HiHat Sound Problem

[AdamJ]

I just got a new drumset and I cannot get the hi hats to sound good. I get more of a tick sound than what I usually hear when other drummers play a closed hi hat. Did I set it up wrong? Other problems maybe? Thanks

[Joe P]

First of all, make sure that the top is on top and the bottom is on bottom. Secondly, what kind of hi-hat do you have?

[AdamJ]

They are definitely top on top and bottom on bottom..I have Zildjian ZBT cymbals

[fourstringdrums]

There should be a small screw under the platform on which the bottom hi-hat sits. Tighten it and the bottom hi-hat will tilt. The reason why you're not getting a solid "chick" is because of what is known as air lock. Tilting the bottom hi-hat cymbal will solve that problem. Having the top on the top and the bottom on the bottom doesn't matter. You could flip them and you'd probably still have the same problem.

[Joe P]

Well then I believe that's just the sound of the hi-hat. I don't think you should really expect much from cymbals that come with sets.

[fourstringdrums]

Well then I believe that's just the sound of the hi-hat. I don't think you should really expect much from cymbals that come with sets.

Oh wait, maybe I didn't understand his problem.

If it's the stick sound that you don't like, then it definitely is the hi-hats. ZBT's are entry level (and not very good IMO) so you'd have to get high end cymbals for you to get that same sound.

[That Guy]

Ya, the ZBT's don't give off the greatest sound. They are a lower-end cymbal. Just because it says Zildjian doesn't mean it's a great cymbal.

[pearlygates]

Oh wait, maybe I didn't understand his problem.

If it's the stick sound that you don't like, then it definitely is the hi-hats. ZBT's are entry level (and not very good IMO) so you'd have to get high end cymbals for you to get that same sound.

Yeah, well maybe. I mean..I do agree that the ZBT line is Zildjian's lowest series sheet bronze cymbal. I have been playing for over 30 years and own a pair of ZBT 14" rock hats.
personally, I like the sound of them! They are loud, bright and offer a great 'chic' sound + they sound great played open IMO. I bought these hats because I was I was dealing with"chump change", and needed a set of hats PRONTO! At first I though, "Yeah, they"re allright" Then as time went on, I grew to really kinda like their sound! Now that I have the money, I will be upgrading to a set of 13" K/Z's.. But hey..I like the ZBT's... If it's the stick sound that's got you stumped, Try your model stick in nylon tip!?

[Drummer30]

I had ZBTs as my first cymbals and you will soon find out that the lower level of bronze that they use in these cymbals exquates to a much more metallic sound, definitely little warmth to be had. The only things that could be wrong that I haven't read yet are maybe the top hat is too tightly fastened, you're putting excessive pressure on the pedal, and/or you are playing too close to the bell. Hope you get it worked out but chances are, this is about how they are going to sound similar to no matter what way you play or adjust them.