What material is used for these hihats?

They are crafted from Meinl's Pure Alloy, which is a high-quality B12 bronze alloy known for its clarity and expressive range.

What is the weight distribution of the pair?

The set consists of a medium-thin top cymbal and a medium-weight bottom cymbal to balance response and volume.

How does the extra hammering affect the sound?

The extra hammering creates a pre-EQd effect, providing a drier attack in the upper-mids and a more focused, compressed voice.

What is the typical price for these hihats in the UK?

They are typically priced around £413 for the pair.

Are these hihats lathed?

Yes, they feature fully lathed surfaces which provide a polished look and contribute to their clear, shimmering high frequencies.

What diameter are these cymbals?

This specific model has a 15-inch diameter, offering a larger sound and more low-end warmth than standard 14-inch hats.

Can these be used for heavy rock music?

Yes, when fully opened they produce a robust wash with plenty of volume and push, making them suitable for louder genres.

What kind of 'chick' sound do they produce?

When closed with the foot, they produce a dry, clear, and focused 'foot chick' sound.

How does the sound differ from the Meinl Byzance series?

While Byzance cymbals like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash are often darker and unlathed, the Pure Alloy series is more polished, brighter, and offers a more balanced frequency response.

Are they suitable for recording?

Yes, their 'pre-EQd' nature and naturally compressed response make them very easy to sit in a studio mix.

What is the 'sizzle' described in the manufacturer's notes?

The sizzle refers to the rich warmth and slight crunch in the low-end frequencies, providing a complex texture during play.

How do they compare to UFIP Bionic Series hihats?

The Meinl Pure Alloy is generally more versatile and 'timeless,' whereas the UFIP Bionic Series is often geared toward more aggressive, high-power performance.

Gear article

Meinl 15" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Hihat

The Meinl 15" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Hihat is a versatile professional cymbal pair constructed from a specific B12-style alloy. These hihats feature extensive hammering and a fully lathed surface to produce a pre-EQd sound characterized by a dry attack and warm, low-end sizzle.

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Overview

The Meinl 15" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Hihat represents a modern interpretation of a classic cymbal voice. Utilizing Meinl's proprietary Pure Alloy material, these cymbals are designed to bridge the gap between vintage warmth and modern clarity. The 15-inch diameter provides a larger footprint than standard 14-inch models, offering increased volume and a deeper tonal register while maintaining precise control.

Design and Construction

These hihats are constructed with a medium-thin top cymbal paired with a medium-weight bottom. The standout feature is the 'Extra Hammering' applied across the surface, which disrupts the vibration patterns to create a more focused and complex sound. Both the top and bottom cymbals feature fully lathed surfaces, which provides a polished aesthetic and aids in the shimmer of the high frequencies. The combination of the B12 alloy and specific hammering techniques results in a naturally compressed response.

Sonic Characteristics

The sonic profile of the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Hihat is described as 'pre-EQd,' meaning it is tonally balanced for recording and live performance without excessive post-processing. Key characteristics include:

Upper-Mids: A dry, focused attack that cuts through a mix without being harsh.
Low-End: A touch of sizzle and 'crunch' that adds warmth and depth.
Dynamics: Responsive to various playing styles, from a dry 'foot chick' to thick, aggressive barks when played open.
Wash: When fully opened, the 15-inch size produces a robust wash with significant volume and forward push.

Target Audience

Due to their versatile nature, these hihats are suited for drummers across virtually all musical genres. Their expressive range makes them an excellent choice for session players who require a 'timeless voice' that can adapt to different styles. The 15-inch diameter and robust volume also make them popular with rock and pop drummers who need presence without sacrificing the nuanced touch required for jazz or funk.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, these differ significantly from the Byzance Extra Dry series, which lacks the polished lathing and offers a much darker, earthier tone. Compared to the entry-level Meinl HCS series, the Pure Alloy version provides professional-grade durability and a significantly more complex frequency response. When compared to industry alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hihats, the Meinl 15" Extra Hammered model offers a larger, more modern 'compressed' sound and a distinctive low-end crunch that 14-inch competitors often lack.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for these hihats?: They are crafted from Meinl's Pure Alloy, which is a high-quality B12 bronze alloy known for its clarity and expressive range.
What is the weight distribution of the pair?: The set consists of a medium-thin top cymbal and a medium-weight bottom cymbal to balance response and volume.
How does the extra hammering affect the sound?: The extra hammering creates a pre-EQd effect, providing a drier attack in the upper-mids and a more focused, compressed voice.
What is the typical price for these hihats in the UK?: They are typically priced around £413 for the pair.
Are these hihats lathed?: Yes, they feature fully lathed surfaces which provide a polished look and contribute to their clear, shimmering high frequencies.
What diameter are these cymbals?: This specific model has a 15-inch diameter, offering a larger sound and more low-end warmth than standard 14-inch hats.
Can these be used for heavy rock music?: Yes, when fully opened they produce a robust wash with plenty of volume and push, making them suitable for louder genres.
What kind of 'chick' sound do they produce?: When closed with the foot, they produce a dry, clear, and focused 'foot chick' sound.
How does the sound differ from the Meinl Byzance series?: While Byzance cymbals like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash are often darker and unlathed, the Pure Alloy series is more polished, brighter, and offers a more balanced frequency response.
Are they suitable for recording?: Yes, their 'pre-EQd' nature and naturally compressed response make them very easy to sit in a studio mix.
What is the 'sizzle' described in the manufacturer's notes?: The sizzle refers to the rich warmth and slight crunch in the low-end frequencies, providing a complex texture during play.
How do they compare to UFIP Bionic Series hihats?: The Meinl Pure Alloy is generally more versatile and 'timeless,' whereas the UFIP Bionic Series is often geared toward more aggressive, high-power performance.