Hi-Hat

The hi-hat (also hi-hat, in English also outdated sock cymbal, about: Stand pool ) is a part of a drum kit. A distinction is made between the open ( open ) and closed ( closed ) hi-hat.

Development

The hi-hat evolved in the 1920s from the " Charleston - Machine", which functioned similarly in principle, but had a very low stand that did not allow a playing of the pool with sticks, therefore, the terms " low- has "or" Low -Sock ". The development step for today's hi-hat is the drummer Vic Berton attributed.

Construction

The hi-hat consists of a basin - pair which is mounted horizontally on a stand with a pedal. This made ​​possible by a stroke of pen to open and close the hi-hat with the left foot in the standard set -up.

The structure and the mechanism of the high-hat can vary. Thus, there are hi-hat mechanics that work in direct train - among them the pedal is directly connected to the balancer. High-quality hi-hat pedal force to draw over a guide roller on the drawbar. This special design can be shaped differently and interchangeable. Depending on the shape of the chain guide to the feel and thus the sound changes. The feeling is also dependent on the spring tension of the cable, with high quality appliances, these can be changed.

The classic hi-hat machine has three mostly double braced legs with rubber feet. The feet are usually equipped with spikes. More modern versions are also available with only two rotating legs and a bottom plate of the pedal for adequate stability. This two-legged version or at least a torsional capacity of the foot braces are required when next to the hi-hat pedal, the second a double pedal for single bass drums should find place.

The upper of the two pools ( "top" ) is mounted with a so-called clutch to the pull rod. Again, there are different forms. The classical clutch is screwed into the opening and over the pull rod. He is firmly attached to it by a screw. The Drop Clutch comes when playing with the double pedal for use. Through him, it is then possible, the hi-hat to close when both feet to operate the bass drum. The drop clutch has a lever that connects to the tie rod solves by a blow with the stick and the upper basin drops to the bottom ("bottom "). Thus, the Hi -Hat also closed without operating the pedal. When stepping on the pedal hook the upper basin reaches back and the hi-hat works in the usual way.

Sound generation

The closing of the hi- hat cymbal with the pedal produces similar to a Cabasa ( " chick" ) a relatively quiet sound. In traditional jazz, it is customary to make the beats " 2" and " 4" mark. The hi-hat bell is used less frequently in contrast to ride bell, for example in the field of industrial rock.

In modern music the many opportunities are exploited that present themselves by striking the hi- hat cymbals with sticks with simultaneous use of the pedal: Striking generated in the closed state, a subtle sound in the half-open state a rougher ( " rock " ) sound, in the open state a loud sound similar to that of a crash cymbal. Particularly interesting sounds striking the pool in the open state with immediate closing, because the sound it "cut off" is - a hallmark of the Phillysounds. The use of the open hi-hat on weak beats ( and closing on the downbeats ) is typical of the styles of reggae and disco.

Depending on the thickness and size of the hi- hat cymbals vary the sound. The smaller and thicker the pool, the sharper and brighter they sound. Most hi-hats have a diameter of 12 to 15 inches. To a faster escape of air between the pair of cymbals when closing the hi-hat to achieve, there are hi- hat cymbals, in which the edge of the lower basin is carried curled. This basin shape was first introduced by Paiste as " Sound Edge ". Other manufacturers sold it to also with several holes or recesses ( " Rezo " from Zildjian ) in the lower basin, but are increasingly using also the corrugated edge of the lower basin ( for example, "Air Wave" by Sabian, "Master Sound" from Zildjian or " Soundwave " Meinl ). Typically, the upper reservoir ( "top" ) is lighter and thinner than the lower ("bottom ").