Hats

[fastarrow]

This is basically a follow-up to something I had asked some time ago, but it's been ages since I've been around. I have Sabian SBR's that were a bit of a mistake, in that the crashes sound fine to me, but the hats just ring like hell. I don't know if it's the stand or not. I've tried combining them with others, didn't work. I had mentioned back then that I wanted something "darker" sounding, but I guess what I'm really after is something that "chicks" more than these, and doesn't go on forever. I'm upgrading my kit, so I'm sure the stand will be a better one than the starter that I have. I know that the cymbals are brass, and I know that ( or I'm told that ) bronze will sound better. Again I'm asking for recommendations on a budget. The SBR's I have are 13" and I definitely want 14" or larger. I listen to sound files, I don't get out to my local music stores much. If anyone has some suggestions, and sound files to share, I appreciate it.

[SpazApproved]

I'd upgrade to the Sabian XSR's or find a nice pair of the XS20's

I have both the 14's and the 13's
The even make the Excellerators or whatever the spelling is for quicker response.
Or you could drill your own vent holes underneath for a snappier sound.

[late8]

I'd suggest the Sabian 14" AAX Fast hats. The bottom cymbal is very heavy and it has three vent holes cut into the bottom cymbal. It produces and nice "chick" sound. I had them set up next to a pair of HHX 13" Evolution hats and compared them side by side and found the AAX was much more versatile in covering different genres.

[Icetech]

If you don't have to have sabian.. i would go with the Kasza Rock hats.. B20 bronze.. $113 shipped.. i bought some about a year ago and have been very happy with them.. to the point that i added a crash and ride. Great value for money and they sound good to me

[Exotic Matter]

If you're looking to eliminate 'ring' try throwing some tape on them to dry out the sound. Also try adjusting the tilter on the bottom cymbal. If the cymbals hit flat together they have a tendency to air lock and not have much click to them. The bottom cymbal should be on a slight angle when the hats are open. The vent holes eliminate air lock but tilting the bottom cymbal will also help.

A different hi hat stand will change the sound and feel but it's probably not going to make or break the cymbals themselves.

Zildjain New Beats are the most widely used hats around, you may want to start there.

[fastarrow]

Thanks, guys !

[fastarrow]

Kasza Cymbals Light Top/Heavy Bottom Skinny Fat Rock Hi-hats 14 in. ????

[pcs90]

Agreed with the Kasza recommendation. I have owned the 14" Fusion series hi-hats, and they were awesome, easily equal to pro-level Zildjian, Sabian, etc models.
I haven't played the rock hats but they will be louder. The Fusion hats are great from soft to medium-loud, but if you play hard, the Rock ones are probably the way to go.
The XS20 hats aren't bad either, though the Kasza ones are hand-hammered and, at least with the Fusion ones, do sound a lot more professional to my ears. But you won't go wrong with the XS20 hats either if you see a good used set!

[itchie]

hats and ride is everything


spend more money and get a set for life.

[EyePea]

Paiste PST7 Heavy are a great mid-range set of hats; but what itchie said.


https://youtu.be/QEQMreRCplU
https://youtu.be/PveSlLlYqyE

[N2Bluz]

Paiste PST7 Heavy are a great mid-range set of hats; but what itchie said.

I agree. The PST7 hats are really excellent (mine are Mediums). PST7 rides are "pretty good". The crash cymbals I can live without. Honestly, my Sabian B8 hats are excellent as well, but just a little brighter than the PST7's. I think B8 bronze in general is well suited to hi-hats. It's pretty "cutting", especially in a live band setting.

[EyePea]

I agree. The PST7 hats are really excellent (mine are Mediums). PST7 rides are "pretty good". The crash cymbals I can live without. Honestly, my Sabian B8 hats are excellent as well, but just a little brighter than the PST7's. I think B8 bronze in general is well suited to hi-hats. It's pretty "cutting", especially in a live band setting.

The PST7 18" Thin Crash though. That cymbal is worth the price of admission alone. A brilliant cymbal for the money.
The PST7 20" Light Ride makes a great 20 Crash/Ride too.

[FlyByNight]

I'd suggest the Sabian 14" AAX Fast hats. The bottom cymbal is very heavy and it has three vent holes cut into the bottom cymbal. It produces and nice "chick" sound. I had them set up next to a pair of HHX 13" Evolution hats and compared them side by side and found the AAX was much more versatile in covering different genres.

I'm getting those next. I completely forgot about those!

[N2Bluz]

The PST7 18" Thin Crash though. That cymbal is worth the price of admission alone. A brilliant cymbal for the money.
The PST7 20" Light Ride makes a great 20 Crash/Ride too.

Mine are all mediums. 14" hats, 16" & 18" crash and 20" ride. I got them as a complete set on clearance for $257+ tax. I think the light/sessions version would be better for the stuff I play....but I couldn't argue with the price. I love the hats and ride. The 16" medium crash is not bad, but the 18" medium is just too much. It needs to played hard to sound good. I suppose it will be fine for outdoor gigs this summer. For what I paid, I could always sell the crashes and buy thin versions. I've learned how important it is to match cymbal weight to the application (music style & venue).

[fastarrow]

Looking at all of your suggestions, and appreciate the help. I don't want them real bright. I always get down to the music stores and bang on them when I can. My problem is I have a GC gear card, and most all my gear comes in the mail. ( I have to appease "the boss" somehow......) I'm surprised that my SBR 20" ride sounds as good as it does to me, now that one I really like. I have a 16" SBR crash that is so-so, and a 14" thin crash B8 that is so-so. I will get around to changing them all out, eventually. I like the thought of just taking the plunge and getting a complete pack. I just have to do more research and not make the same (brass) mistake I made at first ---

[jgziegler]

Man, I really don't how anyone here buys cymbals online...you're really flipping a coin!

I'd recommend my Anatolian 14" Kappadokia rock hats, as they really can go with any type of music, but the chances of you finding Anatolian cymbals in the USA is rare...

[fastarrow]

Y'all will get a kick out of this. I tried to stack them.....I used the old plated junk that came with kit, and the Sabians....so much for that idea----CLUNK !

[jgziegler]

There is literally nothing you can do with bad cymbals to make them sound good except maybe melt them down and try again...

I nearly made the mistake of trying to make an effects cymbal out of a bad cymbal (which I sold) until I read here that won't work. Not everyone has been so lucky

[SpazApproved]

^yeah I agree a bad cymbal is a bad cymbal... nothing you can do but junk it.

[kay-gee]

Man, I really don't how anyone here buys cymbals online...you're really flipping a coin!

I'd recommend my Anatolian 14" Kappadokia rock hats, as they really can go with any type of music, but the chances of you finding Anatolian cymbals in the USA is rare...

Less so now than in times past. Stick with Zildjians and/or K's. Manufacturing has become so standardized that they wont disappoint even if purchased on line.

all the best...

[jgziegler]

Less so now than in times past. Stick with Zildjians and/or K's. Manufacturing has become so standardized that they wont disappoint even if purchased on line.

all the best...

Mmmmmmm I really can't agree with that. In my local store, they had two 22" medium A rides, one was about a half octave different from the other, and many times I've tried a cymbal with the intention to buy and it wasn't the right sound. Now, that doesn't mean they were disappointing but...

They also have some Ks there that were really just useless (rides). For that money you could just buy some A customs and mute them and get basically the same sound. So those were disappointing.

Like with many things in life, it comes down to experience. I might see things differently if I had got some great deal on cymbals online and the sound was good. I'm just not keen to flip that coin...