What material are these hi-hats made from?

The Meinl Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hats are constructed from B10 bronze alloy. This alloy is composed of 90% copper and 10% tin, providing a balance of strength and musicality.

What is the benefit of the 15-inch size?

A 15-inch hi-hat typically offers a lower pitch and a fuller, broader sound compared to the industry-standard 14-inch size. This provides more volume and a deeper tone that sits well in modern mixes.

How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?

The brilliant finish involves a polishing process that smooths the surface of the cymbal. This tends to brighten the sound and add a shimmering high-end response, while also providing a modern, reflective look.

Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy metal?

Yes, their B10 bronze construction and bright character make them highly durable and capable of cutting through high-gain environments. The crisp open sound is particularly effective for heavy genres.

Can these be used for jazz or low-volume gigs?

While they are bright and versatile, they may be louder than dedicated jazz cymbals like the Byzance Extra Dry series. However, their warm undertones allow them to be used across any style if played with appropriate dynamics.

How would you describe the 'chick' sound of this pair?

The 'chick' sound is crisp and well-defined. Because of the medium weight and 15-inch diameter, the foot-close sound is authoritative and cuts through the mix clearly.

Do these hi-hats come with a clutch?

Standard hi-hat pairs like the Meinl Classics Custom are typically sold as the two cymbals only. A hi-hat clutch is usually included with a hi-hat stand, not the cymbals themselves.

How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Classics Custom series is a significant upgrade over the HCS series. The B10 bronze used in the Classics Custom offers much better tonal complexity, durability, and volume than the brass used in the HCS range.

What is the typical price for this hi-hat pair?

The typical retail price for a new pair of Meinl Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hats is approximately £289. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Are these cymbals durable?

Yes, the B10 bronze alloy is specifically chosen for its exceptional durability. These cymbals are designed to withstand heavy playing styles over a long period of time.

How do they compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14"?

The Meinl 15" Medium Hi-Hats are larger and have a more modern, brilliant finish compared to the Paiste Giant Beat. The Meinl pair offers a sharper, more cutting sound, whereas the Giant Beat is known for a more vintage, mellow character.

What kind of stick response can I expect?

These hi-hats offer great stick response, meaning they react quickly and clearly to every stroke. This makes them ideal for intricate patterns and fast rhythmic playing.

Gear article

Meinl Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hat Pair

The Meinl Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hat is a professional-grade cymbal pair constructed from B10 bronze alloy with a brilliant finish. Designed for high durability and versatile performance, these hi-hats offer a balance of warmth and brightness suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

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Overview

The Meinl Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hat pair represents a fusion of modern manufacturing techniques and high-grade materials. Positioned as a versatile workhorse within the Meinl catalogue, these cymbals are engineered to provide a balanced sonic profile that remains consistent across various playing environments. The 15-inch diameter provides a slightly deeper pitch and larger surface area compared to standard 14-inch models, resulting in a fuller, more substantial presence in a drum mix.

Construction and Design

These cymbals are manufactured using B10 bronze alloy, which consists of 90% copper and 10% tin. This specific composition is noted for its exceptional durability, making it an ideal choice for drummers who require gear that can withstand frequent use. The cymbals feature a brilliant finish, which is achieved through a high-pressure polishing process. This not only gives the hi-hats a striking modern aesthetic but also contributes to their specific high-end shimmer and clarity.

Sound Character

The sound of the Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hats is characterised by a blend of brightness and warmth. They provide a highly responsive stick feel, allowing for articulate patterns and nuanced dynamics. When played open, the cymbals produce a crisp, cutting sound that is assertive without being harsh. The 'chick' sound—produced by closing the hats with the foot pedal—is defined and cutting, ensuring rhythmic clarity in both studio and live settings.

Versatility and Application

Due to their medium weight and balanced frequency response, these hi-hats are marketed as genre-agnostic tools. They are equally suited for high-volume rock and metal settings, where their brightness helps them cut through distorted guitars, as they are for pop or fusion, where their warmth and stick definition are highly valued. Their versatility makes them a reliable primary hi-hat for drummers who play in multiple diverse musical projects.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, these cymbals offer a more modern and bright profile compared to the Byzance 19" Extra Dry series, which focuses on darker, trashier tones. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS 13" series, the Classics Custom provides significantly better projection and a more refined frequency spectrum due to the superior B10 alloy. When compared to the Paiste Giant Beat 14", the Meinl 15" Medium Hi-Hats offer a larger physical footprint and a more modern brilliant finish versus the Paiste’s vintage-voiced character. They also stand as a sturdier alternative to the UFIP Class Series 14" Light models, prioritising volume and durability over delicate thinness.

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Frequently asked questions

What material are these hi-hats made from?: The Meinl Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hats are constructed from B10 bronze alloy. This alloy is composed of 90% copper and 10% tin, providing a balance of strength and musicality.
What is the benefit of the 15-inch size?: A 15-inch hi-hat typically offers a lower pitch and a fuller, broader sound compared to the industry-standard 14-inch size. This provides more volume and a deeper tone that sits well in modern mixes.
How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?: The brilliant finish involves a polishing process that smooths the surface of the cymbal. This tends to brighten the sound and add a shimmering high-end response, while also providing a modern, reflective look.
Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy metal?: Yes, their B10 bronze construction and bright character make them highly durable and capable of cutting through high-gain environments. The crisp open sound is particularly effective for heavy genres.
Can these be used for jazz or low-volume gigs?: While they are bright and versatile, they may be louder than dedicated jazz cymbals like the Byzance Extra Dry series. However, their warm undertones allow them to be used across any style if played with appropriate dynamics.
How would you describe the 'chick' sound of this pair?: The 'chick' sound is crisp and well-defined. Because of the medium weight and 15-inch diameter, the foot-close sound is authoritative and cuts through the mix clearly.
Do these hi-hats come with a clutch?: Standard hi-hat pairs like the Meinl Classics Custom are typically sold as the two cymbals only. A hi-hat clutch is usually included with a hi-hat stand, not the cymbals themselves.
How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Classics Custom series is a significant upgrade over the HCS series. The B10 bronze used in the Classics Custom offers much better tonal complexity, durability, and volume than the brass used in the HCS range.
What is the typical price for this hi-hat pair?: The typical retail price for a new pair of Meinl Classics Custom 15" Medium Hi-Hats is approximately £289. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Are these cymbals durable?: Yes, the B10 bronze alloy is specifically chosen for its exceptional durability. These cymbals are designed to withstand heavy playing styles over a long period of time.
How do they compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14"?: The Meinl 15" Medium Hi-Hats are larger and have a more modern, brilliant finish compared to the Paiste Giant Beat. The Meinl pair offers a sharper, more cutting sound, whereas the Giant Beat is known for a more vintage, mellow character.
What kind of stick response can I expect?: These hi-hats offer great stick response, meaning they react quickly and clearly to every stroke. This makes them ideal for intricate patterns and fast rhythmic playing.