Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top Review: Is This the Secret to the Perfect “Chick” Sound?
In my two decades behind the drum kit, I have encountered one persistent, nagging problem that seems to plague drummers from the practice room to the stadium stage: the dreaded “air lock.” You know the feeling—you step on your hi-hat pedal expecting a crisp, sharp “chick” sound, but instead, you get a dull, muffled thud because the air gets trapped between two perfectly flat cymbals. It’s a sonic buzzkill that kills the groove and leaves your timekeeping feeling sluggish. For years, I experimented with tilting the bottom cymbal to extreme angles, which only led to inconsistent stick feel and uneven wear. Solving this isn’t just about gear; it’s about maintaining the heartbeat of your music. When I first laid eyes on the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top, I was skeptical if a single cymbal could truly bridge the gap between budget-friendly pricing and professional-grade performance. I needed something that could cut through a loud mix without sounding brittle, and that’s exactly why I decided to put this specific piece of bronze to the test.
- Hammered outer edge creates lively, fast "chick" sound
- Prevents air lock
What to Consider Before Buying Hi-Hat Cymbals
A Hi-Hat Cymbals set is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for any drummer looking to define their rhythmic identity. The hi-hats are arguably the most frequently played part of the drum kit, responsible for everything from subtle jazz tickings to driving rock eighth notes. Choosing the right top cymbal is critical because it bears the brunt of your stick work and determines the overall “wash” and “ping” of your sound. If you choose poorly, you’re stuck with a sound that is either too “trashy” and uncontrolled or too “clanky” and abrasive.
The ideal customer for this type of product is an intermediate to advanced drummer who is looking to upgrade from entry-level brass cymbals but isn’t quite ready to drop five hundred dollars on a single pair of K-series hats. It is also a fantastic choice for the working pro who needs a reliable, bright, and durable cymbal for high-volume live situations where subtle nuances might get lost anyway. However, it might not be suitable for those who strictly play low-volume acoustic jazz or “coffee house” gigs, where a darker, thinner, and more complex B20 bronze might be more appropriate. For those players, a darker, more hand-hammered alternative might be the way to go.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The 14-inch diameter is the industry standard for a reason. It offers the perfect balance between the fast, articulate response of a 13-inch hat and the deep, sloshy volume of a 15-inch or 16-inch pair. When choosing the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top, ensure your current hi-hat stand can handle the weight of a medium-pitched top cymbal without slipping.
- Capacity/Performance: Look for the alloy composition. This cymbal uses B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin). This alloy is designed to be louder and brighter than budget B8 bronze, providing a “shimmer” that helps your timekeeping stay audible even when the guitars are cranked to eleven.
- Materials & Durability: Durability is paramount for hi-hats because they are hit thousands of times per session. The Mastersound series features a specialized hammered outer edge. You want to ensure the hammering is consistent, as this is what prevents the air lock and gives the cymbal its “lively” characteristic. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how this material holds up under heavy hitting.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: High-polish or “brilliant” finishes like the one on the S Family require regular wiping to prevent finger oils from tarnishing the surface. Because this cymbal has a textured, hammered edge, cleaning requires a bit more attention to detail than a standard flat-edge cymbal to keep it looking pristine over the years.
Once you understand these fundamentals, you can begin to see why the Mastersound design is a game-changer for the modern drummer. It’s an investment in your sound’s clarity and your physical playing comfort.
While the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top 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 Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top
When the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top arrived at my studio, the first thing I noticed was the striking brilliant finish. Zildjian’s S Family is known for its modern, shimmering aesthetic, and this cymbal does not disappoint. It reflects light beautifully, which is a nice bonus for stage presence. Taking it out of the protective sleeve, the weight felt substantial—categorized as a medium top, it has enough mass to project but isn’t so heavy that it feels “clunky” under the stick. To get the best out of this gear, I recommend you check the latest price and availability before stocks fluctuate, as these are popular for individual replacements.
The standout feature, of course, is the hammering along the outer edge. Unlike a standard cymbal with a smooth circumference, the Mastersound edge features rippled indentations. These aren’t just for show; they are precision-engineered to let air escape. Touching the edges, the craftsmanship is evident—there are no sharp burrs, and the “textured” finish mentioned in the specs gives it a sophisticated, professional look that rivals the more expensive A-series. Compared to the previous ZHT or ZBT lines, the S Family feels like a massive leap forward in both tonal complexity and manufacturing quality. It’s clear Zildjian intended this to be a serious tool for serious players.
Key Benefits
- Eliminates air lock entirely thanks to the hammered “Mastersound” edge.
- Bright, cutting tonal profile that excels in live rock, pop, and metal settings.
- B12 bronze alloy provides a more “musical” and balanced frequency range than cheaper B8 cymbals.
- Incredibly versatile 14-inch size that fits almost any musical genre.
Limitations
- Might be too bright or “clean” for drummers seeking a dark, trashy, or vintage sound.
- This listing is for the Top Cymbal only, which may confuse some buyers expecting a pair.
Deep Dive: The Performance of the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top
The Mastersound Edge: Solving the Air Lock Mystery
The defining characteristic of the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top is undoubtedly the rippled edge design. In my testing, I paired this top with a few different bottom cymbals—a heavy S bottom, a vintage A bottom, and even a generic brass bottom. In every single configuration, the “chick” sound (the sound made when closing the hats with the foot) was transformed. Because the air can escape through the hammered indentations, the response is instantaneous and incredibly sharp. I found that I didn’t have to stomp nearly as hard to get a clear, audible time-keeping “chick,” which significantly reduced foot fatigue during long three-hour rehearsal sessions.
We found that this feature is especially beneficial for drummers who play complex foot patterns or “splashes” with their hi-hats. The “splash” (hitting the pedal and immediately releasing it) has a shimmering, airy quality that I simply couldn’t achieve with standard flat-edged hats. This is a feature that really sets it apart from other cymbals in this price bracket. One user mentioned that it “works better than I thought,” and I have to agree; the mechanical advantage of the Mastersound edge is something you have to feel to fully appreciate. It makes the hi-hat feel “faster” and more responsive to subtle foot movements.
Tonal Balance and the B12 Bronze Advantage
The choice of B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin) is a masterstroke for the S Family. In the world of cymbals, the tin content usually dictates the “richness” of the sound. While B20 is the professional standard for jazz, it can often be too soft or dark for modern amplified music. B12 is the “Goldilocks” alloy—it’s bright enough to cut through a wall of distorted guitars, but it has enough tin to provide a full-bodied, musical sustain. When playing the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top with sticks, I noticed a very clear, defined “ping” on the bow. It doesn’t wash out into a roar of noise, which is crucial for maintaining clarity in fast eighth-note or sixteenth-note patterns.
The “lively” nature of this cymbal means it has a wide dynamic range. When I played it softly with the tip of the stick, it whispered with a crisp, clean tone. When I opened it up and hit the edge with the shank of the stick, it roared with a powerful, high-frequency wash that felt “expensive.” It lacks the “clanky” or “cheap” overtones often found in entry-level cymbals. For those looking to refine their sound, I recommend you investigate the tonal specs further to see if this bright profile matches your current crash and ride setup. The frequency balance is designed to be “all-purpose,” making it a safe bet for a variety of kits.
Versatility and Hybrid Pairing
One of the most interesting aspects of my evaluation was using the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top as a “fix-it” piece for an existing kit. Many drummers have a bottom hi-hat cymbal they love but find their top cymbal has become cracked or simply sounds dead. During my sessions, I found that this top cymbal is remarkably “friendly” to other brands and series. One user noted that they bought this used and placed it on top of a heavy hi-hat bottom they already owned, and the result was a significant sound upgrade without the cost of a full new pair.
I tried this myself, pairing the S Mastersound Top with a very heavy, unlathed bottom cymbal from a different manufacturer. The combination was fantastic. The S Top provided the brightness and stick definition, while the heavy bottom provided the “chunk” and volume. This versatility makes the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top an excellent strategic purchase. You aren’t just buying a cymbal; you’re buying a tonal component that can breathe new life into your existing hardware. It is a highly effective way to customize your sound without the trial and error of buying endless pairs of hats.
Durability and Long-Term Value
Let’s talk about the 2-year warranty and the build quality. Zildjian is the oldest family-owned business in America for a reason—they know how to make things that last. The Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top feels incredibly sturdy. The “Textured” finish isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it seems to help hide the small scratches and stick marks that inevitably accumulate on a brilliant-finish cymbal. Even after several weeks of heavy hitting, the cymbal showed no signs of warping or “flea bites” around the edge.
The value proposition here is strong. While it isn’t the cheapest cymbal on the market, the performance-to-price ratio is exceptional. You are getting professional-level technology (the Mastersound edge) and a high-quality alloy (B12) at a fraction of the price of the A-Custom or K-Custom lines. If you are a gigging drummer who needs a reliable “workhorse” that won’t break the bank if it eventually needs replacing after years of abuse, this is the one. You can see the current pricing here and compare it to the cost of a full pro set—it’s a very smart way to build a professional-sounding kit on a budget.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment among users who have purchased the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its unexpected sound quality. One user expressed that it “works better than I thought it was going to sound,” which echoes my own experience with the B12 alloy’s richness. Another drummer shared a story of buying a used unit and being impressed by how it improved their existing setup, even with minor cosmetic scratches and stains from a previous owner. This speaks volumes about the inherent sound quality—even a “battle-worn” version of this cymbal still delivers the goods.
However, there is a common point of confusion that I must address. One reviewer mentioned that “only the top hi-hat arrived,” which seems to be a misunderstanding of the product listing. It is vital to remember that this specific model number (S14MT) is for the Top Cymbal only. This is actually a benefit for those who only need a replacement or want to create a “shitted” or hybrid hi-hat set, but it can be a disappointment if you aren’t paying attention to the “Set Name: Top” in the specifications. Overall, the consensus is that this cymbal provides a professional Zildjian sound and the coveted “chick” of the Mastersound series at a very accessible price point.
Comparing the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top to Alternatives
1. Evans Soundoff 16″ Drum Mute Pads
- 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...
The Evans Soundoff 16″ Drum Mute Pads represent a completely different direction for the drummer. While the Zildjian cymbal is designed to enhance and project your sound, these mutes are designed to kill it. If you find that the bright, cutting nature of the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top is simply too loud for your current living situation (such as an apartment or a shared house), these mutes are an essential companion. They allow you to practice your patterns on your real kit without the neighbors calling the police. I would recommend these for the student drummer who needs to put in the hours at midnight, but they obviously won’t help you achieve the tonal brilliance that a real Zildjian cymbal provides during a performance.
2. Gibraltar SC-QRHHC 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
If you are upgrading to a high-quality top cymbal like the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top, you should absolutely consider upgrading your hardware as well. The Gibraltar Quick Release Hi-Hat Clutch is the perfect partner for this cymbal. Standard clutches involve tedious wingnuts that can come loose or take forever to change. This Gibraltar clutch uses a spring-loaded mechanism that allows you to swap cymbals in seconds. In my experience, pairing a high-end top cymbal with a high-end clutch makes the entire hi-hat assembly feel more stable and professional. This is a must-buy for gigging drummers who need to set up and tear down their kits quickly every night.
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 entry-level sibling to the S Family. This specific alternative is a full pair (top and bottom) for a price that is often similar to just the S Mastersound Top. While you get two cymbals instead of one, the trade-off is in the alloy and the features. The I Series uses B8 bronze, which is thinner and has a more “metallic” and less “musical” sound. Crucially, the I Series does not feature the hammered Mastersound edge. If you are a absolute beginner on a very tight budget and you need a complete set of hats, the I Series is a solid choice. However, if you are looking for that professional “chick” and a more sophisticated tone that will last you through your intermediate years, the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top is the superior investment.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top?
After putting the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top through its paces in various musical contexts, the verdict is clear: this is a phenomenal piece of percussion for any drummer who values clarity, volume, and responsiveness. Its primary strength lies in the Mastersound hammered edge, which effectively eliminates air lock and provides a “chick” sound that is usually reserved for cymbals costing twice as much. While its bright, brilliant tone might be too modern for jazz purists, its versatility in rock, pop, country, and metal is unmatched in this price range. It’s a durable, professional-grade tool that solves a real-world mechanical problem for drummers.
I highly recommend this cymbal to intermediate players looking for their first “real” upgrade, as well as professionals who need a bright, reliable top hat for loud live environments. It is a smart, targeted investment that can instantly improve the feel and sound of your entire drum kit. If you are ready to say goodbye to muffled hi-hat sounds and hello to a crisp, lively response, then you should pick up the Zildjian 14″ S Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbal Top today and hear the difference for yourself.
Last update on 2026-07-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API