What is the primary benefit of a flat base hi-hat stand?

A flat base stand allows the legs to sit flush to the floor, providing a vintage aesthetic and a smaller footprint. This makes it easier to position other stands, such as snare stands or cymbal stands, in close proximity.

Does the Gibraltar 8000 Series include a clutch?

Yes, the manufacturer includes a standard hi-hat clutch with the 8000 Series stand. This component is essential for securing the top hi-hat cymbal to the pull rod.

What type of drive system does this stand use?

The stand utilizes a direct pull system. This mechanism connects the pedal board directly to the pull rod, ensuring a smooth and immediate response when the pedal is depressed.

How does the height adjustment work on this model?

The stand features hinged height adjustments. These allow for smooth vertical movement of the upper tube, which is then secured at the desired level using wing tension fasteners.

Are there memory locks included with the 8000 Series?

Yes, it is equipped with wing tension memory locks. These allow the drummer to lock in their preferred height settings, ensuring consistent setup every time the gear is moved.

Is this stand suitable for heavy metal drumming?

While stable, flat base stands are generally preferred by jazz, blues, and rock drummers who value portability and vintage looks. Heavy hitters may sometimes prefer double-braced tripods, though the 8000 series offers professional-level stability.

What is the typical price for the Gibraltar 8000 Series Hi Hat Stand?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately GBP 155. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.

Can the pedal board tension be adjusted?

The direct pull system is designed to provide a smooth, customised feel. Users can typically adjust the spring tension to change how much resistance the pedal offers underfoot.

Is the pedal board textured or smooth?

The 8000 Series features a smooth pedal board. This design choice is intended to facilitate easier foot movement and a more fluid playing experience.

How does this compare to the Yamaha HS740A?

The Yamaha HS740A is a more traditional tripod stand, whereas the Gibraltar 8000 Series uses a flat base. The Gibraltar model is often chosen for its smaller footprint and vintage style.

Is this stand recommended for beginners?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a perfect upgrade for beginner to intermediate drummers. Its ease of use and high-quality construction make it a significant step up from entry-level bundled hardware.

What is the 'low profile' feature?

The 'low profile' refers to the flat base tripod design. This keeps the hardware close to the floor, reducing visual clutter and physical obstructions around the drum kit.

Gear article

Gibraltar 8000 Series Flat Base Hi Hat Stand

The Gibraltar 8000 Series Flat Base Hi Hat Stand is a professional-grade hardware component designed for drummers seeking a vintage aesthetic combined with modern stability. It features a low-profile flat base tripod system that minimises the footprint on stage or in the studio while providing a secure foundation for hi-hat cymbals.

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Design and Construction

The Gibraltar 8000 Series Flat Base Hi Hat Stand is engineered to balance traditional styling with contemporary manufacturing standards. The standout feature is its flat base tripod, which allows the legs to sit flush against the floor. This design is particularly advantageous for drummers with crowded floor setups or those who prefer the 'vintage' look of 1960s hardware.

The stand utilizes a direct pull system for the pedal mechanism. Unlike chain-driven alternatives, the direct pull provides a linear and immediate response between the footboard and the cymbals. The pedal board itself is designed with a smooth surface to accommodate various playing techniques, including sliding motions.

Adjustability and Stability

To ensure ergonomic placement, the 8000 Series includes hinged height adjustments. These allow the user to precisely set the height of the cymbals to suit their reach and posture. To maintain these settings between sessions, Gibraltar has integrated wing tension memory locks. These locks ensure that once the 'sweet spot' is found, the stand can be broken down and reassembled with consistent results. Despite its lightweight appearance, the low-profile base is designed to offer stability comparable to standard tripod stands.

Performance and Feel

The feel of the 8000 Series is characterised by its 'customised' response. Because it uses a direct pull system, the feedback to the drummer's foot is highly transparent. This makes it an ideal choice for players who value dynamic control over their hi-hat 'chick' sound and splash accents. The smooth pedal board further enhances this by reducing friction during rapid footwork.

Target Audience and Comparisons

While marketed as an excellent upgrade for beginner to intermediate drummers, the build quality and aesthetic appeal of the 8000 Series also make it a viable choice for professionals looking to reduce the weight of their hardware bag.

Compared to alternatives like the Yamaha HS740A, which uses a more traditional braced tripod, the Gibraltar 8000 offers a smaller footprint. It provides a more specialized vintage feel than heavy-duty options such as the Sonor 6000 series components, focusing on portability and a clean visual profile rather than maximum mass.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of a flat base hi-hat stand?: A flat base stand allows the legs to sit flush to the floor, providing a vintage aesthetic and a smaller footprint. This makes it easier to position other stands, such as snare stands or cymbal stands, in close proximity.
Does the Gibraltar 8000 Series include a clutch?: Yes, the manufacturer includes a standard hi-hat clutch with the 8000 Series stand. This component is essential for securing the top hi-hat cymbal to the pull rod.
What type of drive system does this stand use?: The stand utilizes a direct pull system. This mechanism connects the pedal board directly to the pull rod, ensuring a smooth and immediate response when the pedal is depressed.
How does the height adjustment work on this model?: The stand features hinged height adjustments. These allow for smooth vertical movement of the upper tube, which is then secured at the desired level using wing tension fasteners.
Are there memory locks included with the 8000 Series?: Yes, it is equipped with wing tension memory locks. These allow the drummer to lock in their preferred height settings, ensuring consistent setup every time the gear is moved.
Is this stand suitable for heavy metal drumming?: While stable, flat base stands are generally preferred by jazz, blues, and rock drummers who value portability and vintage looks. Heavy hitters may sometimes prefer double-braced tripods, though the 8000 series offers professional-level stability.
What is the typical price for the Gibraltar 8000 Series Hi Hat Stand?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately GBP 155. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current shipping costs.
Can the pedal board tension be adjusted?: The direct pull system is designed to provide a smooth, customised feel. Users can typically adjust the spring tension to change how much resistance the pedal offers underfoot.
Is the pedal board textured or smooth?: The 8000 Series features a smooth pedal board. This design choice is intended to facilitate easier foot movement and a more fluid playing experience.
How does this compare to the Yamaha HS740A?: The Yamaha HS740A is a more traditional tripod stand, whereas the Gibraltar 8000 Series uses a flat base. The Gibraltar model is often chosen for its smaller footprint and vintage style.
Is this stand recommended for beginners?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a perfect upgrade for beginner to intermediate drummers. Its ease of use and high-quality construction make it a significant step up from entry-level bundled hardware.
What is the 'low profile' feature?: The 'low profile' refers to the flat base tripod design. This keeps the hardware close to the floor, reducing visual clutter and physical obstructions around the drum kit.