Hi-hats and rock drumming go hand in hand. Many drummers in the genre play their hi-hats more than anything else on the drum kit, including kick and snare. Needless to say, hi-hat cymbals are an important part of a good rock sound. That’s what the list below is all about. They’re the hi-hats we think are best for rock music, by sound.
We chose our 5 favorites. They represent different brands, sizes, prices, and sound qualities. Some may be obvious to experienced drummers, while others may be a surprise. However, all could make a great choice for certain rock drummers. Whichever type of hi-hat sound you’re looking for, one of these models should help you get there.
On with the list! These are the best hi-hat cymbals for rock, by sound.
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Bright & Tight:
Sabian AA Rock
Sabian’s AA line doesn’t get as much love as their hammered cymbals, but the straight-ahead design of AAs make them a solid choice for many drummers. The tone of B20 alloy, combined with a lack of hammering, results in a classic clean tone. When you add in the extra thickness of Sabian’s Rock models, you get a no-nonsense sound fit for any loud stage.
The AA Rock hats are the thickest hi-hats on this list. That might turn off some drummers, even if they’re looking for volume. However, thickness doesn’t necessarily equate to obnoxiousness, especially when it comes to hi-hats. Shape and materials are two other important factors to consider, and they help the AA Rock Hats stay under control. The B20 alloy provides some warmth, while the straight edges of the cymbals create a less aggressive tone than rippled designs.
That leads to what makes the AA Rock Hats an interesting model. They’re loud and bright, but more controlled than you might expect. They’re more versatile than many rippled designs, where foot pressure doesn’t affect the sound as much. The AAs allow you to play sloshy, tight, or anywhere in between. All of those sound options just happen to come with more volume and projection.
The Sabian AA Rock Hats would be a good choice for drummers who want to play loud, but also like to use different foot pressures to alter their hi-hat sound. These cymbals have a bright attack and can take a beating. Finally, this model comes in two different finishes. The picture above shows the brilliant version, but the AA Rocks also come in a natural finish, which have a slightly warmer attack.
Bright & Full:
Paiste 2002 Sound Edge
The Paiste 2002 line has a rich history in rock music. Since its introduction in the early 70’s, the series quickly gained popularity, especially after drumming legends like Alex Van Halen (Van Halen) and John Bonham (Led Zepelin) began using them. In fact, the preferred hi-hats of both of those players were the 15″ 2002 Sound Edge. These hi-hats continue to be a popular choice for rock drummers today.
The Sound Edge hi-hats are the only pair on this list that consists of a B8 alloy. Usually, B8 is a sure sign of budget-level cymbals, but Paiste turns that rule on its head. The 2002 line uses what Paiste calls their CuSn8 bronze alloy. It’s an alloy they’ve perfected, making it a good option for professional drummers. The material creates a distinctive tone – a glassy, pure sound that sits on top of mixes.
Along with the tone, the shape of the bottom cymbal plays a large part in this model’s overall performance. Rippled edges have pros and cons. For many rock drummers, the benefits are power and volume. They have a more aggressive sound than standard hi-hats, including when played with a foot. On the downside, you can’t make these hats super-tight. They’re more specialized for a high-intensity, open tone.
The Paiste 2002 Sound Edge hi-hats aren’t the most versatile hi-hats on this list, but they’re great at what they do. The combination of alloy and shape result in a power-packed sound that can cut through any mix. If you’re a drummer who just wants to rock out with big, open sounds, the 15″ Sound Edge hats could be a great choice.
Dark & Dry:
Dream Dark Matter
‘Dark’ and ‘dry’ aren’t terms typically used to describe rock cymbals. Rock drummers usually look for brighter sounds to help them cut through stage volumes. Well, the Dream Dark Matter hi-hats are a viable option for rock drummers who want something different. These hi-hats combine an interesting set of characteristics to create an alternative to more traditional sounds.
It should be stated that these hi-hats aren’t super-dark, at least when compared to thin hammered hi-hats. However, considering the volume you can get from these Dark Matter hats, the tone is about as dark as you can get. How does Dream accomplish this? The main ways to darken thick, un-hammered cymbals is with alloy and finish. First, Dream uses a B20 alloy, which enhances lower frequencies. Second, and most obviously, these hi-hats have a very raw finish.
They’re made using very thin lathing and multiple baking processes. Essentially, these cymbals are made to inhibit higher frequencies, leading to the darker tone. While lower frequencies don’t naturally project very much, the thickness of these hats raises their volume. You get a chunky attack when playing with sticks, and a robust foot sound. In the end, they’ll be heard through the mixes of most rock bands.
The Dream Dark Matter hi-hats would be a good choice for drummers who play in the medium to medium-high volume range and want a darker sound. It’s not easy to find darker tones with thick hi-hats, but these Dream hats do it. If you’re into bigger hi-hats, the Dark Matters come in a 15″ diameter, as well. It’s a nice option, although the larger diameter will have a lower pitch and even darker tone.
Very Versatile:
Zildjian New Beat
Versatility is something many drummers look for in cymbals. They may play in several bands or play different styles of music. In those cases, finding gear that gets the job done in a wide variety of situations is a big plus. That’s where the Zildjian New Beat hi-hats come in. Using a B20 alloy, straight edges, and a medium overall thickness, these hi-hats are designed with versatility in mind.
New Beats can be played in so many ways. They can be finessed, played with some aggression, played tight, or played loose. They have a medium tone, mixing well with many instrumentations. That’s why these hi-hats are so popular. Of course, that doesn’t make them perfect for all styles. New Beats are thinner than the other models on this list, making them slightly less durable. They also don’t cut through stage volumes quite as easily.
That means that while New Beats can be a great set of rock hi-hats, they’re probably not the best choice for drummers who hit extremely hard. Hi-hats with a heavier top cymbal and brighter overall tone will have more projection and durability than New Beats do. You won’t have to hit those other options quite as hard to be heard – and even if you do hit them very hard, the extra thickness may add some peace of mind. If you want to use New Beat for higher volumes, another option is flipping them upside-down for added projection and durability.
Ultimately, the Zildjian New Beats are one of the most versatile hi-hat models in the industry. They perform well in many genres and at many volumes. If you’re a rock drummer who doesn’t hit extremely hard, these could be a wise investment. The medium tone, weight, and overall quality could make the New Beats your go-to hi-hats for almost any gig.
Money Saver:
Meinl Classic Custom
Meinl 15″ Classic Custom Hi-Hats
Rock drummers looking to save some money have good options within Meinl’s Classic Custom line. The series isn’t budget-priced, but it’s a bit more affordable than other cymbals geared towards rock. We particularly like the 15” Classic Custom Medium hi-hats. They consist of a B12 alloy, slightly enlarged diameters, machine hammering, and a brilliant finish. All of that adds up to a powerful and cutting set of hi-hats, without breaking the bank.
Even though these are considered the medium-weight model of Classic Customs, they’re brighter than most medium hi-hats. The Classic Customs can cut through most stage mixes without a problem. When playing busier patterns on the bow, you’ll get a crisp attack, making each note stand out from the rest. When playing on the cymbal edge, you get an fuller sound that stands above the rest of the band.
The Classic Customs don’t have a very sophisticated sound. That’s one of the results of using the less-expensive B12. Some drummers may find the tone a bit too straightforward, while others really like the projection. It’s all a matter of personal taste, of course.
One thing to always keep in mind about cymbals like the Classic Custom hi-hats is the difference between hearing cymbals alone vs hearing them in a full mix. It can be easy to hear rich, dark-sounding cymbals alone and fall in love with the tone. However, if you know you’ll need to maximize volume, it may be better to go with something like the Classic Customs, even if they may sound a little too bright on their own.
Meinl’s Classic Custom hi-hats come in 14″ and 15″ sizes. The 14″ will be slightly higher-pitched, while the 15″ have will have a fuller sound and more volume. We listed the 15″ because we like how the extra inch rounds out the brightness of these cymbals. They’re a good option for drummers who want a clean, bright sound that projects well. Plus, you won’t have to pay a sky-high price.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for the best hi-hat cymbals for rock, by sound. Hi-hats play a big part in creating a rock drummer’s sound, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons of all the options. The right hi-hats are out there though, no matter what type of sound you’re looking for. Hopefully, this list helped you find your perfect pair!
By Peter Treuden – About the Author
Need a whole cymbal pack? Check out our picks for Best Values: Cymbal Packs For Rock!