Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$579.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (48)
$579.95
Amazon
4.8 (35)
$539.95 New
$521.96 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (15)
$445.86 New
$225.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (144)
$579.95
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$539.95
Thomann
4.9 (33)
$485.00 $477.00 $8.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£453.00

Average Price: $496

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the rich and colorful musical world of the Zildjian 14" A Custom Master Sound Hi Hats. This unique set of cymbals offers an exceptional blend of crisp, sophisticated sounds, while ensuring full-bodied overall resonance. Crafted using radical rotary hammering techniques and thin weights, these cymbals deliver a striking, brilliant finish that is perfect for modern music.

In collaboration with Vinnie Colaiuta, these hi-hats are designed to produce a distinct, clear "chick" sound. This makes them the perfect choice when you need a sound that cuts through a dense mix, catering to various styles of music. With the Zildjian 14" A Custom Master Sound Hi Hats, you're not just adding a set of cymbals to your kit, you're adding the legacy of a premium cymbal brand with a history spanning over 380 years.

Key Features:

  • A refined version of the classic Zildjian sound
  • Developed with the assistance of Vinnie Colaiuta
  • Radical rotary hammering techniques
  • Thin weights for a crisp, sweet, sophisticated sound
  • Striking, brilliant finish
  • Fast and clear "chick" sound
  • Full-bodied overall sound
  • Suitable for many different styles of music
  • Part of the A Custom Mastersound Series
  • Size: 14"
  • Weight: Medium Thin top, Medium bottom
  • Finish: Brilliant
  • Made from Zildjian secret alloy, comprised of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver.

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 Cut
Bell Size Small

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats?

The Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats deliver a crisp, clear "chick" sound with a medium pitch and balanced cut, making them versatile for various music styles.

Are the Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats suitable for live performances?

Yes, these hi-hats are designed for general volume and have a solid chick sound that cuts through mixes, making them ideal for live performances.

What is the finish on the Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats?

The Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats feature a brilliant finish that enhances their visual appeal and contributes to their bright, cutting sound.

What materials are used in the Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats?

These hi-hats are crafted from B20 cast bronze, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, providing a rich and complex sound.

How does the Mastersound edge affect the Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats?

The hammered grooves on the bottom cymbal of the Mastersound Hi-Hats allow air to escape quickly, resulting in a more pronounced and cutting "chick" sound.

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Zildjian 14" A Custom MasterSound Hi Hats

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom MasterSound Hi Hats by Peter Lewis

Zildjian 14" A Custom MasterSound Hi Hats

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - 14" A Custom Mastersound HiHats by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 14" A Custom Mastersound HiHats

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20550-1041415A) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20550-1041415A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 14" A Custom Mastersound HiHat (Pair) - A20550 by Avedis Zildjian Company

14" A Custom Mastersound HiHat (Pair) - A20550

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1020/1158g (A20550-1012816I) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1020/1158g (A20550-1012816I)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats - 978g/1100g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats - 978g/1100g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals - 980/1226g - Played by Ed Toth (A20550-1052416G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals - 980/1226g - Played by Ed Toth (A20550-1052416G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Full, unique sound perfect for diverse musical styles

  • Excellent cutting power, especially when played halfway open

  • Versatile for genres like rock, punk, and metalcore

  • Crisp, pronounced 'chick' sound with pedal use

  • Sturdy and maintains quality over years of use

  • Bright, powerful sound that cuts through any mix

  • Flanged bottom enhances volume and tone projection

  • Attractive bright finish that stands out visually

  • Great for both live performances and studio recordings

  • Positive reception from other drummers for sound and appearance

CONS

  • Slightly heavier sound might not suit all preferences

  • Hammered ridges can make washes overly open if not careful

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats.

Comparisons

  • New Beats are preferred by some for versatility, offering a balanced sound suitable for various styles compared to the distinct sound of the Mastersounds.

    Source
  • The Sabian HHX bottom hat is paired with New Beats by some drummers to add a unique tonal blend.

    Source
  • Sabian Fusion hats are noted as a close alternative to A Custom Mastersound, preferred by some for their sound.

    Source
  • Quick Beats are more similar to New Beats than Mastersounds, offering a heavier sound suitable for a range of styles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The scalloped edge on the bottom cymbal can cause a louder, brighter sound, which may be overwhelming for some users or specific musical settings.

    Source
  • Quick Beat hi-hats have a heavier cymbal design, sharing the same top as New Beats, providing more pocket and low end.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • These hi-hats excel in recording environments due to their bright and crisp sound, though they may not blend well acoustically in all live setups.

    Source
  • The S series is considered adequate for occasional gigging, not professional use, due to its lower price and sound quality.

    Source
  • Mastersound hi-hats are noted for their articulate and crisp sound, ideal for quick air release but less versatile than New Beats.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While $200 is a fair price, it's possible to find these hi-hats for as low as $150, offering better value for those who shop around.

    Source
  • Post-2013 New Beats are recommended for their thinner, vintage sound, available for around $150 used.

    Source

User experience

  • Users with evolving tastes may find the bright and heavy sound less appealing over time, indicating the need to match cymbals with personal sound preferences.

    Source
  • Mastersounds aren't reversible, limiting sound variation, unlike some other hi-hat models where flipping is possible for tonal change.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
S

TOP HAT

It cuts through without being annoying.Good foot sound too.Pricey but worth it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Fabrizio Moretti uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

Fabrizio Moretti

Drummer

The Strokes

...
Verified via Photo

En la imagine se ve uno de sus sets de zildjian

See how Samus Paulicelli uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

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 Arin Ilejay uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

Arin Ilejay

Drummer

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via GearGods

Arin uses 14" Mastersound Hi Hats

See how Vinnie Colaiuta uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

Vinnie Colaiuta

Drummer

Five Peace Band Live

...
Verified via Vinniecolaiuta

Mentioned in this 2007 Modern Drummer interview, archived on Colaiuta's official website.

See how Jack Irons uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

Jack Irons

Drummer, Composer

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via DRUM! Magazine

In the DRUM! Magazine article "Jack Irons: Alt Rock Anti Hero," it is noted that Jack Irons uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats.

See how Shaun Foist uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

Shaun Foist

Drummer

Breaking Benjamin

...
Verified via Zildjian

As mentioned on Zildjian's official website.

See how Art Cruz uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

Art Cruz

Drummer

Lamb of God

...
Verified via ART CRUZ

Listed as a part of his gear setup on his website

See how Francesco Jovino uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats

Francesco Jovino

Drummer

U.D.O.

...
Verified via Zildjian

His favored hats as indicated on the Zildjian website.

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 Mastersound Hi-Hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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davidjtessier

davidjtessier

Gear IQ 383

bgoodie311

bgoodie311

Gear IQ 77

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