What is the primary finish of the Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Hi-Hat?

The cymbal features a hybrid finish consisting of a mixture of raw, unlathed areas and brilliant, lathed surfaces. This combination is designed to balance the dry qualities of raw bronze with the vibrant response of a polished finish.

What kind of sound should I expect from these hi-hats?

The Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hats produce a dark and dry tone with vibrant overtones. They are characterised by a smooth attack and a complex sonic profile resulting from deep hammering.

Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy rock music?

Yes, while they have a dark and dry character, they are designed to be extremely versatile. The medium weight provides enough presence and volume to sit well in a rock mix while avoiding overly harsh frequencies.

How does the deep hammering affect the sound?

Deep hammering creates a more complex and irregular surface, which breaks up sound waves and results in a darker, more 'trashy' or complex tonal character. This helps the cymbals achieve their signature dry sound.

What is the typical price for a pair of these cymbals?

The Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hats typically retail for approximately £269. This puts them in the mid-to-high tier of professional cymbal pricing.

How does the attack of these cymbals feel?

The manufacturer describes the attack as 'smooth.' This means the initial strike of the stick is well-defined but not piercing or overly aggressive, contributing to a more controlled sound.

Is this hi-hat set sold as a pair?

Yes, the Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hat refers to a matched pair consisting of a top and bottom cymbal. They are voiced together to ensure a consistent and complementary sound.

What size are these hi-hats?

These cymbals are 14 inches in diameter. This is the industry-standard size, offering a balanced mix of speed, volume, and pitch that works for most genres.

How do these compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

Both models focus on dry, dark tones and raw finishes. The Stagg Genghis Dual, however, incorporates more vibrant tones and a smoother attack, whereas some Extra Dry models can be even shorter in sustain.

Are these cymbals handmade?

Stagg indicates that each cymbal undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process involving deep hammering. This degree of individual attention suggests a process closer to traditional boutique methods than mass-produced entry-level cymbals.

What weight category do these hi-hats fall into?

These are classified as 'Medium' hi-hats. This weight provides a good balance between the responsiveness of light cymbals and the volume and durability of heavy cymbals.

Can these cymbals be used for jazz?

Absolutely. The dark, dry, and complex tones produced by the Genghis Dual series are highly sought after by jazz drummers who require nuanced and musically sensitive cymbals.

Gear article

Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hat

The Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hat is a professional-grade pair of cymbals known for their versatile, dark, and dry tonal characteristics. Featuring a distinct aesthetic of raw and lathed finishes combined with deep hammering, these cymbals are designed to sit comfortably in a wide variety of musical mixes.

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Background and Construction

The Genghis series represents a premium segment of Stagg's cymbal catalogue, focusing on complex, boutique-style manufacturing processes. Each Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hat undergoes a meticulous creation process that involves deep hammering, which contributes to its unique structural integrity and acoustic complexity. The most striking visual and functional aspect of the Genghis Dual is its hybrid finish, which combines raw, unlathed surfaces with brilliant, lathed sections to influence the cymbal's vibration and decay patterns.

Tonal Character and Performance

The primary sonic profile of the Genghis Dual Hi-Hat is described as dark and dry, providing a sophisticated alternative to traditional bright cymbals. Despite this darkness, the cymbals offer vibrant tones with a notably smooth attack. This combination allows for a sound that is present without being harsh, making them suitable for studio environments where control over high frequencies is essential. The deep hammering effect adds a layer of complexity to the frequency response, ensuring the cymbals do not sound one-dimensional.

Versatility and Musical Application

Designed as an 'all-rounder' within the medium weight category, the Genghis Dual 14" is engineered to be extremely versatile. Because it balances a dry character with vibrant overtones, it can transition between genres such as jazz, funk, rock, and pop. According to the manufacturer, the cymbals are specifically voiced to sit perfectly in a mix regardless of the musical style, offering enough volume for live performance while maintaining the nuance required for quieter passages.

Comparison to Market Alternatives

Within the professional cymbal market, the Stagg Genghis Dual competes with other dry and complex offerings. It shares tonal DNA with instruments like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch models, which also prioritise darkness and raw finishes. However, at a price point of approximately £269, it offers a distinct value proposition compared to high-end boutique brands like UFIP or Paiste's Giant Beat series. While models like the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hat focus on a more traditional, clean shimmer, the Genghis Dual is preferred by players seeking a grittier, more modern 'dry' aesthetic.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish of the Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Hi-Hat?: The cymbal features a hybrid finish consisting of a mixture of raw, unlathed areas and brilliant, lathed surfaces. This combination is designed to balance the dry qualities of raw bronze with the vibrant response of a polished finish.
What kind of sound should I expect from these hi-hats?: The Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hats produce a dark and dry tone with vibrant overtones. They are characterised by a smooth attack and a complex sonic profile resulting from deep hammering.
Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy rock music?: Yes, while they have a dark and dry character, they are designed to be extremely versatile. The medium weight provides enough presence and volume to sit well in a rock mix while avoiding overly harsh frequencies.
How does the deep hammering affect the sound?: Deep hammering creates a more complex and irregular surface, which breaks up sound waves and results in a darker, more 'trashy' or complex tonal character. This helps the cymbals achieve their signature dry sound.
What is the typical price for a pair of these cymbals?: The Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hats typically retail for approximately £269. This puts them in the mid-to-high tier of professional cymbal pricing.
How does the attack of these cymbals feel?: The manufacturer describes the attack as 'smooth.' This means the initial strike of the stick is well-defined but not piercing or overly aggressive, contributing to a more controlled sound.
Is this hi-hat set sold as a pair?: Yes, the Stagg Genghis Dual 14" Medium Hi-Hat refers to a matched pair consisting of a top and bottom cymbal. They are voiced together to ensure a consistent and complementary sound.
What size are these hi-hats?: These cymbals are 14 inches in diameter. This is the industry-standard size, offering a balanced mix of speed, volume, and pitch that works for most genres.
How do these compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Both models focus on dry, dark tones and raw finishes. The Stagg Genghis Dual, however, incorporates more vibrant tones and a smoother attack, whereas some Extra Dry models can be even shorter in sustain.
Are these cymbals handmade?: Stagg indicates that each cymbal undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process involving deep hammering. This degree of individual attention suggests a process closer to traditional boutique methods than mass-produced entry-level cymbals.
What weight category do these hi-hats fall into?: These are classified as 'Medium' hi-hats. This weight provides a good balance between the responsiveness of light cymbals and the volume and durability of heavy cymbals.
Can these cymbals be used for jazz?: Absolutely. The dark, dry, and complex tones produced by the Genghis Dual series are highly sought after by jazz drummers who require nuanced and musically sensitive cymbals.