Hi-Hat Stands

A hi-hat stand holds a pair of cymbals and uses a pedal to control their opening, closing and articulation. It must remain stable while you play and respond without unnecessary play in the mechanism. When choosing, consider the number of legs, drive type, adjustable height and spring settings. If you use a double pedal, the space to the left of the bass drum is also important.

Two or three legs

A three-leg design offers independent stability and suits a standard setup. A two-leg stand leaves more room for the secondary footboard of a double pedal, but must work correctly with the other hardware and the drum rug. Rotating legs help you find a suitable position in a tight setup.

Adjusting pedal response

• set the stand height to suit the position of your hands and cymbals;
• adjust the spring so the cymbals close quickly without tiring your foot;
• the clutch must hold the top cymbal securely;
• felt washers must not restrict natural movement;
• use spikes or rubber feet to suit the floor surface.

Clutch, rod and cymbal washers

When replacing the stand, check the rod diameter and compatibility of your existing clutch. The top cymbal should be held securely but must still move naturally. Worn felt or rubber parts can cause noise and uneven seating, so inspect them together with the threads during maintenance.

Space in the pedal setup

Before buying, measure the space beside the bass drum pedal. If you use a double pedal, allow for the connecting shaft and position of the secondary footboard.

A hi-hat stand should respond smoothly from a light press to firmly closed cymbals. Play in the drive or an unstable base makes precise timing more difficult.