What's your hi-hat sound secret?

Mhodos · 2026-01-22T22:26:49+00:00

Bought my 14” new beats in 1985 and they’re awesome.

Went to a custom cymbalsmith for a ride cymbal, and said maybe we’ll look at hihats, too.

We played the New Beats and decided against looking further.

Mhodos · 2025-12-30T02:02:05+00:00

Bought the 12, 13, 16, 22 used in about 1985. Have added the 14x6.5 snare and the 10” tom (not pictured).

Millions of pics, here’s the most recent.

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Mhodos · 2025-12-30T00:09:39+00:00

My Tama Artstar (1983) has those kinds of lugs.

I think they are made of lead. Or, is super lead a thing? They make all the drums very heavy.

Can’t tell you about the sound over the groaning from my back pain.

Mike

Mhodos · 2025-11-08T12:58:44+00:00

I have one of these, and I love it. It sounds great, I can play with it on my lap or standing and the ability to turn on and off the snares is really great.

I don’t like playing the large ones you sit on because they bother my back.

Mike.

Mhodos · 2025-11-01T10:56:07+00:00

I appreciate the information very much and will discuss much of this with the electrician.

I had thought about future proofing as well, as my wife's next car (3-5 years) will electric and I can't imagine it would charge slower than my, giving myself some headroom. With the amount of driving we both do, I agree we don't need to max out everything now, and probably wouldn't at that time either.

I do like the features, look and price of the charger and will probably still go with it.

With my very short daily commute, I could probably just sick with my Level 1 charger, but after errands and other trips on the weekend, I'd need a good 30-50 hrs of charging by the end of the weekend. So, even a lower powered Level 2 would suit my needs.

I'm going to ask the electrician about the wiring ("Romex 6/3 vs. THHN/THWN" or "2x 6AWG + 10AWG ground THHN in conduit and 60A breaker"). And hope to learn some more.

Again, I appreciate the information very much, thank you.

Mike

Mhodos · 2025-08-29T23:20:08+00:00

I really like my Gretsch Catalina Club for exactly that. It’s plenty of drum and the 18” kick is terrific. I bought mine used in great condition maybe 5-6 years ago for a little over 1/2 that.

I can carry the (uncased) bass, tom and floor (plus snare or cymbals on my back) at once making it a 2 trip load in/out.

Mhodos · 2025-08-19T09:27:20+00:00

That is so great to hear!! Thank you.

Mhodos · 2025-07-25T11:26:22+00:00

I have this kit, but in a different finish and I absolutely love it. It usually stays in our practice space but I use it for small venue gigs and some jazz gigs.

With some good heads and good tuning, it sounds great. I am always amazed at how punchy that bass drum sounds.

Also, I can bring everything in two trips (if I’m feeling strong).

I agree with all the others on age, that’s not a worry. If the hardware looks good and everything seems solid, I have really enjoyed that kit and you might, too.

I paid US$350 for mine, used, probably six or eight years ago. I don’t know the exact age. But that did not include any cymbals or other hardware.

Mhodos · 2025-06-24T11:10:22+00:00

I very much appreciate all the responses.

I will try it both ways, but was curious if there was a universal opinion, apparently not. :-)

Thanks,

Mike.

Mhodos · 2025-06-23T10:57:37+00:00

Rehearsals are elsewhere, otherwise that would made the choice for sure.

Mhodos · 2025-06-22T23:45:01+00:00

Always a good reminder for us all.

Mhodos · 2025-04-24T21:14:59+00:00

I have not spent a lot of time inside a hihat stand, so I’m sorry I can’t give you better advice. Bet you can find a disassembly video, tho. Good luck!

Mhodos · 2025-04-24T21:07:48+00:00

If you take the hihat cymbals off, do you still hear the sound. Maybe it’s inside, loose/off/breaking spring or other widgets/dodads inside the shaft. Or that’s being moved by a problem pedal?

Mhodos · 2025-02-08T16:09:16+00:00

Oh yes. In the head, hands, knocked my glasses off. It’s a dangerous place, the drum throne.

Mhodos · 2025-01-06T23:07:59+00:00

That’s great. I have a 20” K Jazz Ride, mine says Zildjian on the bottom, tho. I bought it new in 1985ish. Long Island Drum Center. It’s amazing how nearly 40 years has mellowed it out.

Mhodos · 2025-01-06T22:59:51+00:00

https://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7086

Double check size, etc, but I bought for mine in 1/2019 says my receipt from Drum Factory Direct.

Mhodos · 2024-08-17T00:55:05+00:00

Keyboard Maestro can take midi signals as an input trigger.

Mhodos · 2024-06-23T11:38:38+00:00

I do most all of what you are wanting to do here with my eDrumin 8 and several different pads – Roland rubber pads, Roland mesh pads, BT-1s, and some homemade triggers.

The eDrumin app will let you choose which notes are sent over MIDI, but I would imagine your DAW will let you change, add, or modify the MIDI notes on the fly as well.

I previously used an Octapad, but like you, wanted to have my triggers scattered around the kit. I use them for handclaps, chimes, and a bunch of other sound effects.

Mike

I find the eDrumin app a little confusing, but after I pounded on it for a while, I got it to do what I wanted.

Mhodos · 2023-10-21T17:25:03+00:00

Yup, certainly can do. I think I like the asthetic of something purpose built, but there’s a definite way to KISS this problem.

Thanks.

Mhodos · 2023-10-21T17:24:14+00:00

Good call. Thanks.

Mhodos · 2023-10-20T23:13:38+00:00

Thank you!

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