Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $565
High-end/Boutique
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Experience unparalleled crispness and dynamic sound with the Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats. Designed for drummers who crave a blend of classic and modern tones, these hi-hats are crafted to deliver a bold, articulate sound that stands out in any mix. The radical rotary hammering technique used in their construction ensures a precise, shimmering "chick" that resonates with clarity and depth. The medium-thin top and medium weight bottom cymbals are expertly matched to provide a responsive feel and well-rounded projection.
Whether you're playing in a bustling studio session or live on stage, these hi-hats offer a versatile sound palette that caters to various musical styles. Their brilliant finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a brighter tonal quality. Developed with the insight of legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, the A Custom Mastersound series is synonymous with sophistication and premium performance.
Elevate your drumming experience with these hi-hats that blend tradition with innovation, ensuring each beat is as vibrant as your passion for music.
Key Features:
- 15" size for fuller-bodied sound
- Medium-thin top cymbal and medium weight bottom cymbal
- Brilliant finish for brighter tones
- Radical rotary hammering techniques for a crisp, clean "chick" sound
- Part of the A Custom Mastersound series
- Ideal for various music styles and settings
Product specs
| Type | Hi-hat |
| Size | 15" |
| Finish | Brilliant |
| Top Weight | Medium Thin |
| Bottom Weight | Medium |
| Material | B20, Cast Bronze |
| Sound | Solid chick |
| Volume | General |
| Sustain | Short |
| Pitch | Mid |
FAQs
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What makes the Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats unique?
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The Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats feature hammered grooves on the bottom cymbal, providing a pronounced "chick" sound and quick air release. This design offers a bright, cutting tone with a short sustain, ideal for various music styles.
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Are these hi-hats suitable for rock music?
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Yes, the Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats are well-suited for rock music due to their bright, cutting tone and solid "chick" sound, delivering the power and clarity needed in high-energy performances.
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What type of finish do the Zildjian A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats have?
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These hi-hats feature a brilliant finish, which enhances their visual appeal and contributes to their bright, cutting sound.
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What materials are used in the Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats?
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The Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats are crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities.
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How does the size of these hi-hats affect their sound?
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The 15-inch size of the Zildjian A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats offers a slightly deeper pitch compared to smaller hi-hats, providing a fuller sound while maintaining the bright, cutting characteristics of the A Custom series.
Videos
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20553-1032415G)
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20553-1032415G)
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats - 1155g/1585g
The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals (A20553-1050913D)
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1154/1648g (A20553-1111619B)
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1080/1580g (A20553-1090618E)
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1191/1629g (A20553-1061419C)
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats - 1070/1579g (A20553-1122022F)
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats - 1148g/1597g
The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine
Reviews
PROS
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Full sound suitable for various music styles, especially rock and metal
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Pronounced "chick" sound, ideal for live and recording settings
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Crisp and cutting, able to cut through dense mixes
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Grooved bottom enhances chick and overall sound control
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Versatile across different playing styles and sticks
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Beautiful aesthetic with a brilliant finish
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High-quality craftsmanship typical of Zildjian products
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Larger size offers a unique voice compared to standard 14" hi-hats
CONS
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Not budget-friendly; considered expensive by some
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Can sound choked if not played with proper technique
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May not provide the bright, clean click some players desire
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats.
Comparisons
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Transitioning from 15" Giant Beats to these hi-hats highlights their ability to cut through live band settings more effectively.
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Owners compare them to 15" Sabian Monarch hats, noting the Mastersounds provide a brighter, crisper sound that cuts through better.
Source -
The S series hi-hats are critiqued for sounding inferior compared to Paiste heavy PST7s, which offer better sound quality at a similar price point.
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New Beats from 2013 onwards are recommended; they're thinner and have a vintage A sound, unlike the thicker 1990-2012 models.
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The Paiste 2002 SE hi-hats are noted to provide more definition, while the Zildjian A Custom Mastersounds offer a warmer sound with a bit of "dirt" in the tonality.
Source
Use cases and applications
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These hi-hats are praised for their versatility, excelling in both heavier pop punk and ballad styles.
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For those on a budget but still gigging occasionally, the S series is deemed adequate, though not professional-grade.
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Owners use Paiste 2002 SE hi-hats for smaller rooms and ska/funk styles, whereas Zildjian A Custom Mastersounds are preferred for rock/punk and outdoor events.
Source
User experience
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Owners appreciate the perfect open hat and foot pedal sounds, emphasizing their cohesive impact on a drum kit's overall sound.
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A user reports long-term satisfaction with 13" A Custom Mastersound hi-hats, preferring them over New Beats and comparing them favorably to Sabian Fusion hats.
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Owners describe the Zildjian A Custom Mastersounds as having a heavy and piercing sound that performs well in stage settings, associated with artists like Dave Grohl and Abe Cunningham.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
222
bright, sloshy, cutting, and loud
So I only play 15" hi hats, because i love the sloshy washy big sound, I dont like them to be too crispy. The only downside of these hats is they easily get a choked out sound if you're not carefull with your left foot when you play it closed. I still used these to record most of our last album.
58
ABSOLUTELY GREAT
The summary says it all, great sounding cymbal. It is not that budget friendly but it is worth your money.
Artist usage
Add artist
Abe uses 15" A Custom Mastersound hats, he says so on the 2:10 of the video. Awesome sounding hats, in my opinion. The bottom cymbal has curved edges which gives the opened sound more swoosh. The same time it's not too washy even though it's a 15" hat. Opened sound of these hats made me fall in love with this particular model, truly a work of art
Brooks Wackerman has shared the layout of his drum kit
This Zildjian cymbal is part of the kit used by Thomas Pridgen on The Mars Volta album The Bedlam in Goliath (screenshot is from DRUM! Magazine article http://www.drummagazine.com/features/post/thomas-pridgen-of-the-mars-volta/)
This video, part of the Zildjian Break Down Series, features Mike playing "Bulls in the Bronx". In the description you can see what cymbals he uses.
John Tempesta's gear page on his website lists that he is playing Zildjian 15" A custom mastersound hihats.
Jason Bonham uses Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats, as detailed in his equipment setup on Drummerworld.
Nick shows his 15" Mastersound hi-hats in this video
Deen Castronovo incorporates Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats into all his drum kits, as highlighted on Zildjian's homepage.
Cyrus uses A Custom Mastersound 15" Hi-Hats as explained in this video
"Zildjian caught up with Adam Carson of AFI during their (Crash Love) tour to get some "behind the scenes" footage with Adam" (this was a video on Youtube as Adam is a Zildjian artist). His stats were up on their website along with gear in 2010.
"Cymbals are all Zildjian: A Custom hihat 15” A Custom crashes 19”/20” A Sweet Ride 23”"
Album Usage
The Zildjian 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats 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 15" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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