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Decoding The Hi-Hat, Exploiting the Behavior of Top and Bottom Cymbals to Create the Perfect Pair.

DrumDotPizza

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Ever wonder why a 'top' hi-hat cymbal is a top and the 'bottom' is the bottom? Well, wonder no more! In this primer on hi-hat pairing I demonstrate the impact each cymbal has on the performance of the pair and I do a little mixing and matching to create my own perfect pair for a song I'm recording. Come join me, it's the most fun you'll have all week!

0:00 Introduction/hi-hat history/the 'New Beat' formula
5:16 Cymbal roles
9:06 When I swapped top and bottom... (and when Zildjian broke the rules)
11:55 Matching a pair for a song I'm recording (demonstrating the relationship between top and bottom)
14:44 Meinl HCS (brass)
17:40 Paiste 802 (B8 bronze)
20:58 Zildjian Mastersound (B20 bronze)
23:51 Mismatched Zildjian pair (Projection bottom, vintage 1950s top)
26:56 Ludwig Standard (Paiste NS12 'nickel silver')
30:12 Matching bottoms to my 'top'
36:31 Putting tape on my final pair (cymbal muffling)
38:37 Close
39:27 Music outro (tease the next video)

A video about the drum set I'm using in this video: Rediscovering the Forgotten Ludwig Combo (...
A video about my variant on the tea towel muffling technique: Muffling Drums Old School!! -- Tea Towels...

Song used for demonstration purposes in this video: "Total Cinema" by amazing folk artist, Ken Yates. Check him out!!

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20 Comments

@DZNTZ 10 months ago

Love these deep dive geek sessions! I’ve got a couple of 50’s/60’s A thin matched pairs and reeeally love them. One could argue that with modern recording tech, we’ve come full circle and don’t need the ‘cut’ of a New Beat-style ratio - allowing us to go back to the more mellow beauty of a matched pair. Of course modern thin-over-medium or medium-over-heavy still have their place, but I find some magic and subtlety in a matched pair. When BOTH cymbals are putting out that earthy, smoky sound, it’s really something. Thanks for the vid, I always enjoy your content.

@goodtimejohnny8972 10 months ago

I love hearing and reading the history of drum stuff. So glad to see you posting again.😊

@TomSmith-hq1ok 9 months ago

that 50s zildjian on the bottom with the Ludwig on top was delightful.

@stephentyler4352 9 months ago

You have opened my eyes to new possibilities especially when it comes to recording. Thank for sharing mate. Respect.

@danielfc 10 months ago

The "giggity" bit had me going

@martinmees878 8 months ago

The first pairing made me wince

@WildManRecords 10 months ago

One of the best videos I’ve seen on drums. Your content is gold.

@ryshawn87 10 months ago

Best video on hi hat selection on the internet hands down! Keep it up. Extremely informative and well put together

@jdp8101 9 months ago (edited)

Great video brother! I like how you really go for the sound control you're looking for. Now I gotta try it out with my small collection.

🙏🏽

@boomerguy9935 10 months ago

I had a mid-60's pair of thin and lightweight (+/- 700 grams) Avedis Zildjian (pre-A Series) hi hats that I bought new and were very unique compared to today's market. They were not marked as top or bottom and their weight was very close. The bottom cymbal had a shallow (almost flat) bell and wide lathing which gave a much darker sound than the top one which had a tall bell and fine lathing. I sold them in a moment of stupidity because they had a wonderful, moderately bright sound which sounded great for small venues with brushes and lightweight sticks. I still miss them. Being pre-A Series, they didn't have a model name or label.
None of today's cymbals are made like them. The top cymbal weight only about 50 grams more than the bottom one. I have tears running down my cheeks thinking about them. They were the only "A Zildjian's" I ever liked. Today, I play handmade Turkish cymbals only.

@MediaCubeCleveland 10 months ago

Always appreciate how thorough and scientific you are while still relating it to musicality. I know a lot about drums, but i still pick up something new every time I watch one of your videos. Valuable answers to pertinent questions.

@kimseniorb 10 months ago

25:15 one is perfect for the context so far

@bRichdrums 10 months ago

Only in case anyone is interested, in the 70’s I fell in love from the audience side with a rock drummers hh sound. I asked him what he had, and he told me 2 new beat bottoms. I tried it, loved it and used 2 bottoms for the next 40 plus years. Now playing smaller rooms, back to reg. new beats. The most important sound for me was how they sounded mostly opened. I wanted that heavy sizzling sound, and man they sure brought it and cut too. Thanks Joel.

@rowintettero1255 10 months ago (edited)

Very very nice journey through hihat land. You've got a great touch, all the pairs sounded good. I prefer the 50's Zildjian as a bottom and thought your playing was a little bit more natural on it, but I can't argue with the beautiful result you got on the end recording. Thanks!

@JohnDeF2112 10 months ago

I just bought some Zildjian A New Beats. Love them. I accidentally switched top and bottom and I thought they sounded even better.

@soundrystudio 5 months ago

Fun video, thank you. That Remo clutch is such a joy!

@jeremyfoster9430 10 months ago

I used an A Mastersound top (on top) with a K Custom Dark bottom (on the bottom) for years and loved the combination. Mix and match - be creative - find the right sound for you!

@davewestner 10 months ago

Wow dude, that Ludwig Standard is the shiniest one I've ever seen.
I actually use a 15 standard as a bottom hat for one of my sets....but man, the thing is ashen/grey.
I've got a pair of those 802s as well, and they're definitely handy for some stuff.

Enjoyed the video.....I'm a mix and matcher myself, but watching this makes me realize that I have yet to try all the combos I could try. Need to make that happen.

@tmorris7243 10 months ago

Mostly play hats that I’ve put together for sound. I got an old 16” Azco that’s very old K ish. Was disappointed as a crash. Has a “clang” to it. But…put it on the bottom with a Dream bliss or a Stagg DH and BOOM! My favorite hats. Versatile. Dark. Sit in the mix well. Love the video. Experiment! Might have a dog laying around that becomes a jewel!!!