A hi-hat is a pair of cymbals (top and bottom) mounted on a special stand with a pedal. It's the foundation of a drum kit's rhythm: closed cymbals play a crisp 'chick', open ones a rich hiss, and the pedal makes a 'chick' with the foot. The hi-hat lets you flexibly control the degree of opening and the dynamics. It's used in practically all styles of music. We'll suggest a hi-hat pair for your style and level.

Which hi-hat size to choose — 13, 14 or 15″?

The 14″ size is the universal standard with a balanced sound that suits almost all styles. The smaller 13″ gives a tighter, brighter and faster sound with crisp articulation — popular in modern and dynamic styles. The larger 15″ sounds fuller, louder and more 'washy', with a rich open tone — good for rock and powerful playing. For a first hi-hat, 14″ is convenient. We'll suggest a size for your genre and style.

What's the difference between the top and bottom hi-hat cymbal?

In a hi-hat pair the cymbals are different: the top is usually thinner — it's the one you play with a stick; the bottom is heavier and denser, giving a crisper 'chick' and stability. Some bottom cymbals have a wavy edge or holes (a sound edge) to release air and avoid an 'air lock' when closing. So the top and bottom can't be swapped. Pairs are sold matched. We'll suggest the best combination for your sound.

B8 or B20 for a hi-hat?

The alloy determines the sound and price. B8 bronze sounds bright and crisp, is affordable and common in budget and mid series — a good choice for learning. B20 bronze is the traditional alloy of professional cast cymbals with a complex, rich and warm sound and a more expressive open tone. Brass is only for entry level. For serious playing and the studio, B20 is better; to start, B8 is enough. We'll suggest for your budget and style.

Which hi-hat weight is better — light or heavy?

The weight (thickness) of the cymbals affects volume and character. Lighter hi-hats sound softer, quieter and thinner, with a more delicate open tone — they're loved in jazz and for quiet playing. Heavier ones give a loud, cutting and crisp sound with a strong attack — for rock, metal and a loud stage. Medium weight is a universal compromise. The choice depends on the genre and playing volume. We'll suggest a weight for your tasks.

Which hi-hat for a beginner, rock or jazz?

A beginner will be fine with an affordable 14″ hi-hat in B8 alloy — for example, the Zildjian ZBT, Sabian SBR or Meinl HCS series. For rock and metal, heavier, brighter and cutting 14–15″ hi-hats with a crisp attack are chosen. For jazz, lighter, darker and more complex cast B20 hi-hats with a delicate open tone are taken. Style and volume determine the choice. We'll suggest a series and weight for your genre.

Which hi-hat brands do you offer and where to buy?

Hi-hats from Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl and Paiste — from affordable series (ZBT, SBR, HCS, PST) to professional cast B20; premium Zildjian K, Paiste 2002 and Istanbul Agop — to order. We select by size, alloy, weight and your style. Delivery across Ukraine; pickup in Kyiv (Olzhycha St, 15). Warranty, instalments. Phone +380 (73) 060 01 01.

Hi-hat

Q: Is a hi-hat the cymbals or the stand?

The 'hi-hat' itself is the pair of cymbals (top and bottom) that create the sound. The hi-hat stand is a separate piece of hardware with a pedal that holds the cymbals and controls their opening and closing. You need both to play: the cymbals and the stand. If you already have a stand, you can buy just the pair of cymbals; if not, you'll need a stand too. We'll suggest the cymbals and, if needed, a compatible hi-hat stand.

Hi-hat cymbals 13, 14, 15″ — Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Paiste

A hi-hat is a pair of cymbals (top and bottom) on a stand with a pedal, the foundation of a drum kit's rhythm. Closed they play a crisp 'chick', open a rich hiss, and with the pedal a 'chick' with the foot. The size (13, 14, 15″), alloy (B8, B20) and weight (light, heavy) determine the character of the sound. Note: the pair of cymbals and the hi-hat stand are different things. At SoundsGood — Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Paiste for learning, stage and studio. Genuine cymbals with a warranty, delivery across Ukraine.

🎩Pair of cymbals
Top and bottom

📏13, 14, 15″
Different character

🔔B8 and B20
Light and heavy

🦶Closed and open
Pedal control

🥁 Popular hi-hats

Zildjian

Hi-hat 14″ B8 (entry)

A pair of 14″ hi-hats in B8 alloy — a bright, crisp sound at an affordable price. A universal standard for learning and rehearsals.

Sabian

Hi-hat 14″ (mid)

A mid-level pair of 14″ hi-hats with a balanced sound and a crisp closed 'chick' — a versatile choice for stage and studio.

Meinl

Hi-hat 13″

A compact 13″ hi-hat — a tighter, brighter and faster sound. For crisp articulation and modern styles.

Paiste

Hi-hat 15″

A 15″ hi-hat — a fuller, louder and more 'washy' sound with a rich open tone. For powerful playing and rock.

Zildjian

Hi-hat 14″ B20 (cast)

A cast 14″ hi-hat in B20 bronze with a complex, rich sound and an expressive open tone — for the studio and stage.

Sabian

Hi-hat 14″ heavy (rock)

A heavier 14″ hi-hat with a loud, cutting sound and a crisp attack — for rock, metal and a loud stage.

Premium Zildjian K, Paiste 2002 and Istanbul Agop — to order. Need a hi-hat stand too? We'll suggest a compatible one. Write your style and budget — we'll match a pair.

📏 Sizes and features

📐 13″

A tighter, brighter and faster sound with crisp articulation — for modern and dynamic styles and a compact setup.

📐 14″ (standard)

A universal balanced size that suits almost all styles. The most common choice for a first hi-hat.

📐 15″

A fuller, louder and more 'washy' sound with a rich open tone — for rock and powerful playing.

⚖️ Top and bottom

The top cymbal is thinner (you play it), the bottom heavier; some bottoms have a sound edge (rim or holes) to release air.

🎯 How to choose a hi-hat

📏 Size

14″ — versatile; 13″ — tighter and brighter; 15″ — fuller and louder. Choose by style and playing manner.

🔔 Alloy (B8, B20)

B8 — bright and affordable to start; B20 — a complex rich sound of professional cast series. Affects timbre and price.

⚖️ Weight (light/heavy)

Lighter — softer, quieter, for jazz; heavier — loud and cutting, for rock and metal. Medium weight is versatile.

🏭 Cast or sheet

Cast — a richer complex sound for studio and stage; sheet — simpler, cheaper and more consistent.

🎵 Music style

Jazz — lighter, darker, more complex; rock and metal — heavier, brighter, cutting. Matched to genre and volume.

🛡️ Brand and level

From affordable series to professional cast. Genuine Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Paiste with a warranty.

📊 Comparison of popular models

Model	Brand	Size	Alloy	Level
Hi-hat 14″ B8	Zildjian	14″	B8	Entry
Hi-hat 14″	Sabian	14″	B8/B20	Mid
Hi-hat 13″	Meinl	13″	B8/B20	Mid
Hi-hat 15″	Paiste	15″	B8/B20	Mid
Hi-hat 14″ B20	Zildjian	14″	B20	Professional
Hi-hat 14″ heavy	Sabian	14″	B8/B20	Rock

Not sure which to pick? Tell us your music style, playing volume and budget, and we'll match a hi-hat.

⭐ Brands and cymbals

Cymbals

All cymbals

Hi-hat, crash, ride, splash — packs and individual cymbals.

Learn more → Cymbals

Crash

Bright 16–18″ accents to complement the hi-hat.

Learn more → Cymbals

Ride

A 20–22″ ride for a steady rhythm and bell.

Learn more →

Zildjian

From ZBT to A and K — legendary hi-hats.

Sabian

SBR, AA and AAX — from start to professional series.

Acoustic kits

Complete kits and shell packs for your setup.

🏆 Delivery, warranty and instalments

🛡️

Official warranty

Genuine hi-hats with a warranty

🔔

Global brands

Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Paiste

🎯

Help choosing

We'll suggest the size, alloy, weight and series

🏛️

Prozorro tenders

Supplies for schools and cultural institutions

🚚

Delivery across Ukraine

Nova Poshta; free from ₴4,000

💳

Instalment payments

PrivatBank, monobank — up to 12 payments

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is a hi-hat?

A pair of cymbals (top and bottom) on a stand with a pedal — the foundation of the rhythm. Closed they play a 'chick', open a hiss, with the pedal a foot 'chick'. Flexible control of dynamics in all styles.

Which size — 13, 14 or 15″?

14″ — the universal standard; 13″ — tighter, brighter and faster; 15″ — fuller, louder and more 'washy'. For a first one, 14″ is convenient.

Is a hi-hat the cymbals or the stand?

The 'hi-hat' is the pair of cymbals that make the sound. The stand with a pedal is separate hardware that holds and controls them. You need both. We'll suggest both the cymbals and a stand.

How do the top and bottom cymbals differ?

The top is thinner (you play it), the bottom heavier for a crisp 'chick'; some bottoms have a sound edge (holes/rim) to release air. They aren't swapped; pairs are matched.

B8 or B20?

B8 — bright and affordable to start; B20 — a complex rich sound of professional cast series. Brass is only entry level. For the studio, B20 is better.

Light or heavy?

Lighter — softer and quieter, for jazz; heavier — loud and cutting, for rock and metal. Medium weight is versatile. Depends on genre and volume.

Hi-hat for a beginner, rock or jazz?

A beginner — 14″ B8 (ZBT, SBR, HCS). Rock/metal — heavier, brighter 14–15″. Jazz — lighter, darker, complex cast B20. We'll suggest a series and weight.

Which brands and where to buy?

Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Paiste — from packs to professional cast B20; Zildjian K, Paiste 2002, Istanbul Agop — to order. Delivery across Ukraine; pickup in Kyiv. Phone +380 (73) 060 01 01.