What is the typical price for the Dream Contact 13" Hi-Hats?

These hi-hats are typically priced around GBP 259 in the United Kingdom market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.

What makes the 'chick' sound unique on this model?

The Contact 13" Hi-Hats are designed to produce a very clean and defined chick sound. This is achieved through the specific weight and 13-inch diameter, which allows for a crisp air displacement when closed with the foot.

How does the sound change when played open?

When played open, these cymbals exhibit a slightly dark tone that provides an immense sonic presence. This helps the drummer add texture and depth to the groove compared to the tight sound of the closed position.

What type of lathing is used on the Contact Series?

The Contact Series features standard lathing. This traditional approach to cymbal making ensures a versatile sound that works across many different musical genres.

Is the 13-inch size better for specific genres?

While 13-inch hi-hats are highly versatile, they are often preferred for funk, pop, and fusion where a fast, articulate response is required. However, the brightness of the Contact series allows them to cut through in louder rock settings as well.

How does the stick projection compare to other cymbals?

These hi-hats provide a projected stick sound specifically engineered to be heard clearly. This ensures that intricate sticking patterns are not lost in the overall mix of the drum kit.

Are these cymbals considered bright or dark?

They are described as incredibly bright by the manufacturer. However, they do retain a slightly dark undertone when played open, giving them a more complex character than a purely one-dimensional bright cymbal.

How durable are the Dream Contact 13" Hi-Hats?

Dream Cymbals emphasizes longevity with this series. The construction quality is designed to be reliable for drummers who need a workhorse hi-hat that can withstand regular playing.

Can these be compared to the Meinl HCS 13"?

While both are 13-inch hi-hats, the Dream Contact series is a higher-tier professional cymbal offering more complex tonality and projection. The Meinl HCS is generally an entry-level brass series, whereas the Contact is a professional bronze instrument.

How do they differ from the UFIP Bionic Series 13"?

Both are high-quality 13-inch hats, but the Dream Contact series focuses on a balance between a bright attack and a slightly dark open wash. The Bionic series often features different hammering and weight distributions specific to the UFIP brand.

Do these hi-hats come in other sizes within the Contact series?

Yes, while this specific model is 13 inches, the Contact series by Dream Cymbals includes various sizes. The 13-inch version is specifically chosen by drummers for its tighter, higher-pitched response.

Is a specific clutch required for these cymbals?

No, these hi-hats feature standard mounting holes compatible with any standard hi-hat stand and clutch. The 13-inch size fits all conventional hardware setups.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Contact Series 13" Hi-Hats

The Dream Cymbals Contact Series 13" Hi-Hats are professional-grade cymbals known for their bright, defined stick projection and clean 'chick' sound. Crafted by Dream Cymbals, these 13-inch hats are designed to cut through dense musical mixes while maintaining a versatile range of tones.

Dream Cymbals Dream Cymbal Contact Series 13 Hi-Hat

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Background

Dream Cymbals is a manufacturer known for producing hand-crafted cymbals that often offer boutique quality at accessible price points. The Contact Series represents a specific tonal direction within their catalogue, focusing on brightness, projection, and a more immediate response compared to some of their darker, 'trashier' series. The 13" Hi-Hat model is designed for drummers who require precision and clarity without sacrificing the depth of character found in B20 bronze instruments.

Design and Construction

These hi-hats feature standard lathing across the surface, which contributes to their versatile frequency response. The 13-inch diameter provides a smaller surface area than the traditional 14-inch standard, resulting in a higher pitch and a faster, tighter response. The manufacturing process focuses on ensuring longevity, making them suitable for frequent professional use in both rehearsal and performance settings.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary characteristic of the Contact 13" Hi-Hats is their brightness and projection. When played closed, they deliver a tight, articulate stick sound that ensures every note of a complex pattern is audible. The 'chick' sound—produced by the foot pedal—is notably clean and defined. When played open, the cymbals reveal a slightly darker undertone, providing a thick sonic presence that supports the groove with varied textures.

Comparative Analysis

Within the 13-inch category, the Dream Contact Hi-Hats compete with models like the UFIP Bionic Series 13" and the Meinl HCS 13". While the HCS is typically an entry-level brass cymbal, the Contact Series offers the professional tonality of high-quality bronze. Compared to the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats or the Paiste Giant Beat 14", these 13-inch Dream hats offer a tighter, more focused sound stage. They provide a brighter alternative to the darker aesthetics found in products like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch or the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series.

Target Audience

These cymbals are ideal for drummers across a wide range of genres due to their standard lathing and balanced frequency response. They are particularly well-suited for players who need their hi-hat work to cut through high-volume stage environments or for studio drummers seeking a crisp, defined hi-hat track. Their reliable construction makes them a strong choice for those prioritising instrument longevity.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for the Dream Contact 13" Hi-Hats?: These hi-hats are typically priced around GBP 259 in the United Kingdom market. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.
What makes the 'chick' sound unique on this model?: The Contact 13" Hi-Hats are designed to produce a very clean and defined chick sound. This is achieved through the specific weight and 13-inch diameter, which allows for a crisp air displacement when closed with the foot.
How does the sound change when played open?: When played open, these cymbals exhibit a slightly dark tone that provides an immense sonic presence. This helps the drummer add texture and depth to the groove compared to the tight sound of the closed position.
What type of lathing is used on the Contact Series?: The Contact Series features standard lathing. This traditional approach to cymbal making ensures a versatile sound that works across many different musical genres.
Is the 13-inch size better for specific genres?: While 13-inch hi-hats are highly versatile, they are often preferred for funk, pop, and fusion where a fast, articulate response is required. However, the brightness of the Contact series allows them to cut through in louder rock settings as well.
How does the stick projection compare to other cymbals?: These hi-hats provide a projected stick sound specifically engineered to be heard clearly. This ensures that intricate sticking patterns are not lost in the overall mix of the drum kit.
Are these cymbals considered bright or dark?: They are described as incredibly bright by the manufacturer. However, they do retain a slightly dark undertone when played open, giving them a more complex character than a purely one-dimensional bright cymbal.
How durable are the Dream Contact 13" Hi-Hats?: Dream Cymbals emphasizes longevity with this series. The construction quality is designed to be reliable for drummers who need a workhorse hi-hat that can withstand regular playing.
Can these be compared to the Meinl HCS 13"?: While both are 13-inch hi-hats, the Dream Contact series is a higher-tier professional cymbal offering more complex tonality and projection. The Meinl HCS is generally an entry-level brass series, whereas the Contact is a professional bronze instrument.
How do they differ from the UFIP Bionic Series 13"?: Both are high-quality 13-inch hats, but the Dream Contact series focuses on a balance between a bright attack and a slightly dark open wash. The Bionic series often features different hammering and weight distributions specific to the UFIP brand.
Do these hi-hats come in other sizes within the Contact series?: Yes, while this specific model is 13 inches, the Contact series by Dream Cymbals includes various sizes. The 13-inch version is specifically chosen by drummers for its tighter, higher-pitched response.
Is a specific clutch required for these cymbals?: No, these hi-hats feature standard mounting holes compatible with any standard hi-hat stand and clutch. The 13-inch size fits all conventional hardware setups.