[Cubefreak53]

I'm relatively new to the whole drumming scene, but for the most part, I've pretty much became aquainted with all of the hardware except the Hi-Hat stand, which frusterates me to no end.

Basically I can't get the sound out of it that I should be getting. When pressing on the pedal, I'm not getting that nice clean chick sound; but instead more of a rattely or ringing sound when closing and releasing. I've used the bottom tilt, tightened the top and adjusted the spacing to every way I could possibly think of, yet no result. I figured I'd ask around before I actually lugged the thing to the pro shop. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Tainojim]

Welcome to DSC Cubefreak53.

I usually release the top cymbal and press down on the pedal so the rod moves down about 1/4". Also make sure that the retainers with the felt that hold the top are as tight as possible.

Keep adjusting it untill it's comfortable for you to play. I hope that helps.

Peace

[Der Trommler]

It might also be the hats themselves. What make and model hats are they?

[Cubefreak53]

Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersounds. Given the amount of cash I blew on them, I sure hope its not the cymbals. =/

	Zildjian Cymbals Shop for Zildjian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

[Der Trommler]

Did you try them before you purchased them (actually play the hats that you have on your kit now)? If so did they have the sound that you were looking for then?

If yes is the answer, I would say that the stand is where you should be looking for the changes needed to make them sound as they did when you tried them in the store.

What make and model stand are you using?

[Cubefreak53]

I never actually played them, but I listened to enough demo's to say "Hey! I want these ones!" I love the sound of them, its just playing with the pedal that can cause some problems. I got down there to see what the deal was and noticed the top hat was kind of tilted to one side, so make what you will of that. I can get it to sound ok if I spin the top around and such but theirs always that obnoxious ring.

I honestly don't think its the cymbals, because every demo of these I've watched have be sounded perfect via pedal, as well as any other hihats for that matter. I'm just sitting there like "uhhg why don't mine sound like that!?" ya know? I honestly did think it was the stand itself because of how low quality it was. It was some piece of crap gibralter stand that I've since replaced with a nice Pearl-900. Even after a new stand, I still had the same issue, so I figure it has to be me and not the hardware. Like I said, I'm relatively new and its probably something obvious.

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

[Tainojim]

For that kind of cash, I would have gotten the New Beats instead.

From what your telling us, it's possible that one of the hats is defective. If that's the case, get them exchanged.

Since these cymbals are machine crafted, it's possible that there can be some inconsistencey.

Perhaps a little warp.

[slingerland59]

I hate to state the obvious but are you pressing down hard enough with the ball of your foot when you close the hats? Depending on how tight the tension is on the springs, it can take a lot of pressure to get that nice tight "chick" sound. You've got to have the bottom hat tilted a bit so the cymbals come together slightly off centre, like when you play a pair of marching band or orchestral cymbals with your hands.

[Tainojim]

slingerland59, you're right. I just took a closer look at my hihat and it does tilt slightly. The click sound comes when they meet together.

Great observation.

[xAUZZYxDRUMMINGxLEGENDx]

You could have a defective cymbal. If not just adjust the rod for the hi-hat level and then try it again. I don't know what else it could be I like slingerlands observation though. Maybe try that.