What cymbals are included in the Meinl HCS Super 9 set?

The set includes 14" hi-hats, an 8" bell, a 10" splash, a 14" china, 14" crash, 16" crash, 16" trash crash, 18" crash, and a 20" ride. This provides a total of nine distinct cymbal components for a complete drum kit setup.

What material is used to manufacture the HCS series?

Meinl HCS cymbals are manufactured from a high-quality brass alloy. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to produce bright, warm tones at a more affordable price point than bronze.

Is this set suitable for professional recording?

While the HCS series is designed for beginners and intermediate players, it can be used for recording demos or practice sessions. However, professional studio work often utilizes higher-grade bronze series like Meinl Byzance for more complex harmonic overtones.

How does the trash crash differ from a standard crash?

The 16" trash crash in this set features a different profile or perforations designed to produce a shorter, more 'trashy' or distorted sound. It provides a quick decay that is ideal for sharp accents compared to the 14", 16", and 18" standard crashes.

What is the typical price for the Meinl HCS Super 9 set?

The typical retail price for this comprehensive set is approximately GBP 429. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs, but it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to acquire nine cymbals at once.

Are the 14" hi-hats sold as a pair?

Yes, the 14" hi-hats in the HCS Super Set are provided as a matching pair (top and bottom). They are designed to work together to produce a crisp 'chick' sound and a warm, bright open wash.

What musical styles is this cymbal pack suited for?

Due to its wide range of sizes and types, the HCS Super Set is versatile enough for almost any style, including rock, pop, blues, and jazz. The bright tones help the cymbals cut through a mix in various playing environments.

How does this compare to the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats?

The Super Set includes 14" hi-hats, which offer a deeper pitch and more volume than the smaller 13" HCS hi-hats. The 14" size is considered the industry standard for most general-purpose drumming.

What is the purpose of the 8" bell included in the pack?

The 8" bell is an effects cymbal that produces a high-pitched, clear, and penetrating 'ping' with a long sustain. It is typically used for specific rhythmic accents rather than as a primary crashing or riding surface.

Does the set include a ride cymbal?

Yes, the set features a 20" ride cymbal. This is a full-sized ride designed to offer a balanced feel with a clear bell sound and a warm wash for keeping time.

Is the 14" china cymbal included for special effects?

Yes, the 14" china is designed to provide an aggressive, sharp, and explosive sound. It is commonly used for dark accents and heavy backbeats in rock and metal music.

How does the durability of HCS compare to B20 bronze cymbals?

HCS brass cymbals are very durable and resistant to cracking under normal playing conditions. While they lack the complex aging characteristics of B20 bronze, they are specifically engineered to withstand the rigours of student practice.

Gear article

Meinl HCS Super 9 Cymbal Set

The Meinl HCS Super 9 Cymbal Set is a comprehensive, multi-piece percussion collection designed to provide a full-range acoustic setup for drummers. Manufactured by Meinl, this entry-level bundle is constructed from a brass alloy to deliver bright, warm tones across a wide variety of cymbal types.

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Overview

The Meinl HCS Super 9 Cymbal Set is an expansive bundle aimed at drummers seeking to build a complete kit without purchasing individual components. Unlike standard starter packs that typically include only three cymbals, the Super Set features nine distinct pieces, including traditional hats and rides alongside specialty effects cymbals like bells and chinas. The set is positioned as a cost-effective solution for players who require a full sonic spectrum for diverse musical environments.

Included Components

The set is distinguished by its high piece count, providing both foundational and auxiliary sounds:

Standard Cymbals: A pair of 14" hi-hats, a 20" ride, and three distinct crashes (14", 16", and 18").
Effects Cymbals: A 14" china, a 16" trash crash, an 8" bell, and a 10" splash.

This variety allows for complex rhythmic patterns and textural accents that are usually reserved for professional-grade setups.

Sound and Character

Constructed primarily for clarity and durability, the HCS series is known for its bright and warm tonal qualities. Because they are made from a specialized brass alloy, the cymbals provide a consistent response with moderate sustain. The inclusion of specialized items like the 'trash crash' and 'china' introduces shorter, more abrasive decay profiles that contrast with the smoother, balanced resonance of the 20" ride and 14" hi-hats.

Target Audience

The HCS Super 9 Set is ideally suited for beginner to intermediate drummers who want to explore different textures without the significant financial investment of professional B20 bronze cymbals. It is particularly effective for rehearsal spaces, home practice, and educational settings where a full array of sounds—from delicate bell accents to aggressive china stabs—is necessary to learn various musical genres.

Market Comparison

In the entry-level market, the HCS Super Set competes against other budget-friendly options such as the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack, though the Meinl set offers a more traditional acoustic volume and a significantly higher piece count. While it does not possess the hand-hammered complexity of the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride or the premium boutique characteristics of the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch series, it provides a more comprehensive out-of-the-box solution than many high-end hi-hat pairings like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic series.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl HCS Super 9 set?: The set includes 14" hi-hats, an 8" bell, a 10" splash, a 14" china, 14" crash, 16" crash, 16" trash crash, 18" crash, and a 20" ride. This provides a total of nine distinct cymbal components for a complete drum kit setup.
What material is used to manufacture the HCS series?: Meinl HCS cymbals are manufactured from a high-quality brass alloy. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to produce bright, warm tones at a more affordable price point than bronze.
Is this set suitable for professional recording?: While the HCS series is designed for beginners and intermediate players, it can be used for recording demos or practice sessions. However, professional studio work often utilizes higher-grade bronze series like Meinl Byzance for more complex harmonic overtones.
How does the trash crash differ from a standard crash?: The 16" trash crash in this set features a different profile or perforations designed to produce a shorter, more 'trashy' or distorted sound. It provides a quick decay that is ideal for sharp accents compared to the 14", 16", and 18" standard crashes.
What is the typical price for the Meinl HCS Super 9 set?: The typical retail price for this comprehensive set is approximately GBP 429. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs, but it remains one of the most cost-effective ways to acquire nine cymbals at once.
Are the 14" hi-hats sold as a pair?: Yes, the 14" hi-hats in the HCS Super Set are provided as a matching pair (top and bottom). They are designed to work together to produce a crisp 'chick' sound and a warm, bright open wash.
What musical styles is this cymbal pack suited for?: Due to its wide range of sizes and types, the HCS Super Set is versatile enough for almost any style, including rock, pop, blues, and jazz. The bright tones help the cymbals cut through a mix in various playing environments.
How does this compare to the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats?: The Super Set includes 14" hi-hats, which offer a deeper pitch and more volume than the smaller 13" HCS hi-hats. The 14" size is considered the industry standard for most general-purpose drumming.
What is the purpose of the 8" bell included in the pack?: The 8" bell is an effects cymbal that produces a high-pitched, clear, and penetrating 'ping' with a long sustain. It is typically used for specific rhythmic accents rather than as a primary crashing or riding surface.
Does the set include a ride cymbal?: Yes, the set features a 20" ride cymbal. This is a full-sized ride designed to offer a balanced feel with a clear bell sound and a warm wash for keeping time.
Is the 14" china cymbal included for special effects?: Yes, the 14" china is designed to provide an aggressive, sharp, and explosive sound. It is commonly used for dark accents and heavy backbeats in rock and metal music.
How does the durability of HCS compare to B20 bronze cymbals?: HCS brass cymbals are very durable and resistant to cracking under normal playing conditions. While they lack the complex aging characteristics of B20 bronze, they are specifically engineered to withstand the rigours of student practice.