Buying Guide for the Best Hi Hats
Choosing the right hi-hats for your drum kit is essential for achieving the sound and feel you desire. Hi-hats are a crucial component of a drum set, providing rhythm and texture to your music. When selecting hi-hats, consider the sound you want to produce, the genre of music you play, and your playing style. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.SizeHi-hats come in various sizes, typically ranging from 12 to 15 inches in diameter. The size of the hi-hats affects their sound and volume. Smaller hi-hats (12-13 inches) produce a tighter, more controlled sound, making them suitable for genres like jazz or funk. Medium-sized hi-hats (14 inches) offer a balanced sound that works well for most styles of music. Larger hi-hats (15 inches) provide a louder, fuller sound, ideal for rock or metal. Choose the size based on the genre you play and the sound you prefer.
MaterialHi-hats are made from various alloys, each contributing to the cymbal's sound and durability. Common materials include brass, B8 bronze, and B20 bronze. Brass hi-hats are more affordable and produce a bright, cutting sound, but they may not be as durable. B8 bronze hi-hats offer a balanced sound with good durability, making them suitable for a wide range of music styles. B20 bronze hi-hats are known for their rich, complex tones and excellent durability, preferred by professional drummers. Consider the material based on your budget, playing style, and desired sound quality.
WeightThe weight of hi-hats affects their sound and responsiveness. Light hi-hats are more sensitive and produce a softer, more delicate sound, making them ideal for jazz and acoustic settings. Medium-weight hi-hats offer a versatile sound that works well for various music genres. Heavy hi-hats produce a louder, more powerful sound with a longer sustain, suitable for rock and metal. Choose the weight based on the volume and responsiveness you need for your playing style.
FinishHi-hats come in different finishes, such as traditional, brilliant, and raw. The finish affects the cymbal's appearance and sound. Traditional finishes provide a warm, classic sound with a balanced frequency range. Brilliant finishes offer a bright, shimmering sound with enhanced high frequencies, making them stand out visually and sonically. Raw finishes produce a darker, more complex sound with a unique appearance. Consider the finish based on the sound characteristics you prefer and the visual aesthetic you want for your drum kit.
Sound ProfileThe sound profile of hi-hats includes factors like pitch, sustain, and overtones. Higher-pitched hi-hats produce a bright, cutting sound, while lower-pitched hi-hats offer a warmer, more mellow tone. Sustain refers to how long the cymbal rings after being struck; shorter sustain is better for fast, articulate playing, while longer sustain suits slower, more powerful styles. Overtones are the additional frequencies produced by the cymbal, contributing to its overall complexity. Choose the sound profile based on the specific sound characteristics you need for your music.