Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Hi-Hats Review

Overall 5.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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esands
Chicago, IL

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Brilliant, crisp sound.

Music Fan, a rock drummer, a jazz drummer, a fusion drummer

Pros

Excellent stick definition, Bright, crisp sound, Nice wash, Dark overtones

AUG

2007

To describe a cymbal as both dark and brilliant is bordering on contradictory. However, in the case of the new Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Hi-Hats these this is exactly the case. These new Hi-Hats were developed in conjunction with famed Japanese drummer Akira Jimbo. The 'hybrid' designation is for the two types of finishes applied to the cymbals. The inner section of the cymbals have an unlathed, brilliant, hand-hammered finish while the outer section has the more traditional fine lathing that is typical for K cymbals. The combination of these two finishes allow for different tones based on where the cymbal is played.

One very unique characteristic of these cymbals is their size. Most hi-hat pairs come in either 13" or 14" sizes. Akira instructed Zildjian to create the new pair with a 13 1/4" diameter to combine the volume of a 14" with the more controlled sound of a 13".

K series cymbals are traditionally used for Jazz and/or Fusion style music. These hi-hat cymbals are not as dark as the K designation would allude. I found them to be extremely flexible and could easily be used in both Rock or Jazz settings. Since the cymbals are smaller they do lack projection. Even so, their bright sound cuts like a knife as the pitch is higher than most hats and makes up for what they lack in volume. When you lay in to them and ride the cymbals in an open position, you really hear the darker wash. Stick definition is fantastic so your intricate stick work will not be lost.

These hi-hats might be viewed as purpose built for Jazz but I can see these being used as a primary set of hats that can be used for all applications.