HOW TO SHOP FOR HI-HATS - What To Look For

[@leeschmitz993]

When I started, about 15 years ago, I was really into heavy metal, and foolishly purchased a pair of 15" A Custom Mastersound hats. Don't get me wrong, they were very clean sounding hats, when they were closed. But open, they were completely uncontrollable. Especially considering that I was playing in my church band, and never, ever ended up playing heavy metal. So 3 years later, when I upgraded my set, I bought a pair of 14" AA Stage Hats. Open, these cymbals were much more controllable than my 15s. But closed, they lost the crispness that drew me to the 15s. Fast forward another 2 years, at a time when I was a huge Dave Weykl fan, I bought a pair of 14" HHX Legacy hats. These cymbals were still missing.. something. But they were okay. So I used them up until 2015, when I bought a pair of 13" Meinl Byzance Jazz Thin Hi Hats. These hats have everything. They're crispier than sizzlin' bacon, they have an open sound I can control, AND they're lively enough for all the bands I play with.

[@jonpryor2656]

Love The Byzance Jazz hats. I'm looking at the 14s or 15s right now.

[@Savignylol]

@David Calderon That's what she said!

[@dee66daniel72]

You play Zyldjian - try Tosco or UFIP ...;) and old Paiste 602 ... Black - Label!

[@SaltWaterDrums]

That's a long, expensive journey to the right hats!

[@SaltWaterDrums]

@@dee66daniel72 I played a pair of 70s UFIP hats for a while, very, VERY nice cymbals. That company went down hill in later years unfortunately when they decided to pretend to be a Turkish company to compete with Zildjian rather than staying true to their history.

[@conors4430]

I was lucky enough a couple of years after I started drumming as a teenager, when I was still obsessed with brand-name instruments and what famous drummers were using. I had an owner of my local drum shop. Give me a great lesson. I walked in asking for a certain type of hats that was really expensive, he asked me why I wanted them, and I couldn’t really give him a good reason beyond. I heard somebody really awesome uses them. I also happened to be blind, so he lined up 10. Different high hats in a row and told me to hit them all, but he wouldn’t tell me what brand they were, or how much they cost, the ones I ended up liking the most were $400 hand hammered metal, a brand I had never heard of before, which was so no name it was written on their hats with marker. 15 years later, they still barely have a nick in them, compared to some of the stuff I had before that were supposedly brand-name. Best lesson I ever got.

[@bluebossa54]

Thanks so much Rob! I really appreciate what you've done for drumming and education online. I'm a 60 something newbie. Am using Sabian 14" B8 hats that came with the used Gretsch Catalina kit. They sound fine to my ears, so i will have to wait until I get better at this. 🇺🇲🥁

[@ricklord7144]

Hey I took your advice and canted the bottom cymbal on my hats! WOW!!! What a difference ! They now sound absolutely awesome! A pair of 14 inch Zildjian K Dark! Thanks a ton!!!

[@samalvey833]

I'm a new drummer... been playing guitar for many years though. Playing A custom mastersound hats. Heavy bottom, medium heavy top and I LOVE them. Coming out of Louisville, ky and now hanover, Indiana. Liked and subscribed plus I hit that bell action. Thank you for the kick drum tuning video. I've been tuning for my drummers for years and I was the guy with all granny's quilts in the kick. I opted for the emad2 and the wider dampener, one small PDP eq pillow on the reso side (barely touching) and a remo eq patch on batter side, DW 7000 pedal with felt beater and I want my OWN autograph now. It's the best sound I've EVER heard. Even running sound for famous national acts. My kick is the beastiest I've ever heard. Flawless. Thank you again!

[@Lifebehindthebeard]

I'm 40 videos in and every single one is direct and clear!!!! I laid my kit to rest 6 years ago .. Picked it up last week and I need drummers like you... Keep WINNING bro... I'd like to know about how you prep your music room

[@MorbidVisions310]

My man was feeling it @1:17 some real deep down, spiritual type shit 🙏 if you know, you know. This is some in the pocket goodness.

[@bdbop]

Great rundown, Rob. Only thing I'd add is that the most important thing and the FIRST thing I look for in shopping for hihats - the pedal "chic" or "chup" sound! This is what the hats will be doing MOST in almost every tune you play while your sticks are elsewhere on the kit. If one of the hats is sitting lopsided on the stand, you'll most likely get a "clop" sound out of the closure rather than a more articulate tight sound. Love your videos.

[@owendurkin6292]

Ive been a hard core Paiste 15" 2002 Soundedge guy forever. A few months ago a great drummer and good friend (MAD love to Mark A.) hooked me up with a great pair of Zildjian New Beat 15's and theyre absolutely everything to me. Power, cut, heat, solid chick, great, musical stick definition and they sound incredible whether youre mashing the snot outta them or tickling them lightly. I'll never feel musically out of place in any situation with these beauties.

[@Gk2003m]

Decades ago I received a pair of Sabian 14” Sizzle hats. The sizzles are gone… but the bottom cymbal has two large air-escape holes in it. Makes them lightning quick, a great pair of hihats for rock and funk. Then I also have a 14” Zildjian cymbal which, when I use it as the top and the ‘top’ from my Sabians as the bottom, sounds great for jazz.

[@alonzoj1193]

I love your tutorials, I'm a huge fan of work. Thanx for breaking down your video's down the way you do. You don't try to upsell drummers to buy the most expensive items. You just let us know what works for you and give us ideas of different ways to accomplish the sounds we want. Thank you Mr. Brown

[@harveyterry6418]

You're the only one I take lessons from, thanks, iv learned a lot, I'm a rock metal player from east Texas. Thank you my brother

[@leroymistretta2367]

I'm actually playing two 16" medium thin Zildgian crash cymbals for hats. As you stated. " You like more real estate." Me too.

[@TheCookster64]

Just came across this video and I watch you a lot! Always been a Paiste fan since I started playing drums. Currently have 20" 2002 heavy ride, 15" 2002 heavy hi-hats (the first two I ever owned, bought in 1985), 14" 2002 sound edge hi-hats (right side), 16, 17, 18, 19" signature crashes, 20" signature china. LOVE them. They'll cut through four Marshalll stacks with ease. The sound is so superior to literally every other cymbal maker out there.

[@grandtheftautocj]

Hello Mr. Brown, I just wanted to show my apreciation for your videos. To be honest, I don't even play drums, but, I find your videos very informative and really enjoy your playing, I think you are a stellar drummer. Keep up the good work.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Rod GS Thanks, man. Nice to see even non-drummers diggin' the videos 🙂👊🏽

[@MrAngryTwinkie]

Loved your flow at the beginning of this, Rob! Thank you for all you do for the community!

[@mjloosh]

You are an excellent educator. Thank you for doing this. I look forward to your videos Depending on the gig. 13 " New Beats 14" New Beats 14 " Soultone Brilliant (creamy sounding) 14" Soultone Vintage 14" Paiste Alpha (flipped for heavier Rock shows)

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+mjloosh That's a'lotta hats! 🙂

[@hannes1734]

The Sabian HHX Evolution Hi Hats are the best i've ever heard. Super-Heavy bottom, Med-Thin top, supersensitive but also keep a clear open sound if you thrash them sith full corce. Great Hi Hats.

[@HughMorristheJoker]

That's what I have too. Though thinking of getting some 10" dry dark xist for some aux hats.

[@hannes1734]

@@HughMorristheJoker Well, it's been two years since i wrote this and i've changed my opinion. I still think they're great, but the pair i've had was a bit clunky as opposed to those that our bassist has in our practise room. But i heard the Paiste Masters and 602 M.E. hihats, and they're even better. Also the Zultan Caz Hihats are one of the best i've ever heard, for just 160€

[@mauriciocortezbowles6446]

Ich Und Nicht Du Yeah I got those hats (HHX Evolution) and they’re fantastic for most applications. Except for loud music, Latin, metal, rock, etc. Great for anything else

[@hannes1734]

@@mauriciocortezbowles6446 It really depends on which pair you get as the sound varies a bit in the HHX line. The pair in our practice room is perfect for every style of music, the pair that i had was not.

[@HermesTrismegistes369]

Thanks for sharing brutha! Playing 14" A custom master sound, 13" Meinl byzance dark hats.

[@terrencenbanbury5220]

For me, hats are the most satisfying, expressive part of the kit to play. Thoughtful analysis, as usual. I'm playing 14" medium vintage Zildjians. Same weight top and bottom. I like 'em, but I've never played anything else in my 50 years of laying it down. They have handled hard rock and more jazz oriented things. Very versatile. Really appreciate your teaching and sharing. TNB🇺🇸

[@hoonbirdpersonpilot5356]

Terrence Banbury I never heard of a balanced weight pair. I'll have to try that sometime.

[@RossittoS]

The incial hi-hat groove is just wonderful. You got a great feel, Rob!! Wish I can play like this someday hehehe.

[@170adamb1]

My first "pro!!" cymbal, was a set of 15" Avedis hats!! Even when I got them in 1982, they were ancient!! They don't even have stamping on saying which type it is!! They're really thin compared to most modern hats, and sound amazing!!

[@yettielusive3370]

Great video Rob. I like that you keep your language appropriate that I can actually have kid around when I watch your video's. I am playing 14" Sabian hand hammered high hats. They are a little bit dark, and do not project very loud. They are pretty good for recording, where I don't want the hats to be bleeding super loud, and with a high hat mic, the dark low mids are easily rolled off to taste. However, I would prefer to go back to the old Zilgian new beat high hats I sold years ago. They sounded to me, a perfect balance of articulation and bright but not overly brittle balanced tone. I didn't need a highhat mic for those hat, the overhead mics picked them up just fine. God bless :)

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Yetti Elusive The New Beats are nice, man. Those and the Mastersounds, I think, are Zildjian's best hats

[@jabbingjabberwocky5243]

Yetti Elusive Rob is like Ron Burgundy ... keeping it classy 👍

[@patrickorourke195]

Rob Brown I love how unbiased u are even though u are endorsed by paiste

[@eastbaymauiboy]

@@RobBeatdownBrown Good to hear, Rob. The fact that you play mostly Paiste...(I think?) but still give props to some Zildjian cymbals shows maturity, integrity and free thinking. I appreciate that nowadays, especially since I've got New Beats and a Mastersound bottom so I can mix and match. They really are great hats. They're very articulate and versatile. I do think about getting some Paiste Sig Dark Crisp hats though to expand my voicing

[@dmqualitist7316]

@@RobBeatdownBrown And the K sweet hats of course!

[@josephdennany3464]

Love your videos as a metal kinda guy I find your knowledge very insightful. .. .keep that stuff up bro.....

[@christiancanalita6487]

THAT'S why I love your channel. I'm always learning something! I've never considered the weight of each hi-hat cymbal. With that, I've been looking at some Zildjian 15"s from their new Dry lineup. I might pull the trigger.

[@alydude2011]

14 Zildjian New Beats for general purpose, I also love Zildjian K

[@willymccabe6602]

ALY Prudhomme my thoughts too. New Beats will do anything, but Ks are really sweet. Not as bright.

[@andrewbintang4591]

yes, new beats are the best allround hi-hats for live as well as studio work. k-zildjian is heaven though and sound so sweet.

[@bryandrums32]

I own the 15 inch light K hi hats, best in the business

[@jonathanziegler5695]

Used to have 14" sabian Legacys, bought 16" extra dry hats, then sold the legacys to buy 15" dual hats and I have found my perfect medium/perfect pair!

[@MrTwister3356]

Picked up a pair of 15" Paiste Dark Energy HH's....Xtra heavy bottom & Med-Light top....love 'em....ain't lookin' back!

[@davecerv]

Great video! For me..Hi-Hats are THE hardest to shop for. Not only will it be the most expensive cymbal purchase (since you're basically buying two) but extremely important. After 12 years of playing drums, I'm finally gonna be buying my first official pair of hats. All this time I've had my own combination of a 14inch Paiste heavy bottom prototype and 14 Sabian AAX Studio Crash on top. Sounded great, I like hats that blend with music not cut thru. I can't wait to get my pair of 15 Meinl Extra Dry Dual Hats!!!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

15s are where it's AT, man.

[@starshiplazyboy475]

I used to play a set of 13" Zildjian K/Z hats back in the 90s, but I transitioned to some older 14" A New Beats about 20 years ago. They've been great, but that's just my experience. My best drumming friend has been using a set of 15" 2002 Sound Edge hats since he saw the Song Remains the Same back in the late 80s. Different strokes and all that.

[@funkybassguy68]

That intro was fire!!! 🔥

[@martinlaporte2112]

I recently bought a pair of Paiste 15" 2002 Sound Edge hi-hats and i LOOOOOVE them. I wish i could find some 15" RUDES. The 14" are my favorites. Thanks for posting. Watching from Montreal !!!

[@michaeljohnson8058]

Zildjian A Custom 14". Keep rockin Rob! 🔊🇺🇸

[@dmqualitist7316]

Most boring set of hi hats

[@michaeljohnson8058]

Yes, I'm boring.

[@Justinkardan]

Your videos are so great and informative, as a drummer I learn so much from your videos. I also really enjoy your playing

[@iDrumLikeCrazy]

I use the 14" Meinl Byzance Vintage Sand Hats (Benny Greb signature) regularly these days. I keep a pair of 14" Byzance Traditional Medium Hats when I need a cleaner sound.

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

@ Rob Brown, One thing I have struck in the earlier part of owning a drum kit, was if you got decent hi-hat cymbals and had a really terrible hi-hat stand, it would wear the cymbals out on one side. Your stand needs to match your investment in cymbals. They have got better in the years since, but.........

[@emlix1]

15 inch Paiste 900 series heavy. Chose them by the sound from a row of about 20 hats in my favourite drum store. They look extremely cool as well.

[@josteinv.jordet257]

One important one: do not go after brand when shopping for cymbals, but sound, if you have a ride cymbal from one brand then there's no rule saying you can't have hats or crashes from a different brand, i only have crashes that are the same brand, they are paiste 2002s, and i have a 20" istanbul xist brilliant ride, unknown 14" 70s zildjan hats, and a 10" sabian HHX evo. splash and i love all those cymbals!

[@scotttaylor7211]

I really enjoy your videos Rob. They are very informative and many times confirm what I thought to be true. I appreciate the unbiased approach to equipment you provide. I am currently using 14" Paiste Dark Energy hats. I found them to be a pretty versatile instrument. I am also using a pair of Sabian AA regulars as an aux hat. Keep the videos coming, Scott

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Scott Taylor Thanks for watchin, man 🙂

[@DustyCowdog]

What a sweet groove at the beginning!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+DustyCowdog Thanks dude 🙂🇨🇦

[@kristophstjames4143]

just bought a pair of 2002"s 15" hats- love em!

[@GrassRoots-fp4ty]

I finally ran across one of the holy grail sets in the local music store recently. The Zildjian newbeat 13". Old school stamped, not lazer etched. Got them for 180 and have enjoyed playing them ever since.

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

I lose my **** when I play a good pair of hi-hats. They're as important as the snare (or ride/BD), so yeah, a video like this is helpful. Back when I was a young drummer, I had trouble buying cymbals. By this, I mean I'd like the sound of something in the store, but when I made the purchase and brought them home, I'd almost always find that they sounded different behind my kit. The reflection from the room I was playing in - the other cymbals I'd use with the new purchase, the sound of the snare and BD - all of these matter when making a purchase. Ultimately, I ended up with a lot of cymbals I didn't like too much, or that didn't fit with what I often played when in a group. This video is an excellent guide, but Rob if you'll allow me to make a suggestion: if you're set on buying a new cymbal (pair), be sure to bring one or two from your existing setup, and see how the (potential) new one fits in. Yeah, it's a little bit of a hassle, but there's nothing worse than dropping a couple hundred bucks on something you eventually discover doesn't sound that great. Just my 2CP... ps. I currently have 4 pairs, and most often play with my 14" Zildijan K darks, but I absolutely love the crap out of my 13" A pair...

[@robertreedy414]

A mastersounds, Byzance Sand Hats for jazz, AAX 14s for church, but just got new 14 Sabian Stratus...buttery, warm good chick, blend with everthing! Love Marc Craney's hatz on Vsnellis " Brother to Brother" slbum.

[@doca9357]

Nice video Rob. I direct a cousin your way for learning more about playing and learning more about the instrument(s). I have a few pairs of hats, some heavier, darker all purpose hats from the small company Saluda, their too much for low volume and recording at home so I picked an old pair of zildjian, often referred to as paper thin , around 700 ish grams per hat. I also have used a thin crash paired with a medium/medium thin top hot to get a little drier, lower toned sound. Hats like the other cymbals are so much fun, so many sounds, so little time.bottom hat.

[@rileyyoung8525]

For my main hats I've been using 14" Zildjian Avedis A top/ Z Dyno Beat bottom. For side hats I've been switching between a 14 Z Dyno Beat top/ZBT bottom and 14" set of Paiste Rude hats.

[@antonioaudet2627]

Had the same pair of Sabian AA Flat hats 14" for 15 years. They only let me down in small rooms and restaurants where overall volume was an issue! Switched to Sabian HHX Groove hats 13" last 3 years, since I've been playing more Jazz, Latin and Gospel lately. Their thinner and crispier, but now I'm the volume control no matter where I'm playing. 🇨🇦

[@chrissingh3957]

Really like and appreciate all your video's Rob! I recently saw your video on the Paiste 900 series and was thinking of going with the Heavy 15 hats, 20 crash, and 24 ride. I'm Randy from Garden Grove Ca. I worked for U.P.S. for 28 years but I had a stroke three months ago. Can't mess with my Strat, Yamaha upright, or my Fender jazz bass but, I can keep up a good beat with my kit so that has become part of my daily rehab. Again Rob thanks for all the great info!

[@alexmanojmathews]

Awesome video as always Prof Brown - Alex all the way from India ( in and out of Singapore)

[@reverendobrown75]

I played many hats in all those years, i tried many and now i have a pretty interchangeable set of them....i can change tops and bottom according to what i need: 14" A Zildjian New Beat 14" A Zildjian Quick Beat I do many combination between this 4 cymbals....the only thing i never do is using the quick beat flat bottom as a top...for the rest i use every combination according to the gig... 13" Bosphorus Samba series (760/900 gr....i use them like this or put any of the two as a top over the 13" new beat bottom and they sound amazing) 13" A Zildjian New Beat Bottom

[@mitchellbenham]

Great video as always. Hi Hats are probably the second most distinctive voice a drummer has (after the snare sound), but unfortunately is always considered last after new crashes and rides and for some people after special effects. I have too many hats, unfortunately no 12s yet.

[@derekfairley]

I've got two standard sets of hats that I gig with. The 1st is a set of Bosphorus Master Vintage 15" hats. They're darker sounding but not trashy and offer good stick articulation and a decent chick. Great for smaller spaces and for bands playing acoustic oriented or folk/rock music...when you want to blend in more with the band rather than cut through the mix. The other 2nd set are Sabian HH (remastered) 14" Medium hats. These are my do it all, all-purpose funk/blues/rock hats. Nice and tight sounding with a clear chick and give great stick rebound for playing rudiments (singles and doubles). I totally agree about the shopping thing...you've got to go and play different hats to get that sound that's in your head. Harder to do in small towns but companies like Sabian, Meinl, and Zildjian offer good audio samples of their cymbals. Plus, if you research what your favorite sounding drummers are using, then you'll get a good idea of the sizes and weights you may want to look at when checking the manufacturer's website. Lastly, I would say don't be a stickler for having all the same brand of cymbals in a good sounding set up. If they are good quality cymbals and they give you the sound you need, mixing cymbals is quite acceptable. It's the sound that matters. I typically use (left to right): - Sabian HH 14" Medium Hats - Bosphorus Master Vintage 21" Ride (with rivets...as a crash/ride) - Sabian HH 21" Vintage Ride - Bosphorus Master Vintage 22" Ride (with rivets...as a crash/ride) - Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash

[@redrum567]

HiHats are definitely BOSS! My most difficult cymbals to choose and thank God for the hardware options available to them. So many options... \m/

[@Rockin_Ross]

Great stuff here brother! I’m rocking 13” Sabian AA’s. Have had them for 25 years and they’ve always sounded great. I want a pair of 14” Paiste Signatures though. They’re my holy grail hats. Keep up the great work and stay warm up there in the great white north! *American flag emoji*

[@cscamby0410]

13” dark crisp hats have been the most versatile for me. I’ve been loving the 14” masters dark hats and modern essentials as well.

[@woutervanrenterghem570]

Great video and tips! Love my Zildjian 15” A New Beat and 14” A-Custom hats. Both are very versatile hats in the studio and on stage

[@MadEagleUSA]

Great video for those looking to pick up a set of Hi Hats. I play a set of vintage 14" Zildjian New Beats from the '60's. I like music from mid '50's through early '80's and these fit that genre perfectly. Lot's of great choices out there these days! : )

[@AKDrums]

Awesome video as usual man. I've been playing 13" A custom MasterSound for almost ten years now. Wanting to dive into the 15" Hats, love the thickness of sound you get from 15"

[@davidcurtis4478]

Misfit Drummer - 15" ms hats are great, I use them check em out on my Channel some videos about them lower down. Rob those hats are nice too man, keep groovin'! DC

[@brianchisnell1548]

Years ago I scored a set of Zil. AMIR II hats. Kinda 2002 alloy and New beat weights. Blew me away. In fact, they were a cheaper line than "A"'s, but were were out selling the A line so they dicontinued them. My buddy has a 22 AMIR ride that smokes!!!!

[@MrMorkfromork]

All of my cymbals are Paiste signature with the exception of my ride and hats, both of which are 2002. The hats are 15in soundedge and man do they cut.Just an afterthought, I started watching your videos recently and am now Hooked!!!! keep on doing what your doing!!!

[@jacqueskorb879]

Cool show. I found some 15" - 5 star Super Zyn hi-hats from 1968. Stoked!

[@john5619]

K master sound 14" are the best and most versatile that I have ever used besides the original HH Sabian's from the 80's !!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+boomer stickman I owned a pair of 13s for a bit back in the day. Nice hats 👌🏽

[@-Ricky_Spanish-]

13 inch Zildjian K Special K/Z is what I've played for a long time. They don't work as well for me anymore, and they're a bit tired from a couple decades of use and non-ideal storage conditions. I will probably pick up some new ones at some point, particularly if my son (who just turned one year old) shows an interest in drumming. As of now, I don't get to play much and can't justify the expense. Though I'm a Zildjian guy, I do love those Paiste's.

[@jhardycarroll]

I've been using 17" cymbals for a long time now, especially since taking the Chris Dave and Eric Harland tip and using the ventilated top EFX cymbals. I like to play around with the different combinations. They sound great in the context of the band.

[@juggernautjoff]

very informative! thanks! Guitar player switching to drummer! I thought guitar tone was crazy!! Cymbals and hi hats !!! 😅out here in Boise idaho

[@hiptoalieu]

Hey, this is great! I use 13'' Dream Bliss hi hats they sound much bigger than their size, since they're hand hammered!

[@n0iseboy]

I've play 14 zildjians on my main kit. They're over 40 years old...included with my blue/olive badge ludwig kit. I've got some cheap wuuhan hats on my kids set, that sound suprisingly decent. I've got a set of Sabian B8s that collect dust. Bosphorus is my goal...

[@jonathanfrieze8497]

My fav hats ive ever owned where a pair pf 13" hhx evolution mmmm so crisp n clean i loved em before i pawned them for some junk to ahoot in ky vains no worries im 3 years sober and finally getting back to my music collection i lost everything and i play just about every instrument strings are my fav alomg with percussion

[@christschinwon]

Another cool vid. I came lookung for hats but I'm loving that splash. I'd love to know what you have there?

[@meegel]

Liked before the intro ended, cuz I knew it was gonna be good 🤙 great video and playing as usual

[@oleka.6404]

Great video. Thanks for the upload. Many interesting matters covered. Cheers Rob

[@jameskerr7439]

OK. Saw this Thomm Green drummer. Drummer for Alt J. Very different stuff here. These guys can play. Thomm impresses me. He seems to be very inventive drummer. Tamborine in place of cash cymbal? Affects module. That cowbell thing he can do. Best inventive drummer I have seen in some time. Tight too. He seems to be very serious guy. Really some very cool playing here. Do you know this drummer? I want a few lessons from him. Awesome.

[@gisellevitali9679]

Hammering and lathin.thats all you need to know.More labor in each product,higher the cost,the ultimate tone.

[@martinobcn9838]

Without a doubt the best!!!!!

[@markduffy7685]

Dude holy shit I was NOT expecting such a phenomenal solo when I clicked on this video!!!!

[@andrewbintang4591]

13" k/z zildjian (studio) 14" new beats (allround) 14" quick beats (funk/rock crispyness) 14" k zildjian (main hats) 14" zildjian impulse (for the really heavy stuff) i normally always use 2 pairs of hi-hats at the same time, with a remote hat on the right side.

[@TeslaNick2]

I've got some old SuperZine 5 star 15" hats and they sound AMAZING.

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

Interestingly, one of my favourite drummers, Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa, Weather Report, Genesis, Phil Collins and Sessions) claims he uses Sabian 14" Rock Hats for everything from Jazz to Rock. His rehearsal kit has Sabian 13" Hand Hammered hats. I use Sabian 14" Rock Hats for most live playing, Zildjian 14" New Beats for most recording and Sabian 13" Fusion Hats for my rehearsal kit. My next pair to get will probably be something dry and dark in a 15" size.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

You just might not turn back after playing 15s, man. I'm a believer for sure

[@matthewdunn1831]

Hey Rob, can you do a video on choosing a Snare?

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Matthew Dunn It's definitely on the short list, man. Keep watchin! 🙂

[@kchilz32]

Matthew Dunn try noble and Cooley the best snares and oldest drum company world wide

[@Psymon1471]

aax xcelerator hi-hats 14" nice video man, from Canada

[@GamingDrummer89]

HHX xcelerator 14's for me! Love 'em, and I got them used for about half the price they would have been new!

[@philkibler4319]

Zildjian A rock hats, love em!!!

[@rhinusbreedt9772]

Great video.. doing endless research and listwning to every hi hat i can before i decude which one. Started 15 yeqrs qgo with a pair of ZXT rock 14 hi hats.. super cutting heavy and loud.. qas great for rock and metal but as my music taste changed i now play zildjian 14 new beats. Awesome hi hats but id love something with a bit of everything..crispness..sandy..not too bright and not too dark.. i am leaning towqrds the HHX evolution hi hats or the dream bliss 14.. man they sound amazing

[@samuelwreed6366]

Currently using 14" Zildjian K on top and New Beat on bottom. Starting to get some cracking and I've been considering either a Sabian 14" HHX Evolution or Paiste 15" Signature Dark. I take my time like you said and will shop for about a year before I buy.

[@sourcecodeman]

Thanks Rob, just got my first set of Paiste 13” 101 as a new drummer I can’t spend too much and watched you’re other video on setting them up but I just can’t get the sound I’m looking for but don’t want to sound like an A-hole because they don’t sound like Copleland 😂 they are just a bit too ringy and bright so Im looking for advice, like say if I threw some more money at the problem? I’m mostly going to be playing them closed and love the sound you got from the Paiste Dark Energy. I’m a massive Copeland fan and that sound he has is what I’m aiming for even though I know I’ll never play as well as he does.

[@mjtpogo]

Hi Rob, to my question. Are more worship drummers using 15", 16", & 17" hat cymbals? What is your take?

[@tracylinder9597]

Good video , been playing same hats for 20 years , zildjan quick beats.14 inch flat bottom with holes, got in a hurry put stand with hats in back of truck , got to gig it was missing, played all night in ride! Lol ! wierd to say the least, went next day and back trackedamd found pieces scattered for 100 yards, found bottom cymbal bent up, no top! Anyway wanted to try somethind differnt. I play alot of oldies . percy sledge , boz scaggs , commodores, some country, and an.occasional zz top, so what size and cymbals would you recomend, price is no issue! Thanks Tracy Linder bridge city texas t and

[@musshwins412]

Currently using 14" Zildjian Quick beats and 13" Saluda.

[@daljeetghag3321]

Great Videos Rob, thankyou for sharing your knowledge! Keep up the great work.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

No sweat, man. Thanks for watchin

[@Zod_JB]

What about when it comes to the HH Stands? I’m not a complete noob but still pretty early in my drumming career so I’m just looking at used for the time being. I understand the difference in HH Cymbals but should I be overly concerned about the stand? Is there anything note worthy that I should keep an eye out for other than making sure it works?

[@deannatale8349]

Looking at a pair of Paiste PST8 hats. In my opinion they’re under priced at $188 and could probably make it in the $250-$300 market so that works for me

[@danawallace3129]

i started with 15 in. Zildjian maybe late 60 or 70 i loved them until i broke the top and now i play 14 new beat and now13 Z custom for quick sounds i love both for different music

[@walterthorne4819]

Excellent presentation....many thanks

[@stephenkinsley2483]

i agree totally with what you say, iv'e been playing since1972 and iv'e played all sorts over the years from 5 star zyn though to paiste signatures, 2002, giant beats, i could go on, and it seems to me that you change hats to what type of music you'r playing at that time, i have various hats at the moment in my collection, paiste 404 505, darkcrisp signatures, pst 7's, super zyn, zildjian 14-1/4 k custom hybrid and some i'm playing at the moment which are sabian xs 20 brilliant finnish medium, they are just right for the 60's band i'm working with at the moment, it's all about sound, if it's the right sound to your ears and the music, it doesn't matter what label is printed on it. just my opinion,.keep music live.!!!!!

[@Chilajuana]

Great tutorial Rob!!!

[@lrwarchild]

Thanks Rob!

[@deadave100]

Hy Rob, Great Vid. My Hats are Paiste 505 14" Medium top and heavy bottoms...

[@karlmyers8111]

Great video once again Rob. Always helpful and informative. I play 14" zildjian Armand hats. And 16" Istanbul agop traditional light hats

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Karl Myers That whole Armand line is pretty nice. Thanks for watchin, man 🙂🇨🇦

[@karlmyers8111]

yeah man it sure is .I have a 16,18 medium crash and a 21 ride also. thanks for the reply man.

[@bruceperkins2921]

Good ole zildjian new beat 14" so middle of the road. So basic. Love mine

[@joedaniel2327]

Paiste 14" 2002 Sound Edge and Paiste 13" Signature Dark Crisp.

[@ravenlunatic7909]

thats a mighty nice set you have there my friend.are you saying put a smaller hat on a bigger bottom?