Best Brass Hi-Hat Cymbals of 2026

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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Brass Hi-Hat Cymbals are a popular choice among drummers of all levels. These cymbals are made from a mixture of copper and zinc, giving them a bright and cutting sound that complements a wide range of music styles. They are typically used as a pair and can be played open or closed using a foot pedal. Brass Hi-Hat Cymbals are durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for any drummer looking to upgrade their kit.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Meinl HCS 13-inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair Cover #TOP 1
Meinl HCS 13-inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Meinl HCS 14 Inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair Cover #TOP 2
Meinl HCS 14 Inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl HCS Basic Cymbal Set with Hihats and Crash-Ride Cover #TOP 3
Meinl HCS Basic Cymbal Set with Hihats and Crash-Ride
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 3 Brass Hi-Hat Cymbals

#TOP 1

Meinl HCS 13-inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair

HCS13H
Traditional Finish
13 inch
Meinl HCS 13-inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS Hihat Cymbals 13 inch (Video) for Drum Set (33,02cm) – Pair – Traditional Finish Brass, Made In Germany (HCS13H)

The Meinl HCS Hi-Hat Cymbals are essential for any drum set, providing a lighter top cymbal and a heavier bottom for a clear and defined chick sound. Designed specifically for beginners and students, these cymbals are made from durable brass alloy, ensuring they withstand the impact of drumsticks while maintaining their tone. Crafted in Germany using green energy, they reflect a commitment to sustainability. With a full range of sound options available, these cymbals allow you to explore various styles and express your musical creativity.

What We Like
Clear and defined sound
Durable brass alloy construction
Eco-friendly manufacturing
Wide range of sound options
Ideal for beginners
#TOP 2

Meinl HCS 14 Inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair

HCS14H
Traditional Finish
14 inch
Meinl HCS 14 Inch Hi-Hat Cymbals Pair Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS Hihat Cymbals 14 inch (Video) for Drum Set (35,56cm) – Pair – Traditional Finish Brass, Made In Germany (HCS14H)

The Meinl HCS Hi-Hat Cymbals are ideal for beginner and student drummers. The unique design features a lighter top cymbal and a heavier bottom, producing a clear and well-defined chick sound that enhances your playing. Made from a durable brass alloy, these cymbals maintain their tone while withstanding the impact of drum sticks, ensuring longevity. Plus, with a full range of sounds available, you can explore various styles and techniques, giving you all the options usually reserved for professional setups.

What We Like
Clear and defined sound
Durable brass alloy construction
Suitable for beginners
Full range of sound options

Meinl HCS Basic Cymbal Set with Hihats and Crash-Ride

HCS1418
Traditional Finish
14, 18 inch
Meinl HCS Basic Cymbal Set with Hihats and Crash-Ride Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS Basic Cymbal Set (Video) Box Pack with 14 inch Hihat and 18 Crash-Ride for Drum Kit (35,56-45,72cm) Traditional Finish Brass (HCS1418)

The Meinl HCS Cymbal Set is perfect for beginners and students looking to enhance their drumming experience. It features a well-balanced pair of 14-inch hihats and a powerful 18-inch crash-ride, crafted from a durable brass alloy. This ensures that the cymbals maintain their tone while withstanding the rigours of drumming. Made in Germany using green energy, you can feel good about your purchase. With a full range of sounds available, you'll have access to the variety typically found in professional setups.

What We Like
Designed for beginners and students
Durable brass alloy construction
Made in Germany with green energy
Full range of professional sounds
Used by professional drummers
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is best size for hi-hat cymbals?

If you are looking for a higher pitch, we recommend choosing a pair of 13” hi-hat cymbals. These hi-hats usually work well in gospel, fusion, and funk music. Alternatively, 15” or 16” hi-hats provide a much deeper sound with more sustain, which many people prefer when playing rock and jazz music.

2. What is the difference between open hi-hat and closed hi-hat?

Standard terminology has evolved. Open and closed hi-hat refer to notes struck while the two cymbals are apart or together (open or closed), while pedal hi-hat refers to parts or notes played solely with the pedal used to strike the two cymbals. Most cymbal patterns consist of both open and closed notes.

Editor's Notes

During our brass hi-hat cymbal research, we found 39 brass hi-hat cymbal products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,829 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brass hi-hat cymbals list. We found that most customers choose brass hi-hat cymbals with an average price of £182.26.

The brass hi-hat cymbals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brass hi-hat cymbals, including Meinl Cymbals and more.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.