Ride cymbals may get most of the attention among jazz drummers, but hi-hats play their own important role. From traditional off-beat foot chicks to driving eighth-notes propelling a groove, hi-hats can make or break the vibe of any jazz drummer’s performance. But which hats should you buy?
The challenge of finding the right hi-hats for playing jazz is twofold. First, jazz is a broad term, coming in many forms. Second, there’s a mountain of hi-hat options out there. That’s why we made this list. We picked our 5 favorite models, categorized by sound. Some are great for certain dynamic levels or timbres, while others are more versatile. So, no matter what type of jazz you’re into, one of these models should be a great choice.
On with the list! These are the best hi-hats for jazz, by sound.
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Soft & Smoky:
Meinl Byzance Jazz Thin
Meinl 14″ Byzance Jazz Thin Hats
When many people think of jazz music, the image that comes to mind is a late night in a dark jazz club, listening to players trade solos over a classic bebop standard. Well, that’s exactly where the Meinl Byzance Jazz Thin hi-hats fit in. These hi-hats exude dark rich tones, effectively complimenting instruments typically found in small combos.
These Meinl hi-hats are very light. The Jazz Thin’s top cymbal typically falls somewhere in the 800-850 gram range, while the bottom usually weighs between 950 and 1050 grams. That lightness brings down both pitch and volume. You can play these hi-hats with normal stick techniques, without worrying about overpowering the room with excessive volume. The lower pitch tends to sit comfortably in acoustic environments.
In terms of tone, the Jazz Thins have a very dark sound. The stick attack is woody, which is great for small clubs. In those types of environments, that rich and less-pointed stick sound can be more clearly heard. The sizzle sound these hi-hats create while partially-opened is smoky and smooth. While fairly complex overall, the tone is less aggressive than thicker hammered cymbals. Playing great-sounding jazz hi-hat patterns with the Byzance Jazz Thins is a breeze. The foot sound of these hi-hats is chunky, round, and subdued.
The Meinl Byzance Jazz Thin hi-hats would work great for drummers who want a rich, dark tone and tend to play in smaller rooms. These cymbals fit in great with traditional jazz combo instruments like jazz guitar, organ, piano, saxophone, and upright bass. If you play more aggressive jazz-fusion or on louder stages, most of the other hi-hats on this list would be better choices. However, if you want a smooth tone, a smoky undertow, and subtle tonal nuances, the Meinl Byzance Jazz Thins would definitely be worth considering.
Vintage Dark:
Zildjian K Constantinople
Zildjian 14″ Constantinople Hi-Hats
The Zildjian 14” Constantinople hi-hats bring a vintage sound into modern times. Inspired by the company’s long and storied history in jazz music, the Constantinople series is considered the crème of the crop by many jazz drummers today. We talked about the great 22” Medium Ride in The Best Ride Cymbals For Jazz, and these hi-hats are just as good. They’re a premium option for jazz drummers who want a dark and complex sound.
When comparing Constantinople hi-hats to the Meinl Jazz Thins discussed above, there are some similarities. They’re both dark, hammered, and made with B20 alloy. However, the Zildjians have a bit more bite and attack. Some of that comes down to manufacturing processes, but weight differences also play a part. Both models are lightweight – it’s just that Constantinoples aren’t quite as light as Meinl’s Jazz Thins.
The weight range for Constantinople top cymbals usually falls between about 850 and 950 grams, while the bottom typically comes in between 1050 and 1150 grams. That bit of extra weight compared to the Meinls raises the pitch, adds some extra stick attack, and increases volume. The resulting Constantinople tone may not be as silky-smooth, but it has a lot of character. You hear more high frequencies through the mix, adding to the overall complexity.
As a whole, the Zildjian Constantinople hi-hats are what many jazz drummers want – a dark and complex sound, with good articulation and some higher-frequency sizzle. These hats aren’t quite as mellow as the Meinl Lights, so they might not be quite as effective for extremely low volumes. However, in most small to medium-sized rooms, the Constantinoples are a fantastic way to get a vintage sound while playing jazz standards, bebop, and jazz fusion styles.
Bright & Crisp:
Sabian HHX Evolution
Sabian 14″ HHX Evolution Hi-Hats
While not very common, some jazz drummers can benefit from brighter-sounding hi-hats. Big band drummers, for example, often need cymbals that can cut through a loud horn section. Jazz-fusion players may need to cut through more amplified instruments on a larger stage. In those types of situations, traditional jazz hi-hats can get lost in the mix. A model like the Sabian HHX Evolution hi-hats, however, can be a great fit.
HHX Evolutions were designed with the help of the legendary jazz-fusion drummer, Dave Weckl. His style mixes elements of jazz, funk, and latin drumming, which created the need for a new cymbal line. The hi-hats retain some elements of traditional jazz cymbals, such as hammering, a B20 alloy, and a medium-thin top, but they also incorporate other specs to increase volume. The brilliant finish and heavier bottom cymbal (usually 1300-1350 grams) bring the decibel level up enough for heavier fusion styles.
The resulting tone is brighter than any of the other options on this list. Stick definition is clear and foot chicks are crisp. The hammering and alloy keep the brightness in check, while adding complexity to the tone. That hybrid nature of crisp/complex is what makes these hi-hats so appealing. While they’re probably too bright for most traditional small jazz combo situations, they can thrive when you need a somewhat jazzy tone with added volume and high-end frequencies.
All in all, the HHX Evolution hi-hats may not be what many drummers may think of as jazz hi-hats, but they certainly fill a need. If you play jazz-based styles, enjoy the sound of hammered cymbals, and need some extra intensity, HHX Evolutions hi-hats would be worth considering.
Very Versatile:
Zildjian K Custom Dark
Zildjian 14″ K Custom Dark Hi-Hats
The Zildjian 14″ K Custom Dark hi-hats are a great option if you play several jazz styles, from soft dinner gigs to louder fusion shows. While other hi-hat models may be better for certain dynamics and timbres, those also tend to have a narrower range. The K Custom Darks sit towards the center of the jazz spectrum, making them a great choice for versatility.
Like all of the hi-hats we’ve discussed so far, the K Custom Darks are made with a hammered B20 alloy. The hammering is unique though. Large hammering makes tone more complex, but Zildjian uses smaller hammer marks with the K Custom Darks, smoothing out the sound. That’s part of what makes them easy to play subtly. The gram weights are also versatile. The top cymbal is usually between 1000 and 1050 grams, while the bottom typically sits in the 1200-1300 gram range.
K Custom Dark hats are, like the name implies, dark. But they’re not that dark, at least not in jazz terms. Instead, these hats are more smooth, with balanced stick attack and tone. They sit very well in medium-volume mixes, without any particular frequencies sticking out. The foot chick is also right in the mid range. They’re not bright or loud enough for many rock styles, but they wouldn’t sound out of place in most jazz, funk, blues, or fusion settings.
In total, the combination of alloy, hammering type, weight, and craftsmanship make the Zildjian K Custom Darks a very versatile set of hi-hats. No cymbals are great at everything, but these hats can get the job done in more situations than the other models on this list. If you play jazz of all kinds, and maybe even some other genres, the K Custom Darks could be your new go-to hi-hats.
Money Saver:
Dream Bliss
The best hi-hats for jazz tend to be very expensive. They have premium alloys and require more manufacturing than standard alternatives. Well, Dream Bliss hi-hats are an option that can save you some money. They’re not cheap per se, but they’re hundreds of dollars less than the other models on this list. Whether the Bliss hats have the right sound for you depends on your tastes and needs.
Bliss hats consist of a B20 alloy, like all of the options we’ve discussed, but they’re also lighter than any of the other models. The top cymbal usually hovers around 800 grams, while the bottom sits around 1000. Surprisingly, Bliss hats sound a bit louder than their weights might imply. That’s largely due to the lack of large hammering marks. Sound travels more freely, so these hi-hats aren’t quite as dark or dry as heavily-hammered models like the Meinl Jazz Thins.
The straightforward design of the Bliss hats also leads to a simpler overall tone. They don’t have a very complex sound – dark, with a moderate stick attack and sizzle. The foot chick sound is on the round side, without much cut. However, even if they’re not the most musical hats out there, the sound is still pretty rich for the price. Most other hi-hats at this cost are brighter and use lower-quality alloys. Simply having a thinner B20 design goes a long way.
All in all, the Dream Bliss 14” hi-hats may not be the most sophisticated cymbals around, but the quality exceeds the expense. They’re a very good overall value. These hats are best at low to medium volumes, for drummers who like a straightforward and dark sound. If you’re looking for that type of hi-hat, you could save some cash with the Dream Bliss.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for the best hi-hat cymbals for jazz, by sound. Hi-hats may not get the love of ride cymbals in the jazz drumming community, but they’re very important. Whether you’re looking for dark, bright, or anything in between, one of the hi-hat models on this list could really tie your sound together.
By Peter Treuden – About the Author
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