Mixing top hat and bottom hat ... observations?

[sshu]

I am thinking that I'd like some diversity in the hi-hat sounds I get, but I am not too keen on buying a complete pair.

Would I be able to get "most" of the way there in terms of chick, normal hi-hat hit, and (light) foot splash by mixing any of the following:
- Zildjian K Custom High Definition 14" top (which is kind of thin and very dry sounding) or
- K Constantinople 14" top

with a K hat bottom (which I presume is heavy enough relative to the tops)?

Low volume, home hobby situation.

Any general observations when mixing hats?

Steve

 

[Drifter in the Dark]

Mixing different top and bottom hi-hat cymbals can be rewarding if you find the right combo, but it can also can be tricky, becuase you have to hear, with your own ears, how the cymbals interact with each other. I think that you really can't go wrong with a K bottom; it's heavy enough (Zildjian officially designates it as "medium-heavy"- not quite as heavy as a New Beat bottom) to balance the tone of the thinner top cymbal, whether it's a K constantinople or the Hi-Def. As for the top cymbal, I think that you picked some good contenders. In any case, I would suggest finding a top that's medium-thin in weight; a thin cymbal might sound too "papery".

 

[sshu]

Mixing different top and bottom hi-hat cymbals can be rewarding if you find the right combo, but it can also can be tricky, becuase you have to hear, with your own ears, how the cymbals interact with each other. I think that you really can't go wrong with a K bottom; it's heavy enough (Zildjian officially designates it as "medium-heavy"- not quite as heavy as a New Beat bottom) to balance the tone of the thinner top cymbal, whether it's a K constantinople or the Hi-Def. As for the top cymbal, I think that you picked some good contenders. In any case, I would suggest finding a top that's medium-thin in weight; a thin cymbal might sound too "papery".

Very well-articulated response. Thanks for the insights, perspectives, and opinions!

I am interested in what other people have found to work (even mixing other brand tops with a K bottom) - so others can please feel free to comment.

Digressing a bit, one thing that I liked about the high-def hats that I tried in the store were that they felt light, were very dry, and weren't as loud on the foot chicks and splashes. Maybe it's just a matter of being able to develop better foot control and touch under low volume conditions, but I find it pretty hard to be foot pulsing out consistent (low to medium volume) eigths on my K hi-hats (note K brilliant top versus traditional finish bottom) a la New Breed while trying to do dynamic commenting on the snare and bass. At other times I am challenged with low volume brush work and getting bass drum accents with more quiet foot splashes on the hat.

Steve

 

[rmandelbaum]

A short story. I was in a antique store in Minneapolis about 9 years ago. I saw a set of marching cymbals on a leather pouch with wooden handles. I took a look and they were Zilco 14" cymbals. the price was $65.00. So of course I bought them.


I was using a pair of of mid 80s Zildjian Quick Beats as my hats at the time. I took one of the Zilco cymbals and put it on the bottom and put the Quick Beat back on top. I have been using that combo ever since.

As stated above only you know what you like. Try out as many different combos as you can. You will know when you hear it what is right for you.