Does the Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch include a multi-clamp?

No, the multi-clamp is not included. You must purchase a separate clamp or attachment arm to mount this clutch to an existing stand or rack.

Can I open and close the cymbals with a foot pedal using this clutch?

No, this device is designed for static mounting only. There is no pedal control, meaning the cymbals remain in a fixed position while you play.

What is the typical price for this hardware?

The Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch typically retails for approximately £49, making it a cost-effective alternative to a second hi-hat stand.

Is it possible to adjust the tightness of the cymbals?

Yes, you can manually adjust how tightly the cymbals are held together before you begin playing. This allows you to choose between a tight 'chick' sound or a looser, 'washy' sound.

What brand manufactures this specific clutch?

This auxiliary hi-hat clutch is manufactured by Dixon, a brand known for producing a wide range of drum hardware and accessories.

Can I use 14-inch hi-hats with this clutch?

Yes, it is compatible with standard hi-hat sizes such as the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats or Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats.

Can it hold smaller cymbals like 13-inch hats?

Yes, it can accommodate various sizes, including 13-inch models like the Meinl HCS 13 Hi Hat Cymbals or UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi Hats.

Is this clutch suitable for mounting a crash cymbal?

While primarily designed for hi-hat pairs, it could theoretically hold a single cymbal; however, it is specifically engineered to clamp two cymbals together for an 'X-hat' setup.

Why would a drummer use an auxiliary clutch instead of a stand?

It saves floor space by eliminating the need for a tripod base. It also allows for cymbal placement in locations where a full stand would not fit.

Does this product work with low-volume cymbals?

Yes, it is an excellent option for mounting sets like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack for quiet practice sessions.

Can this be used with heavy cymbals?

The Dixon clutch is designed to be robust enough to hold various cymbal weights, though the stability will also depend on the quality of the multi-clamp you use to attach it to your kit.

Is this a good choice for double bass players?

Yes, it is highly popular among double bass players who need a permanently closed set of hi-hats while their feet are occupied with the bass drum pedals.

Gear article

Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch

The Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch is a specialized hardware component designed to mount a pair of hi-hat cymbals to a drum kit without the requirement of a traditional hi-hat stand. It functions as a static mounting solution, providing drummers with the ability to integrate secondary or 'X-hat' configurations into their percussion setup.

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Overview and Construction

The Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch is a utilitarian hardware device engineered to hold two cymbals together in a closed or semi-closed position. Unlike standard hi-hat clutches that attach to the pull-rod of a hi-hat stand, this auxiliary unit is designed to be independent of a pedal mechanism. It allows for the expansion of a drum kit's sonic palette by facilitating the placement of additional cymbals in areas where a full tripod stand would be impractical due to space constraints.

Mounting and Integration

To integrate this clutch into a drum kit, it must be paired with a standard multi-clamp or an attachment arm (sold separately). This modular design allows the drummer to position a set of hi-hats anywhere on the kit—such as to the right of the ride cymbal or above the floor toms—by securing it to an existing cymbal stand or rack system. This makes it an essential tool for players utilizing complex setups with multiple sets of hats.

Operational Mechanism

It is important to note that the Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch does not offer foot-pedal control. The cymbals are mounted to the clutch in a fixed state. The user can manually adjust the tension between the top and bottom cymbals to achieve a specific 'slosh' or 'chick' sound, but this cannot be altered dynamically while playing. Once secured, the hi-hats remain in that fixed position until manually readjusted.

Target Audience and Applications

This hardware is particularly suited for:

Double Bass Drummers: Players who keep their left foot on a slave pedal and require a closed set of hi-hats for consistent time-keeping.
Experimental Percussionists: Drummers looking to mount unique cymbal combinations, such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats, in unconventional locations.
Low-Volume Practice: It can be effectively used with specialized sets like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack to create a compact, stationary practice station.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to full 'remote hi-hat' systems, the Dixon Auxiliary Clutch is significantly more affordable and easier to transport, though it lacks the cable-driven pedal functionality of those systems. While it lacks the flexibility of a Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hat on a traditional stand, it provides a more stable and space-efficient solution for secondary cymbals compared to makeshift stacking methods.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch include a multi-clamp?: No, the multi-clamp is not included. You must purchase a separate clamp or attachment arm to mount this clutch to an existing stand or rack.
Can I open and close the cymbals with a foot pedal using this clutch?: No, this device is designed for static mounting only. There is no pedal control, meaning the cymbals remain in a fixed position while you play.
What is the typical price for this hardware?: The Dixon Auxiliary Hi-Hat Clutch typically retails for approximately £49, making it a cost-effective alternative to a second hi-hat stand.
Is it possible to adjust the tightness of the cymbals?: Yes, you can manually adjust how tightly the cymbals are held together before you begin playing. This allows you to choose between a tight 'chick' sound or a looser, 'washy' sound.
What brand manufactures this specific clutch?: This auxiliary hi-hat clutch is manufactured by Dixon, a brand known for producing a wide range of drum hardware and accessories.
Can I use 14-inch hi-hats with this clutch?: Yes, it is compatible with standard hi-hat sizes such as the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats or Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats.
Can it hold smaller cymbals like 13-inch hats?: Yes, it can accommodate various sizes, including 13-inch models like the Meinl HCS 13 Hi Hat Cymbals or UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi Hats.
Is this clutch suitable for mounting a crash cymbal?: While primarily designed for hi-hat pairs, it could theoretically hold a single cymbal; however, it is specifically engineered to clamp two cymbals together for an 'X-hat' setup.
Why would a drummer use an auxiliary clutch instead of a stand?: It saves floor space by eliminating the need for a tripod base. It also allows for cymbal placement in locations where a full stand would not fit.
Does this product work with low-volume cymbals?: Yes, it is an excellent option for mounting sets like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack for quiet practice sessions.
Can this be used with heavy cymbals?: The Dixon clutch is designed to be robust enough to hold various cymbal weights, though the stability will also depend on the quality of the multi-clamp you use to attach it to your kit.
Is this a good choice for double bass players?: Yes, it is highly popular among double bass players who need a permanently closed set of hi-hats while their feet are occupied with the bass drum pedals.