The "Chick" Heard 'Round the Room
You know that feeling when you close your hi-hats and get a crisp, clean "chick" that cuts right through the band? That's not a given on every cymbal — it takes some engineering to make it happen reliably, every time. Zildjian's S Series Mastersound Hi-Hats are built specifically around that idea, with a hammered outer edge on the bottom cymbal that vents trapped air quickly and keeps your foot response fast and precise, whether you're playing delicately or slamming the pedal.
The S Family itself was developed to offer a bright, expressive voice that works across a wide range of musical styles. It's not chasing one particular genre — it's built to sit comfortably in a lot of different contexts, from rehearsal rooms to live stages. The 14" size hits a sweet spot: enough body and frequency range to fill out a sound without getting unwieldy.
If you've been playing on worn-out hats or stock cymbals that came with a kit and want to step up to something with real character, the S Mastersounds are a genuine upgrade that won't require a second mortgage.
B12 Alloy: The Math Behind the Sound
Zildjian makes the S Series from a B12 alloy — 88% copper and 12% tin — which is formulated to deliver a balanced mix of low, mid, and high frequencies. It's a different recipe than the B20 bronze found on Zildjian's higher-priced lines, and it has its own sonic personality: bright and present with a clear, articulate voice that sits well in a mix.
The alloy is paired with Zildjian's hand hammering and full lathing process, which dials in the weight, feel, and tonal response of each cymbal. The result is a consistent sound from edge to bell, with the kind of shimmer you'd expect from a brilliant finish — and yes, these are fully brilliant-finished, which helps open up that characteristic brightness and visual sparkle under stage lights.
The Mastersound Bottom: No More Air Lock
The defining feature of any Mastersound hi-hat is that hammered outer edge on the bottom cymbal. It might look like a small detail, but it makes a real, playable difference. As the two cymbals come together, those hammered grooves vent air quickly instead of trapping it — eliminating the suction that can make hi-hats feel sluggish or unpredictable underfoot.
What you get is a faster, livelier "chick" sound and an overall balanced tonal presence whether you're playing open, half-open, or fully closed. Players who work in genres where hi-hat articulation matters — funk, jazz, pop, rock — often notice the difference right away. Your foot just does what you want it to do.
Product Features:
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Series: Zildjian S Family (S Series)
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Size: 14" pair — versatile frequency range and full-bodied response
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Alloy: B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin) for balanced low, mid, and high frequencies
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Construction: Hand hammered and fully lathed for precise weight, feel, and sound
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Finish: Brilliant finish for bright, shimmery tone and stage presence
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Mastersound Design: Hammered outer edge on bottom cymbal prevents air lock and delivers a fast, clean "chick"
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Sound character: Bright, expressive, and balanced — suited to a wide variety of musical styles
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SKU: S14MPR
Brand: Zildjian
Model: S Mastersound HiHats
SKU: S14MPR
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.
