a trashier, more layered texture.
Source -
The 19" Sabian AAXtreme China is slightly less loud with a longer, sweeter decay compared to the Holy China, making it suitable for breakdowns in metalcore.
Source
Features and functionality
-
Due to its design with holes, the Holy China may not be suitable for riding, a consideration for those looking for versatile usage.
Source
User experience
-
Owners report the 19" Holy China withstands intense playing for over two years and maintains an incredible studio sound.
Source
Value and pricing
-
A 17" Sabian AA Holy China was acquired on sale for $140, indicating potential for good deals, especially compared to higher-end models like the HHX or Meinl MB20.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings
53
Insane China
My absolute favourite cymbal I've ever played. Perfect balance of trashiness, projection and cut.
129
Amazing
It is my first china, and it really sounds amazing. I've had help with the shop owner and it really fits perfectly with my other cymbals.
Artist usage
Add artist
Jojo Mayer is seen playing the the Sabian 19" Holy China on the left side in the overhead shot at 0:24 secs of the Performance Spotlight for Vic Firth Drumsticks.
In the YouTube video titled "THE VAMPS - Tristan Evans Kit Walkthrough [SJC + Sabian]" by soundattak, Tristan Evans discusses his use of the Sabian 19" AA Holy China cymbal.
David Raouf, known as rdavidr, incorporates the Sabian 19" AA Holy China cymbal into his drum setup, as demonstrated in his YouTube video, "You NEED This Snare in your Arsenal."
in this video for sabian, Blake explains one of his favorite cymbals the aa holy china
Morgan Rose of Sevendust uses the Sabian 19" AA Holy China, as seen in a soundcheck video for "Shine" from the album Animosity, posted by SABIAN on their official Facebook page.
In the official video for "Primal Fear - Alive And On Fire," Randy Black is seen using two Sabian 19" AA Holy China cymbals, showcasing his preference for this particular model.
Album Usage
The Sabian 19" AA Holy China has been featured on the following albums:
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 19" AA Holy China, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Sabian China Cymbals
Accessories & Related Items
Similar
Most Popular China Cymbals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
bassdrumrhythmGear IQ 1620
-