Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals Review: A Pro-Grade Feel for the Aspiring Drummer
I remember the first time I sat behind a drum kit. It was an old, beat-up set in a damp basement, and while the shells had some life in them, the cymbals were a disaster. They sounded less like musical instruments and more like the lids of galvanized trash cans. Every time I stepped on the hi-hat pedal, instead of a crisp, satisfying “chick,” I got a dull, metallic thud. This is a rite of passage for many drummers, but it’s one that can seriously hinder your progress. If your gear doesn’t respond to your touch, you can’t develop the nuance and “feel” required to move from a beginner to an intermediate player. This frustration is exactly why many search for the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals. Solving the “bad cymbal” problem is crucial because the hi-hat is the heartbeat of your kit; it’s where you keep time, add texture, and drive the energy of a song. Without a reliable pair, your playing sounds amateurish regardless of how fast your hands are.
- UPGRADE FROM STOCK CYMBALS: replaces the flimsy cymbals most entry-level kits include—Meinl HCS sounds real and feels solid
- WHY IT MATTERS: better sound makes practice more fun—and durable brass stands up to regular playing
What to Consider Before Investing in Your Next Set of Hi-Hats
A Hi-Hat Cymbals set is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for establishing the rhythmic foundation of your entire musical output. Unlike a crash or a ride cymbal, which are used for accents or steady patterns, the hi-hat is a dynamic duo that interacts with both your hands and your feet. This means you need a product that offers tonal versatility, durability, and a weight that feels responsive under the stick. When you see its full feature set and user reviews, you realize that choosing the right alloy and size can change the entire “voice” of your drum kit.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of “stock” cymbals that often come with entry-level kits, while it might not be suitable for those who are strictly performing in high-end professional recording studios where B20 bronze is the standard requirement. For a beginner, a student, or even a gigging musician looking for a reliable “auxiliary” hat or a set for a smaller practice kit, the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals provides a professional aesthetic and sound without the professional price tag. Before you commit, it is vital to understand that 13″ hats offer a different “speed” than the standard 14″ hats, making them excellent for quick, articulate patterns but slightly less “loud” in a heavy rock environment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: At 13 inches, these cymbals are slightly smaller than the industry-standard 14-inch hats. This makes them ideal for smaller “bop” kits, cafe kits, or for drummers who prefer a tight, focused sound that doesn’t bleed into every microphone on stage.
- Capacity/Performance: Look for the “chick” sound (the sound made when closing the hats with your foot). A good hi-hat should have a clear, audible “chick” that can cut through a guitar amp without being piercing. The performance of the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals is designed to provide this exact clarity.
- Materials & Durability: Most entry-level cymbals are made of brass, but not all brass is created equal. The MS63 alloy used here is a specific blend of copper and zinc that offers a brighter, more “musical” tone than generic brass, and it’s built to withstand the heavy hitting of a student drummer.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Hi-hats require a clutch and a stand. You want cymbals that sit flat against each other to avoid “air lock” (when air gets trapped between the cymbals, muffling the sound). These Meinl hats are precision-lathed to ensure a perfect fit right out of the box.
While the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- UPGRADE FROM STOCK CYMBALS: replaces the flimsy cymbals most entry-level kits include—Meinl HCS sounds real and feels solid
- UPGRADE FROM STOCK CYMBALS: replaces the flimsy cymbals most entry-level kits include—Meinl HCS sounds real and feels solid
- Taking its name from Ilham – the Turkish word for inspiration
First Impressions: Unboxing the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals
Upon unboxing the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals, the first thing I noticed was the finish. For a “beginner” cymbal, these look remarkably professional. Meinl uses the same high-tech machinery and pressure-point hammering techniques on their HCS line as they do on their world-class Byzance series. The brass has a warm, golden hue with visible lathe grooves that help define the sound. We found that the weight—approximately 3.5 pounds for the pair—gives them a substantial feel; they don’t feel like toys. When I first struck them, the “sizzle” was smooth and consistent, lacking the “trashy” or “clunky” overtones found in cheaper alternatives. You can check the latest price and availability to see how they fit into your budget, but at first glance, they certainly punch above their weight class.
Key Benefits
- Incredible price-to-performance ratio for students and beginners.
- Crisp and articulate “chick” sound when closed with the foot.
- Precision German manufacturing ensures consistent quality across every pair.
- Bright, cutting tone that fits perfectly in pop, rock, and jazz.
Drawbacks
- MS63 brass alloy lacks the complex dark overtones of professional B20 bronze.
- 13-inch size may lack the volume needed for very heavy metal performances.
A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals
The Sonic Fingerprint: MS63 Brass and Tonal Clarity
In our extensive testing, the standout feature of the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals is the specific sonic profile of the MS63 brass alloy. Unlike the standard “mystery metal” found in many budget kits, this alloy is designed to be bright and cutting. When playing these hats closed, we found a very “tight” response. The stick definition is clear; every ghost note and subtle tap is audible, which is exactly what a developing drummer needs to hear their own mistakes and improvements. This clarity is a feature that really sets it apart from other entry-level options.
One of the most impressive aspects is the “sizzle” when the hats are slightly open. Often, cheaper cymbals will sound “washey” or loose in a way that feels uncontrolled. However, these 13-inch hats maintain a controlled sizzle that feels musical. We tested them across several genres—from a fast funk beat to a steady rock eighth-note pattern—and they held their own. Users have often noted that these cymbals seem to “break in” after a few hours of play, and we found this to be true; the initial “stiffness” of the brass gives way to a slightly more mellow and integrated sound after some solid practice sessions.
Build Quality and German Engineering
It is rare to find cymbals at this price point that are manufactured in Germany using the same precision technology as professional-grade gear. The Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals benefit from Meinl’s advanced computerized hammering and lathing. When you run your fingers across the surface, the grooves are consistent, which is vital for how the sound waves travel from the bell to the edge. This consistency means you won’t find “dead spots” on the cymbal—a common issue with hand-hammered budget cymbals where the quality can vary wildly from one unit to the next.
The durability here is also worth noting. Beginners can sometimes be heavy-handed as they learn to control their dynamics. We found that the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals can take a beating. The edges are well-finished, reducing the risk of “flea bites” (small nicks) that can eventually lead to cracks. For parents looking for a kit upgrade for their children, this durability provides peace of mind. As one user mentioned, they “fit perfectly on any traditional hihat stand,” and during our setup, we found the mounting process to be seamless, with the cymbals sitting perfectly level, ensuring a clean contact point every time you step on the pedal.
The 13-Inch Advantage: Speed and Versatility
Why choose 13 inches over the standard 14? During our evaluation, the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals proved that smaller can sometimes be better, especially for articulation. The smaller diameter means less mass to move, resulting in a faster “chick” and a quicker decay. This makes these hats exceptionally good for fast jazz patterns or intricate hip-hop beats where you want the sound to “get out of the way” quickly. We also found them to be an incredible choice for “auxiliary” hi-hats. Many pro drummers use a second set of hats to the right of their kit, and these 13-inchers are the perfect size for that setup.
Furthermore, their smaller footprint makes them a dream for “traveler” kits or busking setups. If you’re playing a gig in a tight corner of a coffee shop, every inch of space matters. The Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals deliver a full, musical sound without demanding the stage real estate of larger cymbals. We confirmed through user feedback that these are a favorite for the “Pearl Rhythm Traveler” and similar compact kits. If you are looking for a way to make your practice sessions more enjoyable without waking the neighbors, these hats provide a controlled volume that is easier to manage than larger, louder bronze alternatives. You can find more technical details and user experiences here.
Value Proposition and the Professional Bridge
The “HCS” in the name stands for “Hihat, Crash, Splash” (part of the larger HCS series), but it also represents a bridge between amateur gear and professional sound. We found that while these are marketed as “beginner” cymbals, they are more than capable of handling “pro” situations like low-volume church gigs or small acoustic sessions. A full-time musician who typically plays guitar and piano noted that they were “not disappointed with the quality of sound and look” when they started teaching themselves drums. This speaks volumes about the cross-over appeal of this product.
The 2-year warranty included by Meinl USA is also a standout feature in this price bracket. It shows a level of confidence in the MS63 alloy and the manufacturing process. Most “budget” brands offer 90 days or nothing at all. When you invest in this pair, you aren’t just buying a temporary fix; you’re buying a reliable tool that will serve you well until you are ready to make the jump to thousand-dollar professional sets. The fact that these are made by the same team behind Meinl’s pro lines is not just marketing fluff—it’s evident in the sustain and the lack of “cheap” metallic ringing that plagues other brass cymbals.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment for the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the value for money. One user, who uses them on a small traveler kit, noted they give a “good sizzle” and are a “must-have for a start to advanced player.” This aligns with our findings that the sizzle is surprisingly refined for a brass alloy. Another drummer with two years of experience mentioned that after upgrading their used kit’s heads, these hats provided a “brighter and cleaner” sound than their previous set, proving they are the perfect first upgrade.
However, it is important to be realistic. One experienced user pointed out that compared to high-end titanium or bronze cymbals, these “don’t hold/sustain their sound for too long.” This is a fair assessment; brass naturally has a shorter decay than bronze. We also saw one report of poor shipping where the cymbals arrived with dings due to flimsy packaging from a specific seller. This highlights why it is important to purchase through reputable channels to ensure your gear arrives in the pristine condition Meinl intended. Overall, the consensus is that for under $100, you simply cannot find a better-sounding pair of hats.
How the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals Compares to the Competition
1. Evans Soundoff 16″ Drum Mute Pads for Tom/Snare
- PRACTICE ANYTIME, QUIETLY – SoundOff by Evans Drum Mute Pak provides a 95% volume reduction, so drummers can practice on their normal drum sets in the comfort of their own homes, without making...
- DURABLE – The textured drum mutes sit directly on top of the drum head and do not drastically alter the drum’s feel. Constructed from durable rubber, these mutes can stand up to frequent...
While the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals is about improving your sound, the Evans Soundoff pads are about removing it. These are an essential alternative (or addition) for drummers who live in apartments or have close neighbors. While the Meinl hats are relatively controlled in volume, they are still acoustic cymbals. If you find that even the 13-inch hats are too loud for your living situation, the Evans Mute Pads allow you to practice your sticking patterns in near-silence. However, they offer zero musical tone, so they are purely a practice tool, whereas the Meinl hats are a true musical instrument.
2. Gibraltar Quick Release Hi-Hat Clutch
- Quickly mounts HH cymbal to clutch fast without having to thread on screw mount
- Fitted with a spring and ball bearing locking sleeve
The Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals do not include a clutch, which is standard for individual cymbal purchases. The Gibraltar Quick Release Clutch is a fantastic companion for these hats. While a standard clutch requires you to unscrew a nut every time you take the hats off, this Gibraltar model uses a spring-loaded mechanism. For drummers who are gigging and need to set up or tear down quickly, this is a massive quality-of-life improvement. We recommend this for anyone buying the Meinl 13″ hats who wants a more “pro” feel to their hardware setup.
3. Zildjian ILH14HP 14″ Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair
- Taking its name from Ilham – the Turkish word for inspiration
- Crafted from B8 alloy
The Zildjian I Series is the direct competitor to Meinl’s HCS line. These are 14-inch hats, providing a slightly deeper and louder sound than the 13-inch Meinls. They are made of B8 bronze, which some drummers prefer over brass for its slightly more “musical” ringing. However, the 14-inch size is less articulate than the 13-inch Meinl. If you are playing in a loud rock band and need to cut through two distorted guitars, you might prefer the Zildjian’s extra inch of surface area. But for pure speed, articulation, and budget-friendliness, the Meinl 13″ remains our top recommendation for the developing drummer.
Final Verdict: Are the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals Right for You?
After putting the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals through its paces, our verdict is clear: this is the gold standard for beginner and intermediate hi-hats. Its strengths lie in its crisp articulation, its high-quality German construction, and a price point that is accessible to almost any budget. While it won’t replace a $500 pair of B20 hats in a world-class recording studio, it perfectly serves its purpose as a reliable, bright, and musical upgrade for any standard drum kit. It solves the problem of “clunky” beginner gear and gives the drummer the sonic feedback they need to improve.
We recommend these cymbals to any student drummer, any parent looking for a quality gift for their musical child, or any gigging pro who needs a solid set of auxiliary hats or a compact practice solution. If you want a cymbal that looks professional, sounds bright, and is built to last, you should definitely add the Meinl Cymbals 13″ Hihat Cymbals to your kit today and experience the difference that quality engineering makes to your rhythm.
Last update on 2026-07-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API