Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $477
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats bring a harmonious blend of crispness and subtlety, delivering a tone that's as colorful as it is clean. With a delicate stick sound and a clear 'chick', these cymbals are an asset to any drum set, cutting through even the densest mix.
Crafted by Zildjian, a brand that carries a legacy spanning over 380 years, these cymbals are steeped in tradition while embracing innovation. Developed with the help of drumming legend Vinnie Colaiuta, these hi-hats are created using radical rotary hammering techniques, demonstrating Zildjian's commitment to pushing the boundaries of cymbal production.
The result is a refined version of the classic Zildjian sound, a sophisticated middle ground that's neither too dark nor too bright, perfect for modern music. With a striking brilliant finish and thin weights, they offer a sweet, sophisticated sound that's sure to enchant both performers and listeners alike.
Key Features:
- Vibrant, crisp sound with a colorful tonal range
- Delicate stick sound and clear 'chick'
- Developed with the assistance of Vinnie Colaiuta
- Utilizes radical rotary hammering techniques
- Thin weights and a brilliant finish for a sweet, sophisticated sound
- A Custom Series, type: Hi-hat Pair, size: 14"
- Medium Thin top, Medium bottom weight.
- Zildjian secret alloy comprised of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver
- A refined version of the classic Zildjian sound, perfect for modern music.
Product specs
| Type | Hi-hats |
| Size | 14" |
| Finish | Brilliant |
| Top Weight | Medium Thin |
| Bottom Weight | Medium |
| Material | B20, Cast Bronze |
| Sound | Solid Chick |
| Volume | General |
| Sustain | Medium |
| Pitch | Medium |
| Balance | Blend |
| Bell Size | Small |
FAQs
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What type of music are Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats best suited for?
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The Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats are versatile and well-suited for a wide range of music genres, including rock, pop, and jazz, due to their bright, crisp sound and quick response.
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What is the sound characteristic of the Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats?
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These hi-hats offer a bright and crisp sound with a solid "chick" when closed, making them ideal for both live and studio settings.
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What material are the Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats made from?
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They are crafted from B20 cast bronze, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, known for producing a rich, full-bodied sound.
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How does the finish of the Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats affect their sound?
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The brilliant finish of these hi-hats enhances their bright, shimmering sound, adding a polished look and sonic clarity.
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Are the Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats suitable for recording sessions?
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Yes, these hi-hats are suitable for recording due to their balanced blend and medium sustain, providing a clear and articulate sound in studio environments.
Videos
Peter Lewis
Zildjian 14" A Custom MasterSound Hi Hats
Reviews
PROS
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Bright, musical sound that cuts through the mix without being harsh
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Versatile for multiple genres including rock, jazz, funk, and acoustic
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Great "chick" sound, defined and responsive
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Ages well, improving in sound quality over time
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Reflective, glossy finish that adds visual appeal
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Comparable to higher-priced cymbals, offering excellent value
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Durable coating that resists wear with proper maintenance
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Consistent sound quality across the A series
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Excellent projection and articulation in live settings
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Smooth and warm sound, suitable for recordings
CONS
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Prone to visible fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent cleaning
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Not ideal for hard rock or heavy metal due to lower volume
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Some users found the open sound less appealing
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Occasional issues with shipping and packaging leading to damage
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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Owners often compare these to Zildjian New Beats, noting that New Beats offer more versatility and a more traditional sound, while the A Custom Mastersounds are louder and brighter.
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The quick beat top is identical to the new beat top, allowing for potential mix-and-match with other hi-hat bottoms for varied sound options.
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Use cases and applications
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These hi-hats are noted to perform well in live settings, especially for heavier musical styles due to their bright, cutting sound.
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Quick Beat hi-hats are heavier, sharing similarities with New Beats, making them suitable for heavier music styles like metal.
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Particularly suited for hard rock/metal players transitioning from versatile cymbals like K Sweets.
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User experience
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Some users find the acoustic sound to be hollow or weird due to the rippled edge, preferring them for recording rather than live play.
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Some users prefer the dark series hi-hats for heavier tones, indicating a preference shift as experience grows.
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Owners transitioning to brighter hi-hats notice alignment with genres like hard rock, enhancing their musical style.
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Value and pricing
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While $200 is a decent price, it's possible to find these hi-hats for as low as $150-$175 with some searching.
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Testing in-store is recommended as online reviews and videos may not fully capture the nuances of each hi-hat's sound.
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Used sets have been bought for $140-$150, providing a solid return on investment even if resold.
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Buying at a fair price allows risk-free experimentation with sound, as resale value is stable.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings
692
perfect in every which way nothing beats it
they are hands down the best hi-hats on the market i would recommend them to anyone
1743
for real
Artist usage
Add artist
The official gear page of Jay: https://zildjian.com/artists/jay-weinberg
He used A Custom cymbals on the Burnin' Up tour (2009), which was featured in their film Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience.
In the video "Sound Legacy - Christian Coma" by Avedis Zildjian Company on YouTube, Christian Coma is shown using Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats.
Listed on the official 311 website. http://www.311.com/band/equipment
In this article, Justin explains exactly what he uses "these days".
According to the article, Sam uses 14" A Custom hats as one of the cymbals on his drum kit.
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 14" A Custom Hi-Hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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