Your hi-hat

[dum-dum-soc]

I am using 14 inch Mastersound and I am thinking of getting 14 inch quick beat hats. What kind of hats do you use and would you recommend?

[PocketPlayer]

Hey DDSoc
Wondering if you caught my thread in another forum? I am dealing w/this very topic right now!!!

I have Sabian 14" med on top and Paiste Rude 1000 on bottom and am not happy right now. I am after a more Porcaro sound yet am baffled due to recording technology and what "really" the acoustic hats sound like. So, whenever I hear a live performer I like, I am at the drum kit after first set is over.

When I hear Virgil Live (the drummer I've heard the most over the past two years) he has a killer snare sound. I've got his head choices and and tried to obtain his tuning method. Virg plays a very open sounding kit, almost what you would see in your local drum shop. His hats don't cry out to me, so I've not pursued his choice.

Herman Matthews has a good sound, but his ride stood out to me seeing him Live.

On record, Jeff's hat sound is what I'm basically after. Rayford Griffin has a nice sound as well. I feel Jeff's hats are key, but how he plays them is the real story. After viewing some rather rare TOTO concerts from the Hydra tour, Turn Back tour, IV tour, and a late Kingdom of Desrie show, there is total consistency in how Jeff played his hats. As David Garfield said about Jeff, it's his total conviction and focus as he plays the notes which make him stand apart from the pack.

There are SO many great players and hats sounds out there. Maybe it's a paraylsis from choices today.

Still in search of hat love! [img]redface.gif[/img]

[sashal3]

Why quick beats? I'm using a bottom New Beat from the 80's and a thinner top Zildjian from the 70's. I've been using these for the last 12 years and I haven't found anything that sounds or feels as good. I would suggest just experimenting and trying different combinations until you find something that works for you. Sometimes these thing just creep up on you. I camee across some new K's while on tour and I decided not to get them...bad mistake! You just never know. Ultimately,you want to find some thing that works well with your ride. It's hard because it's a very important and personal part of your sound and groove. Take your time....

[numeroUnoHODfan]

When I had a few bucks to spend I decided to personalize my hats like the pros did, with different tops and bottoms, and found a nice combo in 13" Zildjians - Z on bottom, and Quick Beat on top.

But that's just me.

[img]wink.gif[/img]

[neber_dude]

Hey PocketPlayer, if you're having trouble finding the right cymbal, register on the Cymbalholic forums forums (You have to register for the cymbal disscussion forums to appear, otherwise guests can only few the Member cymbal picture gallerys I think). There's loads of cymbal experts to help out with cymbal advice and finding that perfect sound.

[Randy walker]

I have about 6 or so different pairs of hats.
Sabian 14' regular
Paiste 14" signature heavy (jeff and carlos used these)
Bosphorus 14" Gold (on the heavsy side)
Sabian 13" Garibaldi hats (tight sound)
These I use the most

[Randy walker]

Yes it's very possible to find a pair of hats for ALL situations.

[PocketPlayer]

Thanks for the cymbalholic site...mostly images and very little discussion going on (replies).

I've thought seriously about that Garibaldi set-up Randy. Funk drumming has become my love the past two years or so, yet, I mostly play cover band stuff which is pop rock.

Here's a dated example, but one that comes to mind. The into of The Babys tune, "Head First" starts with 4 hat beats B4 the band kicks in. Tony Brock plays a perfect tight hat sound during the verse and before the chorus, starts to loosen up as he builds to the chorus. This "swish" he gets is perfect IMO. The hats used (recorded) allow for a very crisp, full sound, and the swish still maintains. When I play the same way, my hats seem to fall out during the "swish"...they just don't have a full sound to me.

My top hat is probably too light, but I tend to be weary of heavy 14". It surprises me Jeff used 14" heavy hats with his more diminutive kit (14" floor tom) as seen in his video. I saw a Live TOTO show off the Hydra tour and he seemed to be playing Rude cymbals on the hats. I will have to stop the DVD for a closer look next time...I'm sure they were 14" and looked heavy. When I heard him play "Hold the Line" he got the same sound he had on the studio cut.

[neber_dude]

Originally posted by PocketPlayer:
Thanks for the cymbalholic site...mostly images and very little discussion going on (replies).

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You need to register/sign-up to have access to the cymbal disscussion forums. You only get access to the image galleries as a visiting guest. Honestly, theres some great discussion going on in the main forums.

[Derek DeFields]

I use and love 14" Quick Beats, Brilliant finish. I also own 13 Ks, K/Zs and 13 K Custom Darks. All are great.

I think the Soul Cages video with Vinnie is a classic example of how 14" Quick Beats sound. Also, in my experience those particular hi-hats are VERY consistent pair to pair so you could mail order those without fear. K's are nowhere near as consistent; I would not buy those without hearing them in person.