AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Meinl 13" HCS Hi-Hat (Pair) ($99). Zildjian 13" ZBT Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair) 2004 - 2019 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 38 models across 10 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 13" Hi-Hat CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size13"
This is a 13 inch hi-hat from Meinl's HCS Series, which is aimed at beginners. You get a medium weight cymbal made from MS63 blend, and the maker describes its sound as an open hi-hat tone. It's a fair pick if you want a versatile first hi-hat without spending much.
Pros
- Part of Meinl's HCS Series, a cymbal line made for beginners
- Medium weight range suits a versatile range of playing
- Made from an MS63 blend, a named alloy
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Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Brilliant Hi-Hat (Pair)
13" Xist Hi-Hat Brilliant · Istanbul Agop
20 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
You get a 13-inch hi-hat pair from the Agop Xist series, made of B20 bronze with a brilliant finish. The maker describes its sound as high-resolution, clear and always assertive, so it fits you if you want a cymbal that stands out. Its medium weight suits players who want a balanced feel.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, which is 80% copper and 20% tin
- Medium-weighted pair, a balanced choice for many players
- Brilliant edition finish from the Agop Xist series
90AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$334 now$334€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 13" I Family Hi-Hat Cymbal (Pair)
13" I Family Hi-Hat · Zildjian
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
You get a 13" traditional hi-hat made of B8 bronze, part of Zildjian's I Family Series. It has a bright, defined chick sound, so it's a good fit if you want a hi-hat that sounds clear and crisp when the top and bottom come together. Its medium-thin top and medium bottom weights make it a solid pick for drummers who want a steady, everyday hi-hat.
Pros
- Made from B8 bronze, a material used for cymbals
- Traditional version with a bright and defined chick sound
- Part of Zildjian's I Family Series
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$218 now$218€195 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 13" Signature Dark Crisp Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
13" Signature Dark Hi-Hat · Paiste
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
This is a 13-inch hi-hat from Paiste's Signature line, hand-hammered in Switzerland. You get a soft, deep tone and a controlled sound, so it suits you if you want a mellow hi-hat that works with many different kits.
Pros
- Hand-hammered in Switzerland, a mark of careful craft
- Soft, deep tone with a controlled sound
- Dark Crisp voicing from the Signature line
Cons
- At 13 inches, it gives a smaller hi-hat sound than larger sizes
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$568 now$568€509 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 13" ZBT Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair) 2004 - 2019
13" K-Series Hi-Hat · Zildjian
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
You get a 13-inch Zildjian K Series hi-hat with a regular finish. It is made for a deep, full chick tone and quick response, so it fits you if you want a hi-hat that reacts fast when you play it. If you want a K Series hi-hat with that deep chick sound, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's K Series, a line built around a deep and full chick tone
- Quick response, so the hi-hat reacts fast when you play it
- Regular finish, the standard K Series look
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$591 now$591€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
This is a 13-inch hi-hat made from B8 bronze, the alloy used in the well-known Sabian B8 series that it succeeds. You get a hammered bell, a natural finish, and a medium strength, so it can work for many playing styles. If you want a hi-hat with a proven alloy behind it and a warm, complex sound, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made from B8 bronze, the alloy of the popular Sabian B8 series
- Hammered bell gives it a distinct look and character
- Medium strength suits a range of playing styles
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$278 now$278€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Spectrum Hi-Hat (Pair)
13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat · Meinl
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
This 13 inch hi-hat is made from B20 Bronze and hand hammered, with a dark, earthy finish. You get a very controlled, dry sound with a soft, deep tone. It suits you if you want a hi-hat that stays tight and focused rather than loud and splashy.
Pros
- Made from B20 Bronze, a traditional cymbal alloy
- Hand hammered, giving each cymbal its own surface
- Dark, natural finish with an earthy look
Cons
- Its dry, controlled sound may not suit players wanting a loud, open wash
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
If you want a hi-hat that is easy to play, this one is worth a look. It is made of brass and has a soft, controllable chick tone, so you can keep your closed hits under control. The open tone is bright and controlled, which makes it a good fit for players who work across many different styles.
Pros
- Made of brass, a classic material for hi-hat cymbals
- Medium bright, clear, full sounding tone from the Paiste Sound Technology Series
- Balanced, even playing feel that suits many styles
Cons
- Its narrow, clear frequency range may not suit players who want a very wide sound
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Paiste 13" 101 Brass Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
13" 101 Hi-Hat · Paiste
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
This is a 13 inch hi-hat from Paiste's 101 Series, made of brass. You get a broad, full and controlled open sound, with a mature, defined and bright tone. The maker says it suits all styles, so it's a good pick if you want one hi-hat that can cover a lot of music.
Pros
- Part of Paiste's 101 Series, a line built for this hi-hat
- Made of brass, a material the maker names for this cymbal
- Gives a broad, full and controlled open sound
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Meinl 13" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat (Pair)
13" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hat · Meinl
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
If you want a hi-hat with a very dry, earthy sound, this 13-inch Meinl Byzance is a good pick. It is hand hammered from B20 bronze and responds very sensitively, so it suits players who play with a light touch. Choose it if you want that dry, earthy character in a medium cymbal.
Pros
- Hand hammered B20 bronze construction
- Extra dry natural finish
- Very sensitive response to light playing
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$542 now$542€485 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 38 13" hi-hat cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Istanbul Agop 13" Signature Mel Lewis Hi-Hat (Pair)13" Agop Signature Hi-Hat · Istanbul Agop75Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 12
Zildjian 13" A Series New Beat Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" A-Series New Beat Hi-Hat · Zildjian74Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 13
Meinl 13" Byzance Traditional Medium Hi-Hat (Pair)13" Byzance Hi-Hat Medium · Meinl74Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 14
Meinl 13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat (Pair)13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat · Meinl74Stable$508€455$508€455Check ↗
- 15
Sabian 13" HHX Evolution Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" HHX Evolution Hi-Hat · Sabian72Stable$643€576$643€576Check ↗
- 16
Meinl 13" HCS Bronze Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" HCS Bronze Hi-Hat · Meinl71Stable$99€89$99€89Check ↗
- 17
Meinl 13" Byzance Brilliant Serpents Hi-Hat (Pair)13" Byzance Serpents Hi-Hat · Meinl67Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 18
Sabian 13" Signature Dave Garibaldi Jam Master Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" HHX H.M. Signature Hi-Hat · Sabian67Stable$779€698$779€698Check ↗
- 19
Zultan 13" Mellow Hi-HatZultan66↓ 4.0%$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 20
Millenium 13" Still Series Hi-Hat reg.Millenium64↓ 14.5%$66€59$66€59Check ↗
- 21
Zultan 13" Aja Hi-HatZultan64Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 22
Zultan 13" Raw Hi-HatZultan64Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 23
Zultan 13" Rock Beat Hi-Hat MediumZultan64Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 24
Meinl 13" Classics Custom Dark HHMeinl64Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 25
Zultan 13" Caz Hi-HatZultan64Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 26
Zultan 13" Heritage Hi-HatZultan64Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 27
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Traditional Series Light Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Light Hi-Hat Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet64Stable$454€407$454€407Check ↗
- 28
Masterwork 13" Troy Traditional Hi-HatMasterwork63↓ 5.7%$184€165$184€165Check ↗
- 29
Istanbul Agop 13" Xist Dry Dark Hi-HatIstanbul Agop62Stable$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 30
Paiste 2002 Classic 13" Sound Edge HHPaiste62Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 31
Istanbul Agop 13" Mel Lewis Sign.1982 Hi-HatIstanbul Agop62Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 32
Zultan 13" Hi-Hat Medium Dark MatterZultan61↑ 5.9%$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 33
Masterwork 13" Custom Hi-HatMasterwork61Stable$229€205$229€205Check ↗
- 34
Masterwork 13" Resonant Hi-HatMasterwork61Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 35
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Sultan Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Hi-Hat Sultan Series · Istanbul Mehmet59Stable$452€405$452€405Check ↗
- 36
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Turk Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Medium Hi-Hat Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet59Stable$454€407$454€407Check ↗
- 37
Istanbul Mehmet 13" Legend Dark Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)13" Legend Hi-Hat · Istanbul Mehmet59Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 38
Ufip 13" Class Series Hi-Hat MediumUfip58Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
13" Hi-Hat Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 38 models we track, not a sample.
Median $334 — half of all 13" hi-hat cymbals here cost less.
median of 38 models · 13"–13"
How to choose the best 13" hi-hat cymbals
Weight
Lighter 13"s (around 1400g) give you a quicker, more responsive action, perfect for fast footwork and intricate patterns. Heavier ones (1600g+) will have a fuller, more sustained sound, but might feel a little sluggish if you're a lighter hitter.
Tone & Pitch
13"s tend to be drier and have a higher, more focused pitch than larger hats. Some have a pleasant, almost bell-like shimmer, while others are more clipped and defined - consider the genre you play. That glassy, almost splashy quality can be amazing for jazz or vintage rock, but might get lost in a metal band.
Stick Definition & Articulation
This is where 13"s really shine. The smaller diameter gives you incredibly precise stick articulation - that crisp 'tick' is a huge part of their appeal. Listen for hats that offer a good balance of clarity and warmth; you want definition without a brittle, harsh sound.
Wash & Sustain
Don't expect a massive, swirling wash like you'd get with 14"s. The wash is typically tighter and more controlled, which can be a huge advantage in a busy mix. The shorter sustain also means less cymbal bleed into your microphones.
Lathing & Hammering
The lathing (the grooves on the bell) and hammering patterns dramatically affect the cymbal's response and character. Deeper lathing tends to create a more open, responsive sound, while heavier hammering can add complexity and a more vintage feel. Look for consistent lathing for even response.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 13-inch hi-hats. They're not the default anymore, but don't sleep on 'em. They offer a different vibe - tighter, more articulate, and a really cool, dry stick sound that can cut through a dense mix. If you're looking for a vintage vibe, a more controlled wash, or just something different from the standard 14s, a 13" might be your ticket.
Be wary of super-cheap 13"s; they often cut corners on hammering and lathing, resulting in a dull, lifeless sound. The smaller diameter means there's less room for error in manufacturing, so quality control is key. It's worth spending a bit more to get a hat that has good clarity and a defined stick sound - that's what'll make it cut through the mix and feel inspiring to play.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 38 13" hi-hat cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 13" hi-hats harder to play than 14"?
Not necessarily harder, just different. The tighter action requires more precise footwork, but it's a skill you can develop. They demand a more controlled technique.
What genres are 13" hi-hats best suited for?
They excel in jazz, vintage rock, blues, and any style where you want a dry, articulate hi-hat sound. They can also work well in modern genres where you need a tight, controlled groove.
Can I use 13" hats in a loud rock band?
Absolutely, but you'll need to choose a heavier pair and mic them well. They'll offer a different character than a larger hat, but can still cut through the mix if they're well-tuned and played with conviction.
What's the difference between an 'unlathed' and a 'lathed' 13" hi-hat?
Unlathed hats tend to be drier and more controlled, while lathed hats are more responsive and have a brighter, more open sound. It's a matter of personal preference.
I'm new to drumming. Should I start with 13" or 14" hi-hats?
14"s are generally more forgiving for beginners, but don't be afraid to try a 13" if you're drawn to their sound. It might push you to develop better technique.
