Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$579.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (48)
$579.95
Amazon
3.8 (35)
$538.80 New
$521.96 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (17)
$360.25 New
$185.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (144)
$579.95
Thomann
4.8 (16)
$515.00
Gear4Music
£473.00

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.

* 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 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

What is the sound characteristic of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats?

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.

Are the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats suitable for live performances?

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.

What material are the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats made from?

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.

How does the finish of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats affect their sound?

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.

What is the weight difference between the top and bottom cymbals of the Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats?

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.

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi Hats - 1010g/1196g

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi Hats - 1010g/1196g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi Hats - 1010g/1196g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

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

Zildjian Sound Lab - 14" A Custom HiHats

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for 14" A Custom HiHat (Pair) - A20510 by Avedis Zildjian Company

14" A Custom HiHat (Pair) - A20510

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hat Cymbals - 954/1198g (A20510-1032618B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hat Cymbals - 954/1198g (A20510-1032618B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi Hat by Beatit TV

Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi Hat

Beatit TV

Beatit TV

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats - 1071/1211g (A20510-1012022B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hats - 1071/1211g (A20510-1012022B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality suitable for various music styles

  • Comparable to high-end cymbals, delivering professional sound

  • Glossy, reflector finish adds a classy visual appeal

  • Clear and defined "chick" sound enhances performance

  • Durable coating resists wear even with robust play

  • Versatile, fits well in rock, metal, punk, jazz, and more

  • Smooth, bright sound with a hint of lower frequencies

  • Consistent sound that complements other A series cymbals

  • Renowned for its bright, brilliant tone that cuts through mixes

  • Highly valued by professional drummers and artists worldwide

CONS

  • Finish shows fingerprints and dirt easily, requiring regular cleaning

  • Some units reported arriving with minor physical defects

  • Packaging issues during shipping may result in blemishes

  • 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

  • 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

  • Zildjian A Custom HiHats are often compared to New Beats, which are praised for their versatility and more controlled acoustic sound.

    Source
  • The Quick Beat top is identical to the New Beat top, allowing for mixing and matching with Quick Beat bottoms.

    Source
  • Quick Beat hi-hats are heavier and more akin to New Beats than Mastersounds, offering more low-end depth and versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Users note that the 15" version of the A Custom HiHats offers a different, often preferred, tonal quality compared to the 14".

    Source
  • Some drummers prefer pairing two thin crashes as hi-hats for a distinct sound; individual experimentation in-store is encouraged to find unique combinations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • These hi-hats are favored for recording purposes due to their specific sound profile, which may not appeal to all drummers in live settings.

    Source
  • Mastersound hi-hats are more articulate and crisp, with quicker air escape, suitable for genres requiring sharp definition.

    Source
  • Mastersound lacks the ability to flip for varied sound, unlike New Beats which offer more tonal flexibility.

    Source
  • Two top cymbals may produce a lighter sound suitable for jazz or softer genres, but might lack the desired sizzle for heavier playing styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While $200 is deemed acceptable, it's suggested that persistent searching could yield prices as low as $150.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users suggest experimenting with different weights, like using a very thin top and extremely heavy bottom, to achieve unique sounds similar to Zildjian K/Z or Paiste Signature Dark Crisp hats.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
j11
j11

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.

toby_thorpe

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.

stevenshelleydrummer

Best all-purpose Hi-Hats in the A Custom series

Zildjian A Custom 14" Hi-hats

suited for both live/ recording purposes

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Scott Phillips uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Scott Phillips

Drummer

Alter Bridge

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Nick Steinborn uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Nick Steinborn

Guitarist, Drummer

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Nick's kit can be seen. He has an a custom hi hat pair on his kit

See how Alex Shelnutt uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Alex Shelnutt

Drummer

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

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.

See how Ginger Fish uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Ginger Fish

Drummer

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via EMusician

Ginger Fish has been using Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats since at least 2000, as noted in an article by EMusician about Marilyn Manson.

See how Josh Manuel uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Josh Manuel

Drummer

Issues

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Sound Legacy - Josh Manuel of Issues" by Avedis Zildjian Company, Josh Manuel is seen using Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats.

See how Matt Pelissier uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Matt Pelissier

Drummer

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 3:12 you can see 14" A Custom hats on Pelissier's kit.

See how Josh Eppard uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Josh Eppard

Drummer

Coheed and Cambria

...
Verified via Photo

In this post josh shows off his new cymbals. he can be seen witha pair of 14 inch a custom hats

See how Kevin Kaine uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Kevin Kaine

Drummer

KNocked Loose

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Cyrus Bolooki uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Cyrus Bolooki

Drummer

New Found Glory

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Brett Reed uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Brett Reed

Drummer

Rancid

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo Brett can be seen using his asortment of Zildjian cymbals

See how Maxx Danziger uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Maxx Danziger

Drummer

Set It Off

...
Verified via Photo

Maxx can be seen using a a custom hi hat pair

See how Conor Sullivan uses Zildjian 14" A Custom HiHats

Conor Sullivan

Drummer

Ice Nine Kills

...
Verified via Photo

Conor uses an a custom 14 inch hi hat pair

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

Show yours
D

dross

Gear IQ 63

More Zildjian Hi-hat Cymbals

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides