Sabian HH 14" EQ Hats

Group: Hi-Hats
Type: EQ Hats
Size: 14 Inch
Series: HH
Weight: Top: 1418g / Bottom: 1528g
Years of production: 1991 - ?

• Sometime during the run of this model the edge notches were replaced with holes.
  

Sound file: HH 14" EQ Hats
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "Mel Gaynor was also in on the design of these babies. They combine a special 14" AA Rock bottom cymbal with a heavy HH Flat top cymbal. In addition, the bottom cymbal has two holes drilled in its bell and small sections cut out of its edge to prevent airlock. The goal was to create "crisp, clean, clear, and cutting sounds in the loudest situations" whether the cymbals are played "by stick or pedal, angled or flat."The holes and cut-outs in the bottom cymbal did eliminate airlock; the cymbals had a great, crisp "chick" sound when closed with the foot. (However, the cutouts produced sharp corners, and these cymbals would have to be handled with care.) The lack of bell on the top cymbal—along with the fact that it is an HH model—created a medium-high stick sound and a very quick choking action when the hi-hat pedal was depressed. The thickness of the cymbal kept it from producing a shimmering sound (as for a swing ride pattern); instead the sticking sound was dry and precise. Between the pitch, the dryness, and the quick response, these hi-hats should prove very popular with studio drummers (and even more so with engineers). I imagine that they would work equally well in miked-up stage situations, where their controlled response would be a real asset. Using them in an unmiked situation would primarily be a matter of taste. They can certainly get loud; I played quarter-note rock patterns on them in a half-open position and they projected fine. I simply found the combination of qualities produced by a flat HH top cymbal a bit dark for my ears. You'd need to be the final judge in that area. All in all, this is an interesting variation on hi-hat design."
Review written by William F. Miller ("Product Close-Up", Modern Drummer, September 1991, p. 38)
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