What is the primary benefit of a direct drive linkage?

Direct drive offers a solid, metal-to-metal connection between the footboard and the pull-rod. This results in a faster, more responsive action with less mechanical lag than chain or strap drives.

Why does the HS1200D have only two legs?

The two-leg design provides more space on the floor for additional pedals, such as a double bass drum pedal or electronic controllers. Despite having fewer legs, it is designed for heavy-duty stability.

What is the height adjustment range of this stand?

The Yamaha HS1200D can be adjusted to a height between 80 cm and 92 cm. This range accommodates most standard drumming sitting positions and kit heights.

How does the locking hi-hat clutch work?

The clutch features a locking mechanism that secures the top hi-hat cymbal firmly. This prevents the top nut from spinning off or loosening during a performance, which is a common issue with standard clutches.

Can I adjust the angle of the bottom cymbal?

Yes, it includes a unique cymbal angle adjuster with a self-locking mechanism. This allows the drummer to tilt the bottom cymbal to achieve the desired contact point and 'chick' sound.

What are the options for the bottom cymbal support?

The stand features a dual-option support system. Drummers can choose between hard rubber for a sharper, more defined sound or felt for a more traditional and dampening feel.

Is the footboard angle adjustable?

While the direct drive offers a fixed relationship between the pedal and rod, the stand is designed for exact control over cymbal movement. Precise tension adjustments can be made to customise the feel.

How does this compare to the Yamaha HS740A?

The HS1200D is a higher-end model featuring two legs and a direct drive system. The HS740A is a standard tripod stand that typically utilizes a different linkage and basic features.

What is the typical price for the HS1200D?

The Typical price for this model is approximately £245. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional availability.

Does the stand include a drum key for adjustments?

While specific accessory packs can vary by retailer, the stand involves standard drum-key operated tension and height bolts. Standalone keys like those from Gibraltar or Tackle Instrument Supply are compatible.

Is this stand suitable for touring?

Yes, its heavy-duty construction and locking features make it highly durable for professional touring environments. It is built to withstand frequent set-up and tear-down cycles.

Does the two-leg design compromise stability?

No, the HS1200D is engineered with a wide stance and robust bracing to ensure it remains stable. The design is specifically intended to balance space-saving with structural integrity.

Gear article

Yamaha HS1200D 2 Leg Direct Drive Hi-Hat Stand

The Yamaha HS1200D is a professional-grade 2-leg hi-hat stand designed for dynamic drum kit configurations. It features a direct drive linkage for precise cymbal control and a height-adjustable range between 80cm and 92cm to suit various playing styles.

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Overview and Design

The Yamaha HS1200D is a piece of high-end drum hardware engineered for stability and technical precision. Its most notable architectural feature is the two-legged design, which provides a smaller footprint compared to traditional tripod stands. This makes it particularly suitable for drummers utilizing double bass drum pedals or complex multi-pedal setups where floor space is limited.

The stand is constructed with a direct drive linkage, a mechanism known for providing a one-to-one response between the footboard and the cymbal movement. This eliminates the slight lag or 'elastic' feel sometimes associated with chain or strap drives, offering a more immediate and nuanced playing experience.

Key Hardware Features

The HS1200D incorporates several proprietary Yamaha adjustments to enhance performance reliability:

Locking Hi-Hat Clutch: Designed to provide a secure grip on the top cymbal, this mechanism prevents the cymbal from loosening or slipping during intensive play.
Cymbal Angle Adjuster: A unique self-locking mechanism allows the drummer to set a precise angle for the bottom cymbal, which is essential for defining the 'chick' sound and stick response.
Dual-Option Support: The bottom cymbal seat can be configured with either hard rubber or traditional felt. This allows the player to choose between a brighter, more articulated response or a softer, classic feel.
Height Range: The stand is adjustable from 80cm to 92cm, accommodating a wide variety of player heights and kit configurations.

Sound and Performance Character

The sonic character of the HS1200D is defined by its mechanical transparency. Because the direct drive offers exact control, drummers can execute subtle dynamic shifts with greater accuracy. The choice of bottom cymbal materials further influences the sound; the rubber support tends to provide a crisper, more modern contact point, while the felt support offers a more dampened, vintage-style resonance.

Target User and Applications

This stand is primarily aimed at professional and semi-professional drummers who require a heavy-duty, reliable piece of hardware for live and studio use. Its two-leg configuration is a specific advantage for players who use double pedals or have congested floor space near their left foot. The direct drive system appeals to technical players who prioritise speed and immediate tactile feedback from their cymbals.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Yamaha ecosystem, the HS1200D offers a more robust and adjustable alternative to the HS740A, which features a more standard tripod design and chain link. While other manufacturers offer similar premium options, such as the Tama Roadpro or Sonor 6000 series hardware, the HS1200D distinguishes itself through Yamaha's specific direct-linkage feel and their proprietary self-locking angle adjuster. Compared to lightweight marching stands like the Premier NXT GEN, the HS1200D is significantly heavier and designed specifically for stationary kit performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of a direct drive linkage?: Direct drive offers a solid, metal-to-metal connection between the footboard and the pull-rod. This results in a faster, more responsive action with less mechanical lag than chain or strap drives.
Why does the HS1200D have only two legs?: The two-leg design provides more space on the floor for additional pedals, such as a double bass drum pedal or electronic controllers. Despite having fewer legs, it is designed for heavy-duty stability.
What is the height adjustment range of this stand?: The Yamaha HS1200D can be adjusted to a height between 80 cm and 92 cm. This range accommodates most standard drumming sitting positions and kit heights.
How does the locking hi-hat clutch work?: The clutch features a locking mechanism that secures the top hi-hat cymbal firmly. This prevents the top nut from spinning off or loosening during a performance, which is a common issue with standard clutches.
Can I adjust the angle of the bottom cymbal?: Yes, it includes a unique cymbal angle adjuster with a self-locking mechanism. This allows the drummer to tilt the bottom cymbal to achieve the desired contact point and 'chick' sound.
What are the options for the bottom cymbal support?: The stand features a dual-option support system. Drummers can choose between hard rubber for a sharper, more defined sound or felt for a more traditional and dampening feel.
Is the footboard angle adjustable?: While the direct drive offers a fixed relationship between the pedal and rod, the stand is designed for exact control over cymbal movement. Precise tension adjustments can be made to customise the feel.
How does this compare to the Yamaha HS740A?: The HS1200D is a higher-end model featuring two legs and a direct drive system. The HS740A is a standard tripod stand that typically utilizes a different linkage and basic features.
What is the typical price for the HS1200D?: The Typical price for this model is approximately £245. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional availability.
Does the stand include a drum key for adjustments?: While specific accessory packs can vary by retailer, the stand involves standard drum-key operated tension and height bolts. Standalone keys like those from Gibraltar or Tackle Instrument Supply are compatible.
Is this stand suitable for touring?: Yes, its heavy-duty construction and locking features make it highly durable for professional touring environments. It is built to withstand frequent set-up and tear-down cycles.
Does the two-leg design compromise stability?: No, the HS1200D is engineered with a wide stance and robust bracing to ensure it remains stable. The design is specifically intended to balance space-saving with structural integrity.