Comparing Hi-Hats - Which one is your sound?

[@Pearl3Drummer]

The A custom and light hats sounds great, especially the slosh

[@NickCostaMusic]

Exactly why they're my go to sets. A custom for brigther, and K light for darker. Although, the Fat hats are becoming a new staple as well - they're right in the middle!

[@westleedrums]

My first pro level hi hats were 14" new beats. Love their versatility. Then in 2018 I came across a set of 15" K Sweet hats and love them. I use the 15" K Sweets for almost every gig now.

[@NickCostaMusic]

You can’t go wrong with new beats - I remember Ash Soan saying he uses new beats for everything at PASIC 2019. Never played the 15” K sweets since I have the k lights, but I’ll have to check them out. How do they sound compared to the 15 k lights?

[@pal4597]

The 15" K Sweets are very nice. They sit nice in recording, and I get lots of compliments live from sound techs. I do like the K Light as well. There are good comparisons on KZbin between those HHs.

[@Romans219]

Zildjian A Mastersound 14 inch are great for versatility. I love B20 alloy cymbals

[@NickCostaMusic]

Agreed! They were my first pro pair of hats and I used them for everything. Appreciate you checking out the vid!

[@DZ-en4jy]

thanks for not mixing these all crazy with a ton of compression like most demo videos do - i'm trying to hear how the hats feel in the mix and this is the first video that pulls it off.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Really appreciate the kind words, thank you @DZ-en4jy ! Which hats did you like the most?

[@myaliasmakaveli1]

A CUSTOM MASTERSOUND!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Go to bright hats that work for a lot of things in my opinion. Currently using them on a musical run that lasts until mid January. What do you like most about the A custom master sounds?

[@myaliasmakaveli1]

@@NickCostaMusic I had the A customs a while back with a low end Zildjian hammered outer edge bottom cymbal and I loved the way it sounded! They just sound so bright and crisp specially for ballads, i like the sound of the K custom dry in all the KZbin videos but I’ve played on drier hats? Live but they kinda get lost in the live mix. I was curious if what the top custom K custom dry would sound on top of the crinky bottom? So I recently bought me a pair of A custom mastersounds top and bottom set

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@myaliasmakaveli1 I’ve experienced the same issues - certain house kits with brands known for that dry sound felt like I had to hit them twice as hard to get any sound of out them. Definitely just a trait of a drier cymbal - not that it’s a bad thing, just my ears aren’t use to that quick decay. If you ever experiment with a dry top hat with the a custom master sound bottom, let me know how they sound. Would love to hear your feedback!

[@timmismith8978]

I love my 13 inch A customs!!!!

[@G3ova2012]

K Mastersounds Bottom with A custom top. If only I had a MasterSound A or a New Beat to replace the top.

[@darrenconverseable]

Not listed, but 15" A Custom Mastersounds are unbelievable. Sound very similar to the 14"

[@NickCostaMusic]

Didn’t even know they started making them in 15”. How do they sound compared to 14s in this vid?

[@darrenconverseable]

Slightly lower pitched but they sound very similar. Just more punch.

[@isihernandez9752]

My favourite is definitely the 15" K light. I also have a set and it simply sounds beautiful in any situation, so "versatile" is a word that could define it so well. I complement it with a 14" K Custom Dark (wich I often use as an X-hat while the 15" K light is the main one), with a drop of dryness on it but not too much, and with my old trusty 14" Sabian AA Light, brighter than the others but not harsh at all. The K Custom Session is also a great hi hat. A friend of mine has one of those and I've played it a lot. I considered for a while to get one for me, but I finally decided for the KC Dark. With the A Custom line I have a sort of love/hate relationship. I like the crashes but not the rides or hats. I've also played them a lot with some friends kits since it's a very popular line by here. It's not that they don't sound good, it's just that they don't tell me anything. The KC Special Dry and the Trap hats... well, there's nothing wrong with them, but they just are not for me. Concerning the sizes, I've played 14" for most of my life. Never liked 13" or smaller and always was curious in trying some 15" and bigger, but for long time I didn't had the occasion. When I finally tried them.... well, for me 15" has become my new "standard" for a main hi hat. I also like how some 16" and even bigger hats sound, but don't find them very practical in terms of setting up, comfort, weight, etc.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Pretty crazy how a set of 15" hats can be so versatile. Maybe the size and dark K sound allows them to be a chameleon of sorts. I personally never played the 14" K darks, but I'll look into them! For your Sabian AAs - how do they compare to Zildjian's A customs? I don't have much knowledge of Sabian's, but was always under the impression their AAs were like Zildjian A, and HH were like Zildjian K.

[@isihernandez9752]

@@NickCostaMusic I don't know what the 15" K lights have, but they're just... awesome...! 😂 The KC Dark are also great. I find mine with a nice stick definition (maybe not as much as the K Session, but I never tried to flip them over anyway... mmmmmm...🤔). They are darker than the Sessions and have a bit of dryness (nothing close to the Special Dry, of course). My AA Lights vs the A Customs: they are not as bright as the ACs (it could also be because they are old and dirty, but I don't think it's the only reason 😂), and they definitely have a less marked chick. I've also heard or read that the vintage AAs were equivalent to the As and the HHs to the Ks (and the same with AAXs/ACs and HHXs/KCs), but I never had a pair of A hats to compare with. It could perfectly be the case with mine, since it's an old late 80's / early 90's set, but the weights may not be as equivalent. These AA light are really... light (I can't tell you by heart now, but I weighted them and they must be like 700 or 800 ish g.), and as far as a I know, older As were heavier than they are today. The bottom is definitley lighter than a New Beat bottom, that's for sure. However the lights were discontinued from the AA line long ago, maybe other models can actually be more equivalent.

[@gnosticnomad8389]

Great comparison and killer snare tone! I was especially impressed with the sessions (I have a great season ride). I currently have three sets of hats in my regular rotation. 14” 60s A hats, 14” A custom master sound, and 14” kerope top over a K custom special dry. I’m still on the search for a 15” set of keropes and a 14” set of pre aged dry hats.

[@NickCostaMusic]

That's a great selection you have there! How do the kerope over k custom special dry sound?

[@joseserrano7437]

Zildjian K Custom Session and A Custom Mastersound are my favorite cymbals of all.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Both are super loud, too. Easily cut though any mix!

[@James1623]

The 14” K Custom Sessions were my favourite 😻

[@NickCostaMusic]

I've been using them a lot recently. They cut, but have a little darker sound than the A custom mastersounds. What did you like the most about them?

[@af7119]

I love Zildjian's take on Paiste sound edge.

[@NickCostaMusic]

So glad they did - was never a fan of paiste’s B8 sound. Always sounded too shimmery to me, but hey that’s why they all exist right? An option for everyone. Appreciate ya checking out the vid.

[@af7119]

@@NickCostaMusic cymbals are supposed to shimmer honestly.

[@butchcassidy3373]

Those K sessions were really nice I can't decide what I want. Lol

[@NickCostaMusic]

They’re surprisingly very loud, too. They cut!

[@JavierMartinez-rz4vc]

I have K custom session ,.. amazing pair

[@NickCostaMusic]

They are pretty awesome. Surprisingly they cut more than any of the hats in this video. Appreciate you checking out the vid!

[@grachisol8236]

I love the K custom session hats.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Nice! They're surprisingly the loudest pair out of all of them. Although lower in pitch, they sure do cut. What did you like most about them?

[@kocots1991]

Thank you for the video and good comparison! My favorites also are 15” K Light hats along with K Custom Session ones. I am currently looking to get the Light hats because if the versatility, but my only concern is if they do not lose stick definition too easily and become too washy and how would they work in a louder situation (for example a rock gig, not metal).

[@NickCostaMusic]

I love how versatile the 15” k lights are! Originally used them in a rock band with 3 guitar players and they held up - not too harsh like brighter hats, but still had definition. No joke I used them on small jazz trio gigs too after I forgot to swap them before a gig! I was shocked how they still had great definition at lower volumes too. K custom sessions cut the most out of the 5 in my opinion. Maybe it’s due to the weight? Appreciate you checking out the vid!!

[@kocots1991]

@@NickCostaMusic I think it is because of the weight. Interestingly the top of K Custom Session hats is heavier than bottom & the top looks to have brilliant finish which should make cymbal sound brighter. I think because of that vesatility the Light hats are the most expensive of five of them (at least in Europe).

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@kocots1991 Interesting! My k custom session bottom is brilliant too, just the hammering/lathing is different. with the K lights - that very well could be!

[@milodogliani1727]

Wow! I came here for disco hihats and was impressed the same two sets as you, this is obviously not a coincidence

[@milodogliani1727]

You wanna start a band!?! ;)

[@HuckFinn212]

Came for the hats, stayed for the snare and the bass drum! Get some 14" New Beats, they will sit perfect in the mix. Even regular Ks will sound perfect for most contexts.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Can’t beat the sound of Ludwig. Love new beats - I think I’ll have to grab a set!

[@dreamdrummer01]

Thought 15 were gonna be my fav, but those 13 OMG that's what Ive been looking for. I play in small venues and they seems to be the perfect ones for the job. I own a 14 New Beats and 14 A custom/ Z custom. Been looking for something more dark and less noisy. Nice videl

[@NickCostaMusic]

The 13 k custom special dry are definitely unique, but sounds like they’re just what you’re looking for! Small enough you don’t have to smash to get sound, dark like a K, and direct so they don’t overpower a small venue! 🥁

[@platterjockey]

I like crispiness of the Zildjian Ks, but they seem like they need to be played harder to get a good volume.

[@NickCostaMusic]

They wake up a bit, especially being 15s when you hit them harder for sure

[@lucabassi6561]

15"

[@NickCostaMusic]

Nice! What did you like most about the 15"?

[@lucabassi6561]

is more beautiful when play 1/16 rithm

[@RockbertoRocks]

I like the Custom 14" A, but this video made me still prefer Paiste 2002 or Signature

[@VictorRodriguez-fk2ox]

Hi, enjoyed your hihat demonstrations of various selections. I could not see clearly the K brand which sounded crisp with clarity. I’m looking for that kind of feel. Thx

[@NickCostaMusic]

Hey Victor - there are actually 3 different K hats in the video. 3:00 are the 13" K Custom Special Dry, 5:44 are the 14" K Custom Session, and 6:45 are the 15" K Light. Hope this helps!

[@FreeRPGer]

Out of these I like a couple of the "K" hi hats on here, but not the Dry ones so much. The K's seem more dynamic to my ear, even in this vid, & the one set almost reminds me of my ZXT Titanium hi hats. Love the various dynamics of those, & the 1st K's you played in this vid reminded me of them a bit. Out of these, I liked the K's the most (except the dry ones).

[@NickCostaMusic]

Nice! Did you like the 15 K lights, or the K dark sessions?

[@FreeRPGer]

@@NickCostaMusic - if I remember correctly, it was the K Lights. (though I also liked the Dark Sessions). On a side note, my favorite China is the 17" K china. I seem to draw towards several cymbals in the "K" series. (I also like the S series trash crash alot - with holes).

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@FreeRPGer Nice! I only have a 20" A Custom china, but I'm looking for something smaller. I'll have to check out the 17" K!

[@FreeRPGer]

@@NickCostaMusic - Indeed, after hunting for some time, the 17" K is the one I finally settled on, which I had to have made for order. The other lil' China I have I also like, which blows my mind seeing as its only $35, but its the small trashy 12" Wuhan trash China. I *love* that for accents & such. Anyhow, if my *Titanium ZXT* hi hats ever need to be replaced, so far methinks I'll go with the *14" Paiste 900 series Sound Edge* hats, or the *15" Zildjian K lights.*

[@Pearl3Drummer]

Whats the name of the song played in the beginning of the video? A customs best to my ears!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Song is called El Raval by Philly band St. Brendan. I tracked drums on it - check it out on their spotify page - tinyurl.com/StBrendanOnSpotify

[@laiftaim]

Trap. I like smooth, jazzy hats.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Oh word! I really like the 15 k lights for small group settings. Surprisingly they sit beautifully in the mix

[@laiftaim]

@@NickCostaMusic I like 13" or 15" because 14" is the default and has the most. Of course, I like the Big 4, but I like and use Turkish cymbals that are cheaper and more cost-effective than that. So I also really like Bosphorus and Istanbul. I really like Bosphorus Lyric I want to try it, the MEINL Byzance Jazz 15" hat that I think would really suit my taste. And... it's great fun to make own custom cymbal using two 14" crashes. It'll be really fun to put together two 16" crashes.

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@laiftaim Totally agree. There are more options than ever for drummers, and some of the smaller shops are making some great sounding items. Always cool to experiement - Steve Jordan is known for putting two crashes together for hi-hats. Thomas Pridgen does it too from time to time.

[@jdcoslow]

Is there anyway you could weigh your K lights top and bottom? I’m curious how many grams each are…..they sound great…..even better than some of the same model that I’ve heard in the past. Thanks, great vid….liked and subscribed.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Maybe I can try my kitchen scale to see if that works? I really appreciate the kind words and the sub, thank you 🙏🏼 🥁

[@Kronus_Music]

Does anyone here have issues with their new beats being too abrasive? They certainly aren't "bad" but I feel like they cut through a little too much. I play rock music but I'm not exactly a heavy hitter. Really digging the 15 inch k lights in this video.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Some have said over time new beats start to mellow out, but I've never personally experienced that. The 15 K lights are a killer set of hats - extremely versatile for being on the larger side!

[@bonzomio]

@@NickCostaMusic Cymbal weights will make a big difference on New Beats as well. I have a lighter pair 876g/1382g that are pretty mellow. I also have 15 K Lights and 14 K Custom Dry. All great hats! Thanks for the video!

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@bonzomio Very true! That's why some shops list the cymbal weights in their listings. I actually use mycymbal.com to hear various weights to get an idea of the sound I prefer. Out of the 3 sets, which one do you use the most?

[@bonzomio]

​@@NickCostaMusic I've interchanged back and forth with the New Beats and 15 K lights, depending on my mood, but the 15 K Lights have gotten the most playing time. I just received the 14 K Custom Special Dry hats, so those are getting all my attention right now and appear to be heading towards my "go to" hats. Sonically they seem to be in the same frequency range as the 15 K Lights (a little dryer), so much so that I may sell the 15's off and just run with the New Beats and Special Dry hats. They're cool looking and I like the smaller size. They're all great hats, though! If I were younger, I'd keep all three, but as I get older I seem to be reducing the carbon footprint of my drums. I now have an 18 x 12 kick, and one metal and one wood snare (14 x 5- Ludwig Supra COB and Ludwig Classic Maple) to go with 10, 12, 14 toms and all Ultra-Light hardware. I've been putting up the 10 tom as a single, but have the option of going with the 12 or both. I've also lightened the weights of all my cymbals and pretty much know the range of weights I prefer. Be Well!

[@williehamilton1533]

The crash cymbal is best sounding out of all!! I 😁 great comparison, check out k fat hats 👍🥁drum on, bro

[@NickCostaMusic]

Thanks Willie! Actually have a set of the 14” fat hats - they’re fantastic! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZbRZ556qcuGldU

[@oli77sch]

Good comparison video! The Trap is the most special (and you demonstrate it very well with the chosen groove!), K Custom Session is my favorite, followed by 13" Special Dry (which I own) and K Light. I don't like the A Custom that much...

[@NickCostaMusic]

Much appreciated! Trap hats are a unique pair for sure, but they do what they’re suppose to VERY well. K custom sessions are definitely the loudest out of all of them - dark tones of Ks but projection like a customs. What did you like the most about the k custom sessions?

[@oli77sch]

@@NickCostaMusic to me, the K Custom Session seems to have the most 'general use sound', full and clear. And I simply like dark sounding cymbals!

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@oli77sch makes sense. Appreciate you checking out the vid, and the convo!

[@mattloesner]

How do you get your kick to sound so punchy! It sounds phenomenal what’s ur method?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate it matt! A lot has to do with choice of heads and tuning. I'm a big fan of the Remo PS3 clear for the batter and a smooth white for reso with a mic port. I then use one of the Remo Dave Weckl Bass Muffle and rest it against the batter head. Appreciate you checking out the video!

[@CyrilViXP]

Zildjian A New Beat

[@NickCostaMusic]

They are pretty great

[@_Music.A_]

A Custom MasterSound

[@NickCostaMusic]

Easily can cut through any mix - great choice!

[@maurogamba9308]

A custom amazing 😻

[@NickCostaMusic]

My go to set for a bright sound. What did you like most about them?

[@MaxCustom]

Очень странная подборка хэтов ( в. частности размеров ). Когда. сравниваешь- как минимум инструменты. должны быть одной дюймовки. И в чем задача, что именно тут сравнивается ?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Задача - услышать звуковые различия между ними. Сустейн, тон, артикуляция и многое другое. Некоторые предпочитают маленькое и прямое звучание, а другие любят большое и размытое. Видео помогает услышать широкий спектр различий в хай-хэтах

[@boobo3763]

Thanks for the vid! Leaning towards some mastersounds (regular A's and A Customs 14") as I'm finding my 14" New Beats to be somewhat lacking at times - Not as cutting in the mix or fast on the "taka-taka" stick work as I'd like. Looking at the Quick Beats, as well. You never know until you get stuff under the mics, but I've got a feeling the quick beats won't be my thing. I usually don't like things with holes or rings or dots or whatever... Full set of Zildjian A post 2013 crashes for recording... gotta match those, somehow...

[@NickCostaMusic]

It sounds as if you're looking for something that would cut a bit more than A new beats. If you like the brightness of the new beats, check out both the A Custom and A Custom Mastersound hats. The regular A Custom hats might be what you're looking for - similar sound characteristic as new beats, but the brilliant finish helps them project a bit more!

[@boobo3763]

@NickCostaMusic Dude, I'm SOO happy that you mentioned those! Have recently fallen in LOVE with the A Custom Mastersounds and intend to pick up a pair ASAP. I'd like to try the regular A Customs as well, but the Mastersounds (A Customs) have definitely captivated me... I remember playing an old set of regular A Mastersounds (maybe they were Avedis??), that were so bright you could slice your teeth on them - They had the most insane "zhhiiing" running through them constantly, and they were as heavy as a cast iron skillet. At the time, I saw them as unplayable, but I might feel differently about them now. Getting pretty hard to find, though - The regular A's...

[@DannyDrummer-q7f]

Walked away disappointed with all of them. Heard you play some 14 fat hats that were the bomb.

[@NickCostaMusic]

This vid was made before I got the 14" fat hats, which I agree - they rule!

[@blackrichard1029]

tImbre, not tAmbre! (and that intro is way to loud)

[@NickCostaMusic]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Your bass drum sound is unbelievable! Wow! Very nice.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Glad you enjoy it! 18X22 Classic Maple with an AKG D112 inside the kick.

[@lightfantastik]

Especially with a nice subwoofer attached to your computer rig.

[@af7119]

What snare is that? Black Beauty? Amazing tone.

[@NickCostaMusic]

It's the @ludwigdrumshq Pewter Copperphonic - one of my favorite snares!

[@af7119]

Thank you, sir!@@NickCostaMusic

[@shawnbruce6934]

All the Hats sound Great but the Kit and Playing Were Awesome!

[@NickCostaMusic]

I really appreciate that, thank you for the kind words!

[@ashpreet.singh07]

is that a ludwig black beauty snare? is it the 14x6.5 or 14.8?

[@NickCostaMusic]

It’s actually a 6.5x14 pewter cooperphonic - one of my go to snares (besides the 8x14 black beauty) amzn.to/3vg1j3o

[@jaredmann3452]

forget the hats, I want that snare. damn.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Ludwig 6.5x14 Pewter Copperphonic! One of if not my favorite snare

[@dilankarun9172]

@@NickCostaMusic When I heard it, sounds great. ,But I was like, its a Black Beauty duh ! Pewter Copperphonic ? Wow. Now I gotta go check it out 😀 Your whole kit sounds awesome. Ludwig Custom maple ? Yep.

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@dilankarun9172 Yeah, they were released for the 110th anniversary and sound fantastic. The pewter brightens up the tone, but it's still pretty direct like traditional copper. Sonically I think it sits between a copper and aluminum shell. Yep - entire kit is a Ludwig Classic Maple!

[@jemmace2586]

Great video, as usual!! I love Zildjian cymbals. They're all I play to be precise without the occasional quirky sounding Centent or Istanbul... I lean towards smaller hats ever since I bought a set of Zildjian K mastersound 13" hats back in 02', I need a set of 14" of the same range and I'm OK for now, other hat's I own are A new beats 12" and K custom hybrid 13.25" which are amazing sounding. I love the mastersound style crimping in the bottom cymbal, not as crunchy as mastersound labelled hat's but still really good, and very unique sounding, to do with the sizing, finishing of the cymbals themselves I'm guessing. That's a great selection you have there, all of those sets stand up well in all styles of music , thank you for another great video, top quality content. 👌

[@NickCostaMusic]

I'm with you, @jemmace2586 - love Zildjian, especially their rides! Sounds like you have a killer collection, too. I remember when 13 and 14s were the standards - now you're seeing more 14 and 15s. I'm sure those 13" k mastersounds have some bite to them. My 1st set of pro hats were 14" a custom mastersounds (thanks to Travis Barker and Cyrus Bolooki) - they're the ones in this video! I really appreciate the kind words, and thank you for checking out the vid 🙏🏼🥁

[@jackhejduk356]

I was never a fan of K series. Too dark for me. But A Custom Mastersound 14' sounds bright and juicy

[@NickCostaMusic]

Totally understandable - they're a big difference sonically compared to a customs. Me personally bounce back and forth between 14 A Custom Mastersounds for bright, and 15 k lights for dark. Appreciate you checking out the vid!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Good info, thanks, but it would’ve been a good idea to show screenshots of the Cymbals as you describe them before cutting back to yourself..? Gives people a better sense of what you’re talking about, especially when you describe “rigid bottom Cymbals“ and that kind of thing, and also hides your edits better. Thanks for listening.👍

[@NickCostaMusic]

Really appreciate the feedback and i'll definitely consider this in future shootout videos. Cheers!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

@@NickCostaMusic No Problem 👍

[@shanejohnson7603]

Nice solid playing bro... for me it's the k 14" mastersounds although not featured here they are versatile enough for anything your playing by and large 😎

[@NickCostaMusic]

Much appreciated, Shane! I haven’t played the 14” k master sounds - definitely gonna check em out! Would they sit somewhere between the K custom sessions and 15” K lights in this vid?

[@shanejohnson7603]

@@NickCostaMusic Yes definitely... they are exactly as the name implies...I would go as far as saying they are the best hats that zyldjian have ever made because they are a mixture of all the K's rolled into one... beautiful to record with... excellent cut live and depending on how you mic them... it's not what the cymbals can do for you but what you can do for the cymbals... versatility...master of all sounds ✋😎

[@NickCostaMusic]

@@shanejohnson7603 Awesome, I'll definitely have to check them out. Appreciate the recommendation and insight!

[@Assimilator702]

@@NickCostaMusic I have a pair of 14” K Mastersound and a pair of regular 14” K Hihats which are both my favorites right behind the K Custom Hybrids. They both have just enough bite like the K a custom Hybrids but slightly less sizzle and more “Khwooo” sound when played partially open. I suggest trying a pair of K Mastersound.

[@JazzyJonas]

I liked them all, but I think the K custom session hats would sound best with my band, or maybe the A custom Mastersounds. Those trap hats are perfect for trap music lol

[@NickCostaMusic]

Surprisingly the k custom session hats cut the most - similarly to the A custom master sounds with a darker tone. Trap hats definitely a 1 trick pony lol

[@johnweyers2685]

Definitely the first K.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Those 13” k custom special dry are a vibe.

[@ZackMester]

I think the Sessions Hats are at an actual size of 13-3/4” which is quite interesting

[@NickCostaMusic]

It is! Now I’m gonna have to measure them…

[@Paul-ek5ey]

Yeah the K are nice A Custom 14in master sound best I have had cool video all these hats sounds great

[@NickCostaMusic]

Love both of them - 14 A custom mastersounds were the first set of pro hats I purchased. Appreciate the kind words and checking out the vid!

[@rguizar10]

A custom projection hats are better than mastersound

[@NickCostaMusic]

Haven't tried them - what do you like about them over the mastersounds?

[@mohddalibinzali1165]

Still 13" 13" and 13" no one hihat sound great like 13". You can go it with jazz,rock n disco

[@NickCostaMusic]

You're right there - nothing sounds like a set of 13s for sure!

[@venzlaysa]

Love that A custom 😍

[@NickCostaMusic]

My 1st set of pro hi-hats. They can cut through anything and sound fantastic

[@franciscowidmer]

What about K Sweet hats? 15"s for example?

[@NickCostaMusic]

I honestly haven’t played them. I like the K sweet line - especially the 23” ride, but have only checked out a couple pieces

[@Bill-vy3fx]

14 K Custom Session & 15 K light👍

[@NickCostaMusic]

The K custom sessions really cut - surprisingly louder than the others (in a good way). 15 k lights are super versatile, too!

[@WyzrdCat]

Honestly they all sound good, I'm just trying to figure out why my Zildjian I hi hats sound like absolute ass... even same hats on youtube sound great... but like a tin can in person...

[@NickCostaMusic]

Love Zildjian, though the i series are rebranded ZBTs - they're not made to be the best sounding. Great starter cymbals, though I'd recommend the S series if you're on a limited budget. The S series hats have a decent sound!

[@WyzrdCat]

@@NickCostaMusic I traded the I hats in and got New Beats. I tried them in the store and they sounded great. But at home I still have the same problem with the hollow tin noise, so it's not the hats.

[@unh0ly362]

the zildjians shop trap hats works bes as a second hi hat or stack ngl

[@NickCostaMusic]

Oooh - I'll have to give that a shot. Appreciate the tip!

[@brennenthomas726]

Out of these, I like the K light the most

[@NickCostaMusic]

They're great - way more versatile than I expected

[@evanhayes5891]

Is it the 18" crash that's in camera by the hi hats?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Yep - an 18" A Custom crash!

[@nickdoubleu5637]

That is one great hats demo vid. Sound, tone, playing - top stuff.

[@NickCostaMusic]

Many thanks, @nickdoubleu5637 ! Which hats did you prefer?

[@nickdoubleu5637]

The 15 K Lights​@@NickCostaMusic

[@NickCostaMusic]

They're one of my favorites too (Usually them, or the 14" A custom mastersounds)

[@ghentforce2020]

Play the damn cymbals already

[@NickCostaMusic]

Timestamps can help you scrub along...

[@jaguaresed]

Love the 2nd one the Zildjian A

[@NickCostaMusic]

Nice! What did you like about it the most?

[@samlagreca9283]

Love them all ! But the 13” are my favourite!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Nice, Sam! What did you like most about them?

[@platterjockey]

I grew up playing the tried and true 13'' Zildjians from the 70s. I am still trying to wrap my head around playing 15'' hats.

[@emiliovignoni8462]

Hello!!...i'm poor ...i have a paiste pst5 hi hat medium ...jajaja...I'm from Argentina😰😁

[@NickCostaMusic]

Hi Emilio! Those are great hats to get started. I had cracked ZBTs for decades before I got my first pro set of hi hats. Find the pair that is your sound, and keep searching for a used pair. They’re just as reliable as new and MUCH more affordable

[@myaliasmakaveli1]

What do you think an A custom matersound bottom and a Kcustom dry would sound like

[@NickCostaMusic]

Hmmm! Really depends on how heavy the k custom dry top is. The bottom of an A custom master sound is pretty thick, so if it’s thinner/lighter maybe a dryer “chick” , trasher when they’re fully closed, and a mix when slightly open? Might have to find a 14” special dry top to try it out!

[@t-man5196]

Nick Costa the imposta!

[@NickCostaMusic]

T-man the he-man !

[@t-man5196]

@@NickCostaMusic is that a compliment?

[@NickCostaMusic]

Just playing off the comment you left...

[@espencer83]

Been leaning towards the A custom master sounds. Sounds great! What kick beater are you using? Besides the head choice, I think that beater adds that punch.

[@NickCostaMusic]

A Custom Mastersounds are my go-to when I need something bright. They were my first pro set of hats and have been a staple ever since. The beater is a Vic Firth VKB1 (Medium Hard Felt) with the radial side making contact with the head - amzn.to/3DUv2Rj Head choice(s) are a PS3 clear on the batter with a Dave Weckl bass drum mute pressed against it, and a PS3 smooth white on the reso side with a 4" mic port.

[@espencer83]

@@NickCostaMusic , Nice. Great videos you have shared. Thank you

[@terdburglar]

(Fist in the air) “Not quite my tempo…”

[@NickCostaMusic]

Just don’t throw a chair at my head! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dagb7271]

15” K Light ❤

[@NickCostaMusic]

It’s surprising how versatile they are!

[@andyham6094]

Those trap hats sound pretty dope!!

[@NickCostaMusic]

Pretty cool, right? I did a full demo of them here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpbbqpeIqrSbrNU Appreciate ya checking out the vid!

[@tonyjuguan4292]

That "industry standard" sounding A Custom Mastersound hats tho 🤔👂 ...definitely upgrading to that soon

[@NickCostaMusic]

So many of my favorite drummers played em growing up. Definitely why they were my 1st set of professional hats

[@johnteixeira1564]

Thanks Nick! I'm looking to upgrade from my Zildjian ZBT's to a better crisper sound. Started drumming over 50 yrs ago. Retiring now and spending more time playing. In the 60's I had Zildjian's and liked the crisp high hat sound. The K customs sound like what I'm looking for. Ill be back to listen some more. Thank you!

[@NickCostaMusic]

You’re very welcome, John! Great to hear you’re spending more time playing, and congrats on the retirement. Any of the options in this vid would be a great upgrade from your current setup, but also take a look at the Avedis line - they’re modeled after the A cymbals from the 60s. zildjian.com/cymbals/a-avedis-hihats.html If you have any questions feel free to reach out. Happy to help in anyway I can!

[@HermesTrismegistes369]

The mastersounds sound great, I also have them in 14". I'm selling them and gonna get the 15's, for that beautiful sizzle. I also have k hybrids, love em as well. I also love the k mastersounds, they're a kick ass hat for the gigging drummers arsenal.

[@NickCostaMusic]

The mastersounds are my go to if I need bright hats - they're killer! I've never heard the k hybrids or k mastersounds in person, but I'll definitely have to check them out. How do they sound compared to the K custom session hats from this vid?

[@ghaliajj]

Awesome video! Which one(s) would you say has the fastest response for rebounds and bounces?

[@NickCostaMusic]

I guess the smallest ones do, but to me it’s a minimal difference you can barely feel