Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $225

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$200

$501+

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Description

Elevate your drumming sessions with the Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats—where precision meets compact brilliance. These hi-hats combine Zildjian's secret alloy magic with a snug 12-inch size, offering a sharp, defining sound that cuts through with ease. Perfect for studio work or intimate live settings, their controlled sound and tight patterns bring your beats right to the front, never missing a beat.

Key Features:

  • Finish: Traditional
  • Weight: Medium Top, Medium Heavy Bottom
  • Pitch: High
  • Other Features: Small Bell

Product specs

Brand Zildjian
Model 12" A Series Special Recording Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Year 1988 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Hi-Hats
Diameter 12"

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats?

The Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats are designed for studio recording, offering a crisp and articulate sound that is ideal for capturing detailed hi-hat patterns in a controlled environment.

How do the Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats compare to larger hi-hats?

These 12" hi-hats provide a faster response and a more focused sound compared to larger hi-hats, making them suitable for intricate playing and precise recording applications.

Are the Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats suitable for live performances?

While primarily designed for studio use, these hi-hats can also be used in live settings where a tight, controlled sound is desired, though they may not project as much as larger hi-hats.

What musical genres are the Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats best suited for?

These hi-hats excel in genres that require precision and clarity, such as jazz, fusion, and studio pop, where detailed articulation is crucial.

What material are the Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats made from?

The Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats are crafted from high-quality bronze, offering durability and a bright, cutting sound characteristic of the Zildjian A Series.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals (A0103-1010912F)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals (A0103-1010912F) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals (A0103-1010912F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 12" A. Special Recording Hi Hat Set by Rochester Drum Trade

Zildjian 12" A. Special Recording Hi Hat Set

Rochester Drum Trade

Rochester Drum Trade

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals (A0103-1120514S) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals (A0103-1120514S)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 12'' A Special Recording Hi Hats by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 12'' A Special Recording Hi Hats

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Used Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals - 758/716g (UA0103-1091715B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Used Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals - 758/716g (UA0103-1091715B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Used Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals (UA0103-1020313G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Used Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hat Cymbals (UA0103-1020313G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats.

Use cases and applications

  • The 12" A Zildjian Special Recording Hats are praised for staying out of snare drum microphones, making them ideal for clean recording scenarios.

    Source
  • Owners find 12" cymbals fit well in backpacks, making them ideal for travel, especially for musicians who often fly with their gear.

    Source
  • The 12" Meinl Byzance line is noted for its effectiveness in portable setups and as an effect hat for drum and bass music.

    Source
  • The 15" Istanbul Cindy Blackman hi-hats are recommended for heavy hitters seeking a balanced mix without overpowering other elements.

    Source
  • Meinl Byzance Jazz Thin Hats 15" are favored for their quietness and lack of overtones, suitable for rock and metal drummers in studio settings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners highlight the 12" A Zildjian Special Recording Hats for their crisp sound that does not overpower, suitable for intricate or soft playing styles.

    Source
  • A preference for "chick" sound over open hat sound is common among users who prioritize closed hi-hat articulation in their music.

    Source
  • Paiste Modern Essentials 602 series hi-hats, particularly the 15" model, provide a silky, musical high-frequency tone and are slightly quieter, enhancing overall drum sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 12" New Beats are praised for their crispness, but their open sound might not suit genres requiring frequent open hi-hat use.

    Source
  • For a lighter, washier sound, using two lightweight splash cymbals as hi-hats is recommended, though it may lack the desired "chick" sound for some users.

    Source
  • 15" Paiste Dark Energy hi-hats produce a less bright, quieter sound compared to 14" Zildjian Mastersound A Custom hi-hats, making them suitable for controlled recording environments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using gaffa tape or Moongel on hi-hats can effectively reduce volume and tame harsh overtones, as noted by multiple users.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ginger Fish uses Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats

Ginger Fish

Drummer

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified

Ginger Fish is confirmed to use Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hi Hats, as documented on the Marilyn Manson Wiki.

See how John Mahon uses Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats

John Mahon

Singer, Drummer

Elton John Band

...
Verified via DRUM! Magazine

In a video tour by DRUM! Magazine, John Mahon is shown using Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats as part of his live percussion setup with Elton John.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Zildjian 12" A Special Recording Hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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