Best 12" Hi-Hat Cymbals Under $500 2026
Affordable 12" hi-hat cymbals under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
PRICE RANGES:
Under $500
GENRES & STYLES:
For Jazz
For Bebop
For Traditional
For Vintage Sounds
For Light Playing
For Recording
#1
⭐
4.9/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Medium Hi-Hat Traditional
Vintage Sounds
Recording
Traditional
Key Feature:
• Classic vintage hi-hat sound
✓ PROS
- • Great for traditional jazz playing
- • Excellent foot chick response
✗ CONS
- • Smaller sweet spot for stick work
- • Limited modern applications
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Medium Hi-Hat Traditional12 "Medium Hi-HatTraditional seriesRegular finishWide dynamic...
⭐
4.9/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 311920
$358
#2
⭐
4.5/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Light Hi-Hat Traditional
Bebop
Vintage Sounds
Light Playing
Key Feature:
• Great for traditional jazz playing
✓ PROS
- • Great for traditional jazz playing
- • Controlled volume for intimate settings
✗ CONS
- • Smaller sweet spot for stick work
- • Less sustain when played open
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Light Hi-Hat Traditional12 "Light Hi-HatTraditional seriesRegular finishDynamic spectrum...
⭐
4.5/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 311947
$351
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Flat Hole HH Turk Series
Traditional
Jazz
Bebop
Key Feature:
• Classic vintage hi-hat sound
✓ PROS
- • Great for traditional jazz playing
- • Authentic period-appropriate tone
✗ CONS
- • Less sustain when played open
- • May sound dated in modern contexts
Istanbul Mehmet 12" Flat Hole HH Turk Series12 "Flat Hole Hi-HatTurk seriesDry and louder soundThe Turk...
⭐
4.9/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 311555
$358
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Ufip 12" Class Series Hi-Hat Medium
by
Ufip
Recording
Light Playing
Traditional
Key Feature:
• Great for traditional jazz playing
✓ PROS
- • Classic vintage hi-hat sound
- • Excellent foot chick response
✗ CONS
- • May sound dated in modern contexts
- • Limited modern applications
Ufip 12" Class Series Hi-Hat MediumHi-Hat CymbalSize: 12"Class SeriesMediumThe UFIP Class Series always has a...
⭐
4.9/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 386670
$340
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Zildjian 12" A-Series New Beat Hi-Hat
by
Zildjian
Recording
Jazz
Bebop
Key Feature:
• Controlled volume for intimate settings
✓ PROS
- • Authentic period-appropriate tone
- • Controlled volume for intimate settings
✗ CONS
- • May lack power for contemporary music
- • Limited modern applications
Zildjian 12" A-Series New Beat Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 12"A-SeriesRegular versionProcesses all stick...
⭐
4.5/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 430947
$384
#6
⭐
5.0/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Schlagwerk 12" Cajon Hi-Hat
by
Schlagwerk
Traditional
Recording
Bebop
Key Feature:
• Excellent foot chick response
✓ PROS
- • Authentic period-appropriate tone
- • Controlled volume for intimate settings
✗ CONS
- • Smaller sweet spot for stick work
- • Limited modern applications
Schlagwerk 12" Cajon Hi-HatCajon Hi-Hat CymbalSize: 12"Material: B20 bronzeHandmade in TurkeyBrushed...
⭐
5.0/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 437230
$328
How to Choose the Best 12" Hi-Hat Cymbals
Budget Planning
- • Under $200: Entry-level
- • $200-$500: Intermediate
- • $500-$1000: Advanced
- • $1000+: Professional
Quality Check
- • Sound clarity & tone
- • Build materials & finish
- • Hardware durability
- • Overall craftsmanship
Key Features
- • Your musical style
- • Skill level match
- • Intended use case
- • Brand reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 12" hi-hat cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
