Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $434
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Sabian 21" AA Holy China". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the raw power and vibrant energy of the Sabian 21" AA Holy China, a cymbal designed for drummers who demand a bold, explosive sound. Developed in collaboration with Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this cymbal is crafted to dominate genres like rock, funk, jazz, and blues with its bright and trashy tone. The distinctive design features 64 strategically placed holes, a large raw bell, a high profile, and a wide lip, all working in concert to create a sound that is both piercing and resonant.
The AA Holy China is not just about volume—it's about character. Its musical and durable B20 bronze construction ensures longevity and a rich sound profile, while the brilliant finish enhances its aesthetic appeal. Whether you're cutting through a dense mix or punctuating a rhythmic section, this cymbal's high-profile design raises the pitch, allowing your sound to soar above the rest. The large, unfinished raw bell provides a tough, metallic cut, adding to the cymbal's aggressive tonal palette.
Perfect for both live performances and studio sessions, the Sabian 21" AA Holy China ensures that your sound remains distinct and powerful. Join the ranks of professional drummers who trust Sabian to deliver the sizzle atop their kits.
Key Features:
- 64 strategically placed holes for increased volume and sustain
- Large raw bell for an aggressive, metallic cut
- High profile design elevates pitch for better sound projection
- Brilliant finish for a striking appearance
- Constructed from durable B20 bronze
- Ideal for rock, funk, jazz, and blues genres
Product specs
| Type | Holy China |
| Size | 21" |
| Weight | Thin |
| Finish | Brilliant |
| Material | B20 |
| Sound | Bright |
| Volume | Loud |
FAQs
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What makes the Sabian 21" AA Holy China unique compared to other china cymbals?
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The Sabian 21" AA Holy China features a brilliant finish and a thin weight, producing a bright, loud sound with a distinct attack. Its unique design includes multiple holes, enhancing its explosive and trashy sound character.
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Is the Sabian 21" AA Holy China suitable for all music genres?
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This cymbal is particularly well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its loud volume and bright, cutting sound. However, its versatility can complement various styles where a powerful accent is desired.
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What material is the Sabian 21" AA Holy China made from?
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The Sabian 21" AA Holy China is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its durability and rich, complex tonal characteristics.
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How does the brilliant finish affect the sound of the Sabian 21" AA Holy China?
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The brilliant finish enhances the cymbal's brightness and sustain, contributing to its cutting and explosive sound, making it ideal for situations where projection is key.
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What is the intended use of the Sabian 21" AA Holy China in a drum kit setup?
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The Sabian 21" AA Holy China is designed to provide sharp, explosive accents and effects, making it a perfect choice for adding dynamic punctuation in a drum kit setup.
Videos
Memphis Drum Shop
Sabian 21" AA Holy China Cymbal - Natural - Played by Chad Smith (CS2116-1041212B)
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers a crisp response with a short, musical decay
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Complements crashes, splashes, bells, and rides excellently
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Versatile sound suitable for funk rock, reggae, metal, and blues
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Produces a sharp Chinese "swish" with extreme loudness
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Holes in the design enhance rather than detract from the sound
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Offers a trashy burst of sound that is both loud and cutting
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Even at low volumes, it maintains a beautiful, musical tone
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Considered superior to other models like the 19' Paragon
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian 21" AA Holy China.
Features and functionality
User experience
Use cases and applications
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Ideal for drummers looking for a cymbal that provides a snare hit accent partner with a quick decay and a pronounced attack.
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This cymbal is favored by drummers who need a loud, cutting sound that doesn't linger, making it suitable for dynamic accents in live performances.
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The Holy China excels in delivering quick, clean accent sounds, making it ideal for styles requiring sharp, defined cymbal hits.
Source
Comparisons
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Owners compare the sound to the Carmine Appice China but note the Holy China is made of b20 alloy, offering a different tonal quality.
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The Holy China provides a cleaner, more polished sound with shorter sustain compared to the Zildjian Oriental's complex, trashy texture.
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Some users prefer the Holy China's trashy sound over the Oriental's gong-like tonality, especially in rock and metal contexts.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
at 1:24 he is showing his 21" AA Holy China. For a long time it was his main chinese but the problem was, it was way too loud. So when the singer came near to him and he bashed the cymbal the sound of the cymbal flew through the whole PA because of the singers microphone.
In the video description Nic mentions all of his gear.
"Sabian Cymbals - http://www.sabian.com/en/artist/nic-p... - http://bit.ly/Sabiancymbal (left to right) 14" HHX Evolution Hats 18" AAX V Crash 12" AAX Splash 10" HHX Evolution Splash 19" AAX V Crash 20" AAX V Crash 21" Holy China"
Used as his bottom cymbal for one of his stacks. This cymbal is used for his 16″ Radia China over a 21″ Holy China stack
In a comment under this Instagram post by David-Karl Friedrich's drum tech, he confirms that Friedrich uses a Sabian 21" AA Holy China.
Album Usage
The Sabian 21" 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 21" AA Holy China, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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