Hi Hat sound descriptions

[Manicoti]

I have the 13" K/Z's as well and found the same as you. Maybe i'll look at the mastersounds, at least til i win the lottery [img]smile.gif[/img]
Randy, how are the heavies? I play a lot of country and some bluegrass as well, in rooms that are quite small(these guys i freelance for play all acoustic instruments so i need hats that aren't too overpowering). Are the heavies loud? I also play rock and some blues as well so i'm looking for a set of hats that will do all.
Thanks!
M

[Randy walker]

I use these hats myself for all types of gigs and sessions and they work wonderfully. These are the same hats that Carlos Vega used too. Jeff Porcaro used heavies but in the Paiste 602 line which of course is discontinued, but the sigg series was to be very close to the 602's.
trust me when I say these hats are very versitile and will not over power unless you dig into them, perfect 'chic' sound, great stic definition, great slosh sound. I use them on country gigs, rock gigs, sessions, jazz trio gigs. Never a problem with being too loud.

[tombo74]

I have Paiste's hats with soundedge. They're high, bright and cut through everything. I used them a lot in calypso/merengue/flamenco music when there's lots of percs and you want the hats to cut and be heard. But the soundedge make a real bad "chick" sound, and those ripples tend to induce cracks along the edge.

My other hats are 14" A customs. They have a generic versatile sound but I don't consider them bright, in fact, maybe a bit dark.

Carter Beauford hat sound might be what you're looking for. Check what he uses on his instructional video: high, bright, tight. Some kind of combo I think (dynobeat/K) or New beats.

[Daniel LeClaire]

Originally posted by Tombo 7/4:
Carter Beauford hat sound might be what you're looking for. Check what he uses on his instructional video: high, bright, tight. Some kind of combo I think (dynobeat/K) or New beats.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">On his instructional video I believe he used the Zildjian 13" K/Z hats with the Z on top and K on bottom.

[Manicoti]

I'm looking at possibly ordering Paiste hi hats. I'm not quite sure how to describe the sound i want compared to Paiste's descriptions.
I want a hi hat that has a higher pitch sound when played closed. I had a set of Zildjian 14 K's and the were a little on the "dull" side when i played them closed. I'd like something with more of a brighter sound...i guess. And a lively chick sound. The current vintage hats i have right now have the closed sound i like but the chick sound is really dead.
I'm looking at either the 13" paiste dark crisp hi hats or the signature brilliant finish sound edge hi hats. I was leaning more to the dark crisp hats but they're described as "fairly dark". Does this mean they'll be a little more lower pitched or duller in sound?
Thanks for the info!
PS: does anyone know where to get a set of either of these for a good price. I'm in canada so by the time i pay for them in US, have them shipped and then pay duty, they end up costing a fortune.
Mani

[Randy walker]

I would go with Signature series 14" Heavies. MO

[mja61]

I know you mentioned Paiste, but as a possible alternative....

I've checked out a few pairs of Zildjian A Custom hats recently...14" Regular, Projection, and Mastersound...all were pretty nice (esp. the Mastersound version). They all had a deep tone, but with a "cut" or "brightness" to the closed sound (either with stick, or closing with foot), comparied to the "dullness" of the K/K Customs.

The Sabian AAX line probably sounds very similar. Since the factory is in Canada, maybe you can get those cheaper up there?

I'm not too familiar with the Paiste lines, but I've checked out some of the higher-end stuff over the last few years (Signature Series). Anything that was labeled "Dark Crisp" sounded good from what I remember.

I've got 13" K/Z hats (what can I say....huge Vinnie/Weckl influence!!) They work really well, but even that heavy polished Z on the bottom doesn't give them that same bright attack of the A Customs.

[Pocketime]

I use to use the Paiste sound edges 14" many years ago and I found them to be very bright and and crisp. They were really beautiful when miked through a PA and wonderful for studio work. I would suggest that maybe you go to your local drum shop and try putting together differnt combinations of cymbals to get that really custom sound. For instance, trying different combinations of bottoms and tops or utilizing just different configurations of just bottoms to put a pair together. I was just reading about someone who was using an A custom bottom for a top hat and a Z bottom for the bottom hat. The combinations are numerous and if you just spend a little time you may just stumble on exactly what you are looking for or something even better!! I am in the process of doing the same thing. Check out AJs' Pro Percussion website, they have some really good deals through the internet. Oh yea, "Keep It In The Pocket". PT.

[CLWarunki]

...and those hats mentioned above sound just like Sabian AAX fusion hats. From what it sounds like, these could be your dream hats... maybe try the 13" HH Fusion hats for a touch darker than AAX. Power/Definition to the max. Vented heavy bottom hat for that clean "chick" sound.

[Manicoti]

Thanks for all the info.
I may have to wait on the hats. My focus has been changed to drums. Somehow i've talked my wife into letting me order a new kit.
I'm thinking DW's. The dilemma i'm having is sizes. I'm thinking the "short" toms which are 5x10, 6x12 and 7x14 vs 7x10, 8x12 and 10x14. Then 24" or 22" bass drum and either 18 or 20"s deep?
I like seeing and hearing stuff before i buy. Kinda nerve racking buying a kit you haven't seen or heard yet.
I was thinking Gretsch but after the trouble i've had with my renowns and the trouble i've heard with the customs, i think i'll stay away.
Mani