Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.8 (3)
$379.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (6)
$679.95
Amazon
4.4 (43)
$697.94
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$600.25 10 available New
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$639.95
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$679.95
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$589.00
Gear4Music
£614.00

Average Price: $610

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals". 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

Introducing the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals, an exceptional addition to your drum set that will undoubtedly enhance your musical experience. Part of the renowned K Series, these hi-hats offer a unique blend of old-world warmth with modern darkness and projection, creating a symphony of tones ideal for any music style.

Featuring a thin top cymbal that responds to the slightest touch and an extra-heavy bottom cymbal that provides a sturdy foundation, this pair of cymbals is designed for the discerning drummer who values versatility and complexity in their sound. The thin top cymbal offers a range of tones, from soft, breathy chick sounds to loud, cutting crashes, reacting instantly to variations in technique and touch. The extra-heavy bottom cymbal enriches your hi-hat work with a full, resonant tone and a long, even decay.

Adding to the distinctive voice of these cymbals are the unlathed bells, producing penetrating overtones with a hint of raw trashiness. This feature enhances the complexity of your sound, enriching normal chick sounds with zingy overtones when closed and providing a musical chaos when played open.

Handcrafted in the USA using Zildjian's proprietary B20 bronze alloy, these cymbals offer unmatched musicality and tonal complexity, allowing drummers to find their unique sound within the voice of the K Sweet Hi-Hats.

Key Features:

  • Thin top cymbal for high sensitivity and versatility
  • Extra-heavy bottom cymbal for a solid foundation and resonant tone
  • Unlathed bells for complex and penetrating overtones
  • Traditional K series hammering enhances darkness and musicality
  • Crafted from Zildjian's centuries-old B20 bronze recipe
  • Made in the USA
  • 2-year manufacturer warranty

Product specs

Type Hi-hats
Size 16"
Finish Traditional
Top Weight Thin
Bottom Weight Extra Heavy
Material B20
Sound Dark
Volume General
Sustain Short
Pitch Low to Mid

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals?

The Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals offer a dark sound with a low to mid pitch, providing a warm, rich tone suitable for various music genres.

Are the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals suitable for live performances?

Yes, these hi-hats have a general volume and short sustain, making them versatile for live performances where dynamic control is important.

What is the weight difference between the top and bottom cymbal in the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat pair?

The top cymbal is thin, while the bottom cymbal is extra heavy, allowing for a crisp "chick" sound and a balanced open-closed dynamic.

What material are the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals made from?

These hi-hats are crafted from B20 bronze, known for its durability and complex tonal qualities.

How do the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals compare to traditional 14" hi-hats?

The 16" size provides a broader tonal range and a fuller sound, ideal for drummers seeking more depth and presence compared to the more common 14" hi-hats.

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi Hats - 1210g/1957g

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi Hats - 1210g/1957g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi Hats - 1210g/1957g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" Hi-hat Comparison: Avedis, K Light, K Sweet by Timpano-percussion

Zildjian 16" Hi-hat Comparison: Avedis, K Light, K Sweet

Timpano-percussion

Timpano-percussion

Reviews

PROS

  • Defined stick sound enhances clarity and articulation

  • Louder, higher-pitched attack when played open for presence

  • Versatile for multiple music styles, from jazz to metal

  • Exceptional "chick" sound when operated with the foot

  • Soft and buttery feel, living up to the "sweet" name

  • Depth and beauty of sound appreciated by various musicians

  • Responsive across different musical contexts

  • Works seamlessly with a variety of drum kits

CONS

  • None

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals.

Value and pricing

  • Guitar Center offers competitive prices on used gear, with local listings allowing buyers to hear cymbals in person before purchasing.

    Source
  • Buying locally on platforms like FB Marketplace can yield bargains, as sellers may not recognize the true value of quality cymbals.

    Source
  • Owners suggest buying used cymbals to mix and match, as it allows for flexibility and potential savings over purchasing a full pack.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's recommended to choose 14" for K Sweets for a thicker and louder sound, while opting for 15" for K Lights to achieve a darker tone.

    Source
  • The 14" K Sweets are likened to Quick Beat hi-hats but with a silkier tone, while the Quick Beats are perceived as harsher.

    Source
  • The 22” Meinl Byzance Spectrum Ride offers a unique sound but is less versatile compared to the 21” K Sweet Ride for diverse musical applications.

    Source
  • The K Sweet Ride is described as having a more medium pitch metallic stick sound with more wash, while the regular K Ride has a more defined ping and less wash.

    Source
  • The HHX Evolutions offer a versatile sound similar to the K Sweets with dark, complex tones and a crashable ride with a great bell.

    Source
  • The 19" Dark Thin crash is about 200g heavier than the Sweet, offering a warmer, darker tone that stands out better in live rock settings compared to the Sweet's smoother, compressed sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For those transitioning from brighter hi-hats like AAX Stage, the K Sweet offers a softer alternative.

    Source
  • The K Sweet Ride is praised for its versatile sound and pronounced bell, making it suitable for a streamlined 3-cymbal, 4-piece kit setup.

    Source
  • Zildjian's K Sweet Ride may not provide enough definition for live band settings, where a more stick-defined ride is preferred.

    Source
  • The K Sweet hi-hats are noted for their glassier attack, which may not suit all genres, but offer a washier quality favored in jazz and indie rock settings.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users express concerns about the sharp, non-rounded edge on the top hat of the K Sweet, fearing premature cracking despite being "to spec" by Zildjian.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note a soft, silky tone with a thin top and heavy bottom, providing a malleable feel that allows sound extraction with minimal force.

    Source
  • Some users find the K Sweet Ride thin and less comfortable to play, though it records well and crashes beautifully under a microphone.

    Source
  • Owners mention that the 15" Sweet hi-hats are among the best pitched hi-hats they’ve played, appreciated for their lower pitch and trashy, white-noise quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Test BeatIt: Zildjian K Sweet Hats | Beatit.tv

beatit.tv

These Zildjian K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals are a versatile addition to any drummer's kit, with the 15" version stealing the spotlight for its dynamic range and pleasing aesthetics. While the 16" cymbals deliver a lush, dark tone, they may feel a bit too soft for players used to heavier gear. The 14" variant, while competent, lacks the subtleties of its larger siblings and can become overpowering when played aggressively. Overall, the K Sweet series shines in performance and sound quality, but drummers should be prepared for a tonal adjustment when transitioning to these softer models.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Atom Willard uses Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals

Atom Willard

Drummer

The Offspring

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video published by Modern Drummer Official, titled "Atom Willard - Alkaline Trio - Tour Kit Rundown," Atom Willard is seen at the 13:38 mark discussing his use of the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals as part of his cymbal setup.

See how Charlie Wayne uses Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals

Charlie Wayne

Drummer

Black Country, new road

...
Verified via Zildjian

In this image from Charlie Wayne's Zildjian artist profile, he is shown with a pair of Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-Hats, hugging one of them and the other hi-hat leaning on the crash ride cymbal.

See how Marcus Gilmore uses Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals

Marcus Gilmore

Drummer

Vijay Iyer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video from Zildjians channel, at the 0:10 mark it displays all the cymbals he is using.

See how Gunnar Olsen uses Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals

Gunnar Olsen

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Gunnar Olsen - Puscifer - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, at 9:51, it is confirmed that drummer Gunnar Olsen includes Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals as part of his cymbal setup.

See how Jean Dolabella uses Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals

Jean Dolabella

Drummer

Sepultura

...
Verified via Photo

In the Instagram video, Jean Dolabella showcases his drum setup, featuring the Zildjian 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals at the 0:11 mark.

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 16" K Sweet Hi-hat Cymbals, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Zildjian Hi-hat Cymbals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides