Enhance Your Sound With The Best Hi-Hat Stands

The hi-hat is an integral part of any drum kit and choosing a good quality stand is important if you're planning to transfer that inspiration into flawless tracks! They provide a stable platform for you to play on and also play a crucial role in extracting the best sonic performance from your hi-hat. The best hi-hat stands give you more control over the pressure and sound of your cymbals. They are easily adjustable, easy to set up, pack up, and ensure a seamless playing experience!

What Is A Hi Hat Stand?

As the name suggests, a hi-hat stand is a stand, typically made of metal, that a hi-hat is mounted on. A hi-hat comprises a pair of cymbals and a pedal, with all these mounted on a stand, the hi-hat stand consisting of a mating metal tube and rod supported by a tripod (for 3-legged models, 2 legged models also exist). The 2 cymbals face each other, usually, the bottom cymbal is fixed, it sits atop the tube, it is typically fitted with an adjustment screw. The mobile top cymbal is mounted on a rod that moves it towards the stationary bottom one when the pedal is depressed, closing the hi-hat. To play notes on the hi-hat, you can close it by pressing on the pedals or striking the cymbals when they are open or closed.

What Factors Should I Consider Before Choosing A Hi-Hat Stand?

Hi-Hats come in many different models and configurations, with each offering a unique set of features. Because of these differences in offered features, one cannot just walk into a store and pick up the first hi-hat stand you happen upon. It is more complicated than that. There are certain features for you to consider before you decide what hi-hat stand works best for you because there is a model that works best for you. To help you identify this near-perfect fit, we have put together this buying guide aside to help you better zero in on a hi-hat stand that suits you best!

Weight 

The weight of the stand is one of the most important factors to consider. To decide whether a heavier or lighter stand is better for you, you should consider factors like what genre of music you play, how much moving around you need it to do, and the weight of your cymbals. For example, if you play mostly jazz music, lightweight stands are appropriate for you. But if you play rock or metal, you'll need more robust models. Also, if you need to move your drum set from place to place very frequently, you should consider getting one of the more lightweight models. Finally, you should consider the weight of the cymbals the stand is to support, this is perhaps the most important considerations where weight is concerned.

Number Of Legs

For the uninitiated, this may not seem like anything of great importance, but it is. Hi-hat stands can be 2- or 3-legged models. To decide which of these suits you best, you need to consider the weight and size of your equipment. The 3-legged options are generally more stable, but they are not well suited to double bass pedal setups because of the relatively little space they afford. Also, the 2-legged models are easier to pack up and carry around, they are also more freely adjustable. No leg models also exist.

Asides from the number of legs, other things to consider are if the legs are double braced or not, for extra strength, and if they come with rubber feet for extra stability.

Swivel

This is another important feature to consider. The swivel lets you adjust your stand or pedal for better performance. Also, it allows you to add extra pedals to your setup. Most 2-legged and 3-legged hi-hat stands can swivel. Nonetheless, flat-base and no-leg models cannot.

Height and Pedal Adjustments

The height of the hi-hat stand is essential to your playing experience. Adjustable height is essential for comfort and sound quality. To help with configuring the height of your setup, most stands have durable tubing with memory locks so you don't have to constantly keep re-adjusting your hi-hat stand every time you intend to use it. Also, adjustable pedals are another important feature to have.

Resistance

Spring or resistance tension is another feature to consider. The feel of your hi-hat stand is dependent on the resistance. Different drummers prefer different levels of tension, and as such, hi-hats that allow you to adjust the tension are the better choice. 

Build Quality

For a piece of equipment as exposed to punishment as the hi-hat stand, durability is a doubly important factor. 

Your hi-hat stand should be sturdy, durable, and well-balanced to take all the pressure that comes from the drums being hit. With this in mind, you should pay attention to the build quality. Models with double braced hardware are the more durable and sturdy option. 

How Much Do Hi-Hat Stands Cost?

The price of these stands depends on the weight, height, build quality, and other features. You can buy a hi-hat stand for as little as $54 or as much as $650 for premium models.

As much as we hate to admit it ourselves, when it comes to musical instruments, the pricier is normally the better. We'd suggest you fix a budget for your purchase and then buy the best possible product under that budget!