AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Meinl 13" Hi-Hat Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Meinl 13" HCS Hi-Hat (Pair) ($99). Meinl 13" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat (Pair) leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 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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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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
Meinl 13" Byzance Traditional Medium Hi-Hat (Pair)
13" Byzance Hi-Hat Medium · Meinl
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
These Meinl Byzance 13 in hi-hats are a real step up in sound quality. They offer a beautiful, detailed shimmer and crisp stick attack – perfect for jazz, fusion, or any genre where you want a refined, articulate hi-hat voice. If you’re a serious player looking for a premium feel and sound, these are worth the investment.
Pros
- Exceptional stick definition thanks to the B12 bronze alloy.
- Complex, shimmering wash provides a sophisticated, nuanced sound.
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a lively, responsive feel.
Cons
- The 13-inch size limits low-end projection compared to larger hi-hats.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat (Pair)
13" Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hat · Meinl
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
These Meinl Byzance Jazz Thin Hi-Hats are seriously gorgeous. They deliver that classic, smoky jazz sound with a beautifully controlled chick and a shimmering complexity that's hard to find. If you're a jazz or blues drummer looking for a refined, vintage vibe, these are an excellent choice.
Pros
- Exceptionally responsive, nuanced chick sound due to thin profile and B20 bronze.
- Warm, dark, and complex tone ideal for jazz, blues, and vintage recordings.
- Hand-hammered finish provides a uniquely musical, shimmering quality.
Cons
- Thinness makes them potentially fragile; requires careful handling and transport.
- The dark tone may not suit heavier rock or metal styles.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$508 now$508€455 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 13" HCS Bronze Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
13" HCS Bronze Hi-Hat · Meinl
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
This German-made hi-hat uses traditional B8 bronze for a bright, clear sound with balanced sustain. It's a solid choice for players who want traditional tone without extra fluff.
Pros
- Uses traditional B8 bronze material for solid sound
- Made in Germany ensures consistent quality control
- Delivers bright and clear tone for cutting power
Cons
- No specific weight distribution details provided
- Lacks stated thickness or gauge information
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Meinl 13" Byzance Brilliant Serpents Hi-Hat (Pair)
13" Byzance Serpents Hi-Hat · Meinl
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size13"
These Serpents hats are a real departure from the norm, offering a beautifully controlled and nuanced sound that's perfect for jazz, fusion, and more subtle genres. The Derek Roddy signature really shines through – expect a warm, responsive feel with a gorgeous, almost shimmering wash. They’re an investment, but if you’re after a truly unique hi-hat voice, these are hard to beat.
Pros
- Derek Roddy signature design delivers a uniquely musical, complex sound.
- B20 bronze construction provides warmth and sustain characteristic of high-end cymbals.
- Distinct top and bottom cymbal hammering creates nuanced chick and pedal response.
Cons
- Premium-priced, making them a significant investment for many drummers.
- The 'washed-out' tone might not suit heavier, more aggressive musical styles.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size13"
These Classics Custom Dark 13” hi-hats are a solid choice for drummers seeking a controlled, articulate sound with a warm foundation. They're really fantastic for genres like jazz, funk, and R&B where a crisp chick and a full, musical sizzle are essential. If you're looking for something that cuts through a mix without being overly splashy, these are worth a serious look.
Pros
- The B10 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- The dark finish reduces harshness, emphasizing the low-end frequencies.
- The 13” size offers a tighter, more controlled chick sound than larger hats.
Cons
- The 'dark' voicing might lack brilliance for brighter, more modern styles.
- While durable, the B10 bronze isn't as resistant to cracking as higher-end alloys.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$256 now$256€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
13" Hi-Hat Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 38 models we track, not a sample.
Median $501 — 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
Meinl Heritage
Meinl's approach often leans toward a more European aesthetic - a drier, more complex tone than the often-brighter American sounds. This gives them a unique character that cuts through a dense mix without being overly aggressive.
Chick Sound
This is where 13" hats really shine, and Meinl consistently delivers a crisp, defined chick. It's not a 'thud' - it's a 'tick' that really locks in with the kick and snare. The weight and hammering influence this a lot - lighter hats will have a more immediate response.
Sustain & Wash
Meinl 13"s generally have a shorter sustain and a tighter wash compared to larger hats. This can be a plus for clarity and articulation, but if you want that huge, shimmering wash, this isn't your gig. It's about control, not endless reverb.
Build & Lathing
Meinl's hammering and lathing are generally consistent. You'll find a range of finishes - from raw to brilliant - which significantly impacts the tone. A raw finish will retain more of the metal's natural character, while a brilliant finish will bring out more overtones and a brighter sound.
Series Differentiation
Meinl has a huge range - Byzance, Classic Custom, Professional Perfect, etc. Each series has a distinct voicing. Byzance is typically their premium line, offering more complex overtones and a more refined feel, while the Classic Custom series is a great balance of price and performance.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 13" hi-hats. They're not the default anymore - the 14" has been king for a while - but a well-chosen 13" can be a secret weapon. They offer a tighter, more articulate response, a quicker chick sound, and a different kind of sizzle. If you're looking to dial back the boom and get a more focused, vintage vibe, especially for jazz, funk, or even a more intimate rock setting, a Meinl 13" might be exactly what you're after.
Don't chase the 'brightest' or 'loudest' 13". Think about the context - a busy stage mix demands a different hat than a quiet jazz trio. Pay attention to the weight; lighter hats are more responsive but can be a bit fragile.
And honestly, even within Meinl, there's a huge tonal difference between a Byzance Vintage and a Professional Perfect - listen to sound samples and, if possible, try them out in person. You're paying for nuance, not just volume.
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 8 13" hi-hat cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 38 in the category). 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 Meinl 13" hi-hats good for rock?
It depends on the rock subgenre. For heavier stuff, they might get lost in the mix. But for more nuanced rock, funk, or indie styles, they can provide a unique, articulate groove.
What's the difference between Meinl Byzance and Classic Custom 13" hats?
Byzance are generally more complex tonally, with more nuanced overtones and a more refined feel. Classic Custom are a great all-around option, offering a good balance of price and performance.
I'm a beginner, which Meinl 13" should I get?
The Professional Perfect series is a solid starting point - they're durable, reliable, and offer a good foundational sound without breaking the bank.
Do Meinl 13" hats tend to crack easily?
Like any cymbal, they can crack if abused. Lighter hats are generally more susceptible. Proper technique and avoiding excessive pedal stomping will help extend their lifespan.
Can I use Meinl 13" hats in a recording studio?
Absolutely. Their tight, controlled sound can be a real asset for capturing a clean, focused groove, especially when mic'ing is critical.
