What is the primary purpose of the Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat?

It is designed to sit underneath the bottom hi-hat cymbal on a hi-hat stand. It replaces the traditional felt washer to provide a more stable and resonant support platform.

How does rubber compare to felt for a hi-hat seat?

Rubber provides greater durability as it does not compress or fray over time like felt does. Additionally, it offers enhanced cymbal sustain because it absorbs less vibrational energy than fabric.

What is the benefit of the raised rubber sections?

The raised sections support the cymbal evenly while reducing the total contact area between the rubber and the metal. This reduction in contact helps to achieve optimal sound quality and resonance.

Will this seat fit any hi-hat stand?

It is designed as a universal accessory by Gibraltar Hardware. It should fit most standard hi-hat stand tilter assemblies that use a central rod and cup design.

Does this product affect the sustain of the cymbals?

Yes, the manufacturer states that the rubber design provides enhanced cymbal sustain compared to traditional felt. This allows the bottom cymbal to ring more freely.

Is the Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat sold in pairs?

No, this is a single unit designed specifically for the bottom hi-hat cymbal. The top cymbal typically requires a clutch with its own felt or rubber washers.

What is the typical price for this accessory?

The Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat typically retails for approximately £6.00. This makes it a very affordable upgrade for any drum kit.

Can I use this with low-volume cymbals?

Yes, it is compatible with low-volume sets like the Gear4music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack. It provides the same stability and durability benefits regardless of the cymbal volume level.

Does the rubber material damage the cymbal's finish?

No, the rubber is designed to be safe for cymbal alloys. It provides a protective barrier between the metal cymbal and the metal hi-hat stand cup.

Would this seat be suitable for heavy cymbals like the UFIP Bionic Series?

Yes, the durable rubber construction is well-suited for heavy cymbals. It provides a firm foundation that will not flatten under the weight of thicker, heavier bronze.

Does this product help with the 'chick' sound of the hi-hats?

By providing a more rigid surface than felt, the rubber seat can help produce a more defined and consistent 'chick' sound when closing the hats with the foot pedal.

Is any special tool required to install the seat?

No tools are required for installation. You simply remove the top cymbal and clutch, lift off the old felt from the bottom seat, and slide the Gibraltar Rubber Seat into its place.

Gear article

Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat

The Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat is a specialized drum hardware accessory designed to support the bottom hi-hat cymbal on a stand. It serves as a durable alternative to traditional felt washers, utilizing a moulded rubber construction to enhance cymbal sustain and resonance.

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Overview and Function

The Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat is an essential component for drum kit maintenance and performance. Positioned on the tilter assembly of a hi-hat stand, its primary function is to provide a stable, level platform for the bottom hi-hat cymbal. By replacing the conventional felt seat, it offers a more rigid and consistent support system that is resistant to the compression and degradation typically associated with fabric-based materials.

Design and Key Features

The seat features a unique design characterized by raised rubber sections. These sections are engineered to support the cymbal evenly across its circumference while simultaneously reducing the total surface area in direct contact with the metal. This design philosophy aims to minimize the dampening effect that larger, softer pads can have on cymbal vibrations. The rubber construction is inherently more durable than felt, ensuring the seat maintains its shape and functionality over long periods of heavy play.

Acoustic Character

In terms of sound, the Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat is intended to provide optimal sound quality by allowing for enhanced cymbal sustain. Unlike felt, which absorbs a significant portion of the cymbal's energy, the denser rubber material reflects more energy back into the cymbal. This results in a cleaner 'chick' sound and a more resonant tone when the cymbals are played in an open or semi-open position.

Compatibility and Comparison

This seat is a universal replacement part compatible with most standard hi-hat stands. When compared to traditional felt seats, the Gibraltar Rubber variant is preferred by drummers seeking a brighter, more defined cymbal response. While felts offer a softer, more muted character, the rubber seat is geared toward drummers who use high-quality cymbals—such as Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi-Hats—and wish to maximize their natural resonance. It serves as a functional upgrade for entry-level kits, such as those using Gear4music Low Volume packs or Meinl HCS series cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat?: It is designed to sit underneath the bottom hi-hat cymbal on a hi-hat stand. It replaces the traditional felt washer to provide a more stable and resonant support platform.
How does rubber compare to felt for a hi-hat seat?: Rubber provides greater durability as it does not compress or fray over time like felt does. Additionally, it offers enhanced cymbal sustain because it absorbs less vibrational energy than fabric.
What is the benefit of the raised rubber sections?: The raised sections support the cymbal evenly while reducing the total contact area between the rubber and the metal. This reduction in contact helps to achieve optimal sound quality and resonance.
Will this seat fit any hi-hat stand?: It is designed as a universal accessory by Gibraltar Hardware. It should fit most standard hi-hat stand tilter assemblies that use a central rod and cup design.
Does this product affect the sustain of the cymbals?: Yes, the manufacturer states that the rubber design provides enhanced cymbal sustain compared to traditional felt. This allows the bottom cymbal to ring more freely.
Is the Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat sold in pairs?: No, this is a single unit designed specifically for the bottom hi-hat cymbal. The top cymbal typically requires a clutch with its own felt or rubber washers.
What is the typical price for this accessory?: The Gibraltar Rubber Hi-Hat Seat typically retails for approximately £6.00. This makes it a very affordable upgrade for any drum kit.
Can I use this with low-volume cymbals?: Yes, it is compatible with low-volume sets like the Gear4music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack. It provides the same stability and durability benefits regardless of the cymbal volume level.
Does the rubber material damage the cymbal's finish?: No, the rubber is designed to be safe for cymbal alloys. It provides a protective barrier between the metal cymbal and the metal hi-hat stand cup.
Would this seat be suitable for heavy cymbals like the UFIP Bionic Series?: Yes, the durable rubber construction is well-suited for heavy cymbals. It provides a firm foundation that will not flatten under the weight of thicker, heavier bronze.
Does this product help with the 'chick' sound of the hi-hats?: By providing a more rigid surface than felt, the rubber seat can help produce a more defined and consistent 'chick' sound when closing the hats with the foot pedal.
Is any special tool required to install the seat?: No tools are required for installation. You simply remove the top cymbal and clutch, lift off the old felt from the bottom seat, and slide the Gibraltar Rubber Seat into its place.