The Hi-Hat That's Been Holding Down the Beat for Decades
There's a reason you've heard the Zildjian A New Beat Hi-Hats on more recordings than you can count. Whether you're tracking in a studio, playing a sweaty club gig, or rehearsing in your basement, these hats just work. They were originally conceived by the late, great drummer Louie Bellson, who wanted a pair of hi-hats that nailed both the stick definition and the "chick" sound — and that's exactly what he got.
The 14" size hits the sweet spot that most drummers gravitate toward: enough surface for expressive open playing, tight enough for crisp closed articulation. These are the kind of hi-hats that disappear into your playing in the best possible way — you stop thinking about gear and just play.
Whether you're a working drummer covering a wide range of styles or someone who just wants a reliable, versatile pair of hats, the New Beats are a dependable choice that has stood the test of time across practically every genre of music.
Medium Top, Heavy Bottom — and Why That Matters
The pairing of a medium-weight top cymbal with a heavy-weight bottom is what gives the New Beats their character. The heavier bottom creates a firm, defined "chick" when the cymbals close together, while the medium top responds quickly and expressively to stick hits. You get clear articulation without sacrificing body or wash.
Each cymbal is symmetrically machine hammered and lathed with a traditional wide groove, a process that produces a voice that is pure, bright, and expressive. It's a classic construction approach that has proven itself over generations of players.
Cast Bronze Alloy and Traditional Finish
The A Series New Beats are cast from a bronze alloy of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver — the same formula Zildjian has used for centuries. The traditional (non-brilliant) finish gives them a warm, natural look that suits any kit aesthetic and contributes to their classic tone character.
Sweetwater notes that these hats are "cast from Zildjian's secret alloy formula and finished using centuries-old processes" — which is part of why the A Series has become the benchmark that other cymbal lines are measured against. The finish holds up well to regular playing and doesn't require any special maintenance.
Product Features:
-
Size: 14 inches (pair — top and bottom included)
-
Series: A Zildjian
-
Weight configuration: Medium-weight top, heavy-weight bottom
-
Material: Cast bronze alloy — 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver
-
Finish: Traditional (natural)
-
Construction: Symmetrically machine hammered and lathed with a traditional wide groove
-
Sound character: Pure, bright, and expressive — balanced stick definition and "chick" sound
-
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of musical genres and playing styles
-
SKU: A0133
Brand: Zildjian
Model: A New Beat Hi-Hats
SKU: A0133
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
