Sabian 18″ AA APOLLO Ride Cymbal
The 18″ AA APOLLO captures versatile responsiveness across a dynamic range of playing techniques in the studio and live setting. This cymbal balances crashability with controlled stick definition, opening up pitch options that distinguish it from its larger family members. Big, dark, loose, and dynamic—it sits naturally in dense mixes and records with genuine character whether you’re striking it hard for modern cut or exploring subtle shimmer through lighter articulation.
Sound & Tracking Performance
Built from B20 bronze alloy, the APOLLO produces complex, distinctive tones that work across multiple session styles and genres. The bright sound profile combined with its thin weight creates a cymbal that responds to both aggressive and nuanced touch, translating both to isolation and blended kit recordings with clarity and definition.
Studio Specifications & Durability
The 18″ diameter and thin weight keep this cymbal responsive and articulate compared to heavier alternatives, making it an ideal choice for close-mic’ing and detailed cymbal capture. SABIAN backs this cymbal with a two-year warranty against manufacturing flaws, ensuring confidence in its craftsmanship and long-term studio reliability.
Key Features
- 18″ diameter ride cymbal
- B20 bronze alloy construction
- Thin weight specification
- Bright sound profile
- Modern style cymbal
- Available in natural or brilliant finish
- Two-year SABIAN warranty against manufacturing flaws
- Greater range of pitch within the Apollo family
- Enhanced crashability compared to larger models
- Complex, loose, and dynamic response characteristics
The Sabian 18″ AA APOLLO combines the complexity and character that define SABIAN’s Big & Ugly collection with the recording accessibility of a mid-sized ride, making it a genuinely capable instrument for producers and engineers seeking cymbal versatility without compromise.
