Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 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)
Musician's Friend
5.0 (144)
$579.95
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$579.95
Thomann
4.9 (33)
$485.00
Gear4Music
£453.00

Average Price: $557

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, colorful soundscapes offered by the Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats. Combining the crisp, sophisticated tonal essence of the A Custom range with a bolder, clearer "chick" sound, these HiHats are designed to cut through the densest mixes. Developed with the expert guidance of Vinnie Colaiuta, these cymbals boast a striking, brilliant finish and light, medium thin weights that resonate with a full-bodied overall sound.

The A Custom Mastersounds HiHats are not just instruments, they are a testament to Zildjian's legacy of over 380 years in crafting premium cymbals. Their unique sound is the result of radical rotary hammering techniques, and an innovative casting process involving raw molten metal. The castings are heated, rolled, shaped, hammered, and lathed to create cymbals that project a rich, full-bodied sound that improves with age, offering greater clarity and durability than any other cymbals.

Key Features:

  • Crisp, rich, and colorful sounds associated with the A Custom range
  • Bolder, clearer "chick" sound and full-bodied overall sound
  • Developed with the assistance of Vinnie Colaiuta
  • Made using radical rotary hammering techniques
  • Thin weights, and a striking, brilliant finish for crisp, sweet, sophisticated sound
  • Cast bronze cymbals for premium tone and projection
  • Zildjian's secret alloy composed of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver
  • Suitable for a variety of music styles
  • Size: 14"
  • Category: A Custom Mastersound Series
  • Type: Hi Hats
  • Weight: Medium Thin top, Medium bottom
  • Finish: Brilliant

Product specs

Available since September 2003
Hand Hammered Yes
Finish Regular, Traditional
Alloy B20 Bronze

FAQs

What type of music genres are the Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats best suited for?

The Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats are versatile and well-suited for a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and jazz. Their bright, crisp sound makes them ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.

How does the hand-hammered finish of the Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats affect their sound?

The hand-hammered finish of these hi-hats contributes to a more complex and richer sound, offering a blend of bright and dark tones that can enhance musical expression.

What is the primary material used in the Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats, and how does it impact their performance?

These hi-hats are made from B20 bronze alloy, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities, providing a bright and cutting sound that projects well in various musical settings.

Are the Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats suitable for beginner drummers?

While they provide excellent sound quality appreciated by experienced drummers, their responsive nature and versatility make them a great option for beginners looking to invest in quality cymbals.

What is the finish type of the Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats, and how does it affect their appearance and maintenance?

The hi-hats feature a regular, traditional finish that offers a classic look and requires standard cymbal maintenance to keep them looking and sounding their best.

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 Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A0123-1042715B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A0123-1042715B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals - Played by Eddie Bayers (A0123-1111512P) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals - Played by Eddie Bayers (A0123-1111512P)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi Hats by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi Hats

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for 14" A Zildjian Mastersound HiHat (Pair) - A0123 by Avedis Zildjian Company

14" A Zildjian Mastersound HiHat (Pair) - A0123

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi-Hats - 962/1342g (A0123-1071119C) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi-Hats - 962/1342g (A0123-1071119C)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1006/1481g (A0123-1022423A) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1006/1481g (A0123-1022423A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi-Hats - 993/1419g (A0123-1111022Q) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Mastersound Hi-Hats - 993/1419g (A0123-1111022Q)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Full sound when open, versatile for various music styles

  • Tight, focused sound when closed, suitable for any musical situation

  • Exceptional cutting power, can cut through any mix

  • Bright, crisp sound, suitable for both rock and jazz

  • Flanged bottom enhances volume and projection

  • Expressive and warm character, very versatile for different genres

  • High-quality construction, maintains appearance over time

  • Excellent sound dynamics from pronounced "chick" to beautiful wash

  • Complements other cymbals well, fits diverse setups

  • Highly recommended by seasoned drummers for its unique voice

CONS

  • Slightly heavier sound may not suit all preferences

  • Hammered ridges may lead to overly open wash sounds

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The scalloped, rippled bottom edge can create a louder, bright sound which some find difficult to balance with other cymbals in a kit.

    Source
  • Mastersound hi-hats are more articulate and crisp, with air escaping quickly, though they lack the versatility to flip for different sounds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Zildjian New Beats, Mastersounds may be less versatile; New Beats are recommended for a more adaptable sound profile.

    Source
  • A preference for 15" Mastersound hi-hats over the 14" version is noted, with the larger size offering a different, possibly preferable sound quality.

    Source
  • Newer New Beats (post-2013) are preferred for their thinner, vintage sound, contrasting with the thicker, less favorable 1990-2012 models.

    Source
  • Mastersound hi-hats provide more volume and cut, making them ideal for rock but potentially excessive for other genres.

    Source
  • The Quick Beat hi-hats are heavier and share the same top cymbal as the New Beats, making them more similar to New Beats than to Mastersounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the acoustic sound of the Mastersound hi-hats to be hollow due to sound escaping from the rippled edge.

    Source
  • One user notes the Mastersound hi-hats' lack of versatility compared to New Beats, which offer more pocket, low end, and fatness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While some find them too bright for personal taste, they're praised for live performances, especially in louder settings.

    Source
  • The S series hi-hats are often criticized for poor sound quality, particularly when used in rehearsal spaces or smaller gigs.

    Source
  • The Quick Beat hi-hats are suggested for players seeking a heavier sound, aligning closer with the New Beats' characteristics rather than the Mastersounds.

    Source
  • The Mastersound hi-hats may not suit heavier music like metal, where a darker series might be more appropriate for the desired heavier tone.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Travis Barker uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Travis Barker

Drummer, Music Producer

Blink-182

...
Verified via Drum Helper

"The hi-hats that Barker uses are the 14” A Custom Mastersound set, which produces a crisp, tight sound when closed and can reach high volumes when played open. An 11” K Custom Hybrid splash cymbal is also a staple of his drum set, used for accenting and variation."

See how Matt Helders uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Matt Helders

Singer, Drummer

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Zildjian

Matt Helders artist page on the Zildjian official website lists the Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats as among his gear.

See how Matt Nicholls uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Matt Nicholls

Drummer

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video of Matt Nicholls performing Happy Song at Worchester Palladium, Worchester, MA, it states in the description posted by Zildjian his drum set up for the tour.

See how Zak Starkey uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Zak Starkey

Drummer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Zildjian

As seen on the "Artists" section of Zildjian's website about Zak Starkey's cymbals.

See how Eric Kretz uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Eric Kretz

Drummer

Stone Temple Pilots

...
Verified via DRUM! Magazine

Eric Kretz uses the 14" A MasterSound Hihat bottom as a part of his hi-hat combination, as confirmed by an article in DRUM! Magazine titled "Eric Kretz: Revving Up The STP Machine."

See how Max Weinberg uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Max Weinberg

Drummer

E Street Band

...
Verified via Zildjian

As mentioned on Zildjian's official website.

See how Bill Kreutzmann uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Bill Kreutzmann

Drummer

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via DRUM! Magazine

Listed here as using these hi hats closed on a rack mount.

See how Aynsley Dunbar uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Aynsley Dunbar

Drummer

Journey

...
Verified via Aynsleydunbar

As stated on Dunbar's official website.

See how Steve Felton uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Steve Felton

Drummer

Mushroomhead

...
Verified via YouTube

In the description it says the cymbals that skinny uses

See how Craig Kneale uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Craig Kneale

Drummer

Twin Atlantic

...
Verified via Facebook

In this Facebook post from Zildjian Company, they state that this photo is of Craig using these HiHats.

F

Fredrik Larzon

Drummer

Millencolin

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video greeting from Slagverkskompaniet.se on YouTube, Fredrik Larzon of Millencolin is seen using Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats.

See how Josh Wills uses Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats

Josh Wills

Drummer

Story of the Year

...
Verified via YouTube

Josh uses a mastersound hi hat top. he pairs this with a new beat h hat bottom

Album Usage

The Zildjian 14" A Mastersound HiHats has been featured on the following albums:

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 Mastersound HiHats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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lucioswingstar

lucioswingstar

Gear IQ 161

msh3005_records

msh3005_records

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