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 HiHats". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats - a perfect blend of sophistication, subtlety, and vibrancy. These HiHats are not just a musical instrument; they are a testament to Zildjian's enduring legacy and commitment to quality. Defined by a tight, crisp, and colorful tone, they add a nuanced richness to your percussion ensemble.
These HiHats have been designed with the expertise of renowned drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, employing radical rotary hammering techniques and thin weights to create a striking, brilliant finish. This results in a sound that's sophisticated, sweet, and clear. With a delicate stick sound and a clean 'chick', these HiHats truly stand out.
The Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats bring an element of versatility to your music. Whether you're playing jazz, rock, or anything in between, these HiHats complement a wide range of musical styles, ensuring your performance always hits the right note.
Key Features:
- Radical rotary hammering techniques employed for creating a striking, brilliant finish
- Delivers a sound that's tight, crisp, and subtle, yet very colorful
- Impressive stick clarity with a clean 'chick'
- Developed with the assistance of Vinnie Colaiuta
- Part of the A Custom series, known for their crisp, sweet, sophisticated sound
- Suitable for a wide range of music genres
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 is the sound characteristic of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats?
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The Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats are known for their crisp and articulate sound with a solid "chick" when closed. They offer a bright, cutting tone suitable for various music styles, providing a versatile sound palette.
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Are the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats are well-suited for live performances due to their brilliant finish and medium volume, which allows them to project clearly in a band setting without overpowering other instruments.
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What material are the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats made from?
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The Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats are crafted from B20 cast bronze, a high-quality alloy that contributes to their rich and dynamic sound, making them durable and reliable for both studio and live use.
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How does the finish of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats affect their sound?
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The brilliant finish of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats enhances their bright and lively sound, providing a shimmering quality that is both visually appealing and sonically cutting, ideal for genres requiring clarity and presence.
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What is the weight difference between the top and bottom cymbals of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats?
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The top cymbal of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats is medium-thin, while the bottom cymbal is medium weight, offering a balanced response with a quick, crisp attack and a defined "chick" sound when played.
Videos
The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine
Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi Hats - 1010g/1196g
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality suitable for various music styles
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Comparable to high-end cymbals, delivering professional sound
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Glossy, reflector finish adds a classy visual appeal
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Clear and defined "chick" sound enhances performance
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Durable coating resists wear even with robust play
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Versatile, fits well in rock, metal, punk, jazz, and more
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Smooth, bright sound with a hint of lower frequencies
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Consistent sound that complements other A series cymbals
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Renowned for its bright, brilliant tone that cuts through mixes
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Highly valued by professional drummers and artists worldwide
CONS
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Finish shows fingerprints and dirt easily, requiring regular cleaning
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Some units reported arriving with minor physical defects
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Packaging issues during shipping may result in blemishes
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Open sound may not appeal to all drummers, particularly when played open
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats.
Features and functionality
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The rippled edge on the Zildjian A Custom HiHats can lead to sound escaping, creating a hollow effect that some users find undesirable for acoustic play.
Source
Comparisons
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Zildjian A Custom HiHats are often compared to New Beats, which are praised for their versatility and more controlled acoustic sound.
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The Quick Beat top is identical to the New Beat top, allowing for mixing and matching with Quick Beat bottoms.
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Quick Beat hi-hats are heavier and more akin to New Beats than Mastersounds, offering more low-end depth and versatility.
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User experience
Use cases and applications
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These hi-hats are favored for recording purposes due to their specific sound profile, which may not appeal to all drummers in live settings.
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Mastersound hi-hats are more articulate and crisp, with quicker air escape, suitable for genres requiring sharp definition.
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Mastersound lacks the ability to flip for varied sound, unlike New Beats which offer more tonal flexibility.
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Two top cymbals may produce a lighter sound suitable for jazz or softer genres, but might lack the desired sizzle for heavier playing styles.
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Value and pricing
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While $200 is deemed acceptable, it's suggested that persistent searching could yield prices as low as $150.
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Orphaned hi-hat bottoms are commonly found at low prices on the used market, as tops typically crack first, making it feasible to complete a set affordably.
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A user reported buying mismatched A hi-hats for $145, but identified the top as a bottom due to incorrect weight information, emphasizing the importance of verifying specifications.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings
154
Perfection 🤘
A Customs gets the job done. My opinion, have a A Custom Top Hi-Hat, then use either Zildjian K or Z Bottom Hi-Hat. You get a nice sound from them. I can’t fully describe the sound, but it just sounds normal and doesn’t go over the limit of what’s crisp in finding your sound.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
A Custom Top and K or Z Bottom of any kind. Enjoy.
128
Great cymbals for any genre
A Custom cymbals are used by dozens if not hundreds of artists worldwide and there is a reason for this. They're exceptional no matter what genre they're used for. Especially great value when bought as part of the A Custom Cymbal pack which can be find at most retailers.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, at 0:42 Scott talks about his Hi-Hat setup, citing a combination of 14" A Custom Hi-Hat on top, with a 14" A Quick Beat Hi-Hat on bottom. He states, "Its a combination I've used for about 15 years or so, maybe even longer."
In an interview with Modern Drummer Magazine, Alex Shelnutt of A Day to Remember discusses his gear setup, mentioning his use of Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats, featuring an A Custom top cymbal and a K Custom bottom cymbal.
Ginger Fish has been using Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats since at least 2000, as noted in an article by EMusician about Marilyn Manson.
In the YouTube video "Sound Legacy - Josh Manuel of Issues" by Avedis Zildjian Company, Josh Manuel is seen using Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats.
In this post josh shows off his new cymbals. he can be seen witha pair of 14 inch a custom hats
Kevin Kaine uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats, as seen in an Instagram post by thecandykaine, where he reflects on recent performances with Knocked Loose.
Cyrus Bolooki uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats in his cymbal setup, as seen in his Instagram post during the #20YearsofPopPunk tour with New Found Glory.
Album Usage
The Zildjian 14" A Custom 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 Custom HiHats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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