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Average Price: $301

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$501+

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Description

Dive into the crisp, bright world of rhythm with the Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats. Designed for drummers who crave a definitive presence in their hi-hat sounds, this pair stands out with its medium-light top cymbal and medium bottom, ensuring a perfect blend of volume and finesse. The unique grooved bottom edge promises a tight, air-pocket-free response, making these hi-hats a top choice for those looking to make their beats truly shine. Whether you're laying down a solid groove or accentuating the highs, these hi-hats deliver consistently outstanding performance.

Key Features:

  • Medium-light weight on the top cymbal for crisp articulation.
  • Medium weight on the bottom cymbal ensures a solid, controlled sound.
  • Unique grooved bottom edge prevents air pocket formation for a tight response.
  • Ideal for drummers seeking a bright, articulate hi-hat sound.
  • A smaller version of a classic Zildjian staple, offering a unique sound character.

Product specs

Brand Zildjian
Model 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Finish Brilliant, Brilliant
Year 1999 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Hi-Hats
Diameter 13"

FAQs

What type of music genres are the Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats suitable for?

The Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats are versatile and well-suited for a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and jazz, thanks to their crisp and bright sound with a fast response.

How does the brilliant finish on the Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats affect the sound?

The brilliant finish on these hi-hats enhances their brightness and clarity, providing a shimmering sound that cuts through mixes, making them ideal for live performances and recording.

Are the Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats suitable for beginners?

Yes, these hi-hats are suitable for beginners due to their responsive and versatile nature, allowing new drummers to explore a range of sounds and techniques easily.

What is the unique feature of the Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats?

The unique feature of these hi-hats is their Mastersound bottom cymbal, which has a rippled edge to prevent airlock and deliver a sharp, clear "chick" sound.

How do the Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats compare to larger hi-hats?

Compared to larger hi-hats, the 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats offer a faster, more articulate response, making them ideal for intricate playing and quick, precise accents.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20500-1122011S)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20500-1122011S) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20500-1122011S)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHat (Pair) - A20500 by Avedis Zildjian Company

13" A Custom Mastersound HiHat (Pair) - A20500

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats (A20500-1051411I) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats (A20500-1051411I)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian - 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats - Review and Demo by wdrumz

Zildjian - 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats - Review and Demo

wdrumz

wdrumz

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20500-1050913A) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20500-1050913A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20500-1080513A) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20500-1080513A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 823/921g (A20500-1080721C) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 823/921g (A20500-1080721C)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Clean, sharp appearance and sound

  • Tight sound around the bell

  • Light weight with very good tone

  • Scalloped edges on the lower cymbal for unique sound

  • Exceptional snick and sizzle tones

  • Suitable for branching out from heavier, darker cymbals

  • Exceeds expectations even for drumming newbies

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair.

Comparisons

  • Owners find the 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats to set a high benchmark for smaller hi-hats compared to other brands.

    Source
  • The 13" Paiste dark energy hi-hats are noted for clarity at any volume, offering a quieter alternative to larger models without affecting playability.

    Source
  • Dream Energy hi-hats are praised for their crisp and clean sound, being a preferred choice over Zildjian New Beats for some users.

    Source
  • It's noted that post-2011 Zildjian A models have lighter weights and flatter profiles, resembling the Armand A's, compared to older models' heavier, higher-curvature designs.

    Source

User experience

  • A user noted that the A Custom Mastersound HiHats maintain their shiny appearance longer than other models, indicating a durable finish.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts have paired these hi-hats with other Zildjian models, such as New Beats and K Custom Hybrids, but often return to the Mastersounds for their preferred sound.

    Source
  • Some users prefer mixing hi-hat tops and bottoms, like using a 15" K Light top with an A heavy bottom for versatility in both recording and live settings.

    Source
  • Mixing a 13" New Beat top with a 13" K Mastersound bottom creates a sound similar to the Z/K combo, favored by some drummers for its unique tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 13" hi-hats are generally quieter than 14" models, with thickness playing a significant role in their volume output.

    Source
  • Users suggest using larger crash cymbals (16-18") as hi-hats to experiment with unique sounds for recording, inspired by professional drummers.

    Source
  • The A Custom Mastersound is noted for cutting through in loud, live band settings, though some find them too harsh for certain musical styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Combining different hi-hat models, such as using a Quick Beat bottom with a Mastersound bottom, can improve the "chick" sound and response speed.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Zildjian New Beats can be found for around $100, offering good value, especially if they are older models with heavier builds.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The 1/3 to 2/3 weight rule for mixing hi-hat tops and bottoms is recommended to tailor the sound to different musical needs.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Otto uses Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair

John Otto

Drummer

Limp Bizkit

...
Verified via Imgur

In an image from the November 2000 issue of Modern Drummer, John Otto's setup is shown to include Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair, as documented on Imgur with the caption "John Otto's setup as played in Limp Bizkit, Modern Drummer November 2000."

See how Samus Paulicelli uses Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair

Samus Paulicelli

Guitarist, Bassist

Decrepit Birth

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Samus runs down the gear he has in his home studio. On his kit He has an a custom mastersound hi hat pair. Samus has since switched to Meinl cymbals

See how Pete Parada uses Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair

Pete Parada

Drummer

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed on Parada's official Zildjian artist page.

See how Harry Dinnage uses Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair

Harry Dinnage

Drummer

...
Verified via Imgur

Harry can be seen using a pair of Zildjian A Custom 13” Mastersound Hi-Hats during a gig with Baby Lung at FlyBy Fest

See how Richard Jupp uses Zildjian 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair

Richard Jupp

Drummer

Elbow

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed under Jupp's official Zildjian artist page.

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 13" A Custom Mastersound HiHats - Pair, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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ignatiusshow

ignatiusshow

Gear IQ 11069

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