Best 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals for Universal Use 2025

Perfect 14" hi-hat cymbals for universal-use - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Pop For Jazz For All Genres For Standard Setup For Universal Use

BRANDS: Paiste Meinl Zildjian Zultan Sabian Istanbul Mehmet Istanbul Agop

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Medium Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Medium Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Universal Use Standard Setup All Genres

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most applications

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✗ CONS

• Competition with other frequency ranges
• May lack character of specialty sizes

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Medium Hi-HatMedium Hi-HatSize: 14"Traditional SeriesMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 607448

$472

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Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Pop Universal Use Jazz

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models available
• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• May lack character of specialty sizes

Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 14"30th Anniversary ModelMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 569418

$659

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Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Med. HH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Med. HH

by Istanbul Agop

All Genres Pop Jazz

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✗ CONS

• May not excel in specific applications
• Competition with other frequency ranges

Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Med. HHHi-Hat CymbalSize: 14"30th Anniversary modelMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581314

$637

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Istanbul Agop 14" Xist Power Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 14" Xist Power Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Standard Setup Universal Use Jazz

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models available

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• May not excel in specific applications

Istanbul Agop 14" Hi-Hat CymbalXist SeriesBrilliant Finishpower versionprofessional quality in B20 (80% Copper20%...

⭐ 4.4/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 621973

$329

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Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Hi-Hat

by Meinl

All Genres Universal Use Standard Setup

Key Feature:

• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models available
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• May lack character of specialty sizes
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Hi-HatDual Hi-Hat CymbalSize: 14"Extra Dry (natural) and Brilliant FinishExciting...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 482835

$548

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Baldman Percussion 14" OG Junk Hats - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Baldman Percussion 14" OG Junk Hats

by Baldman Percussion

Jazz Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for virtually any musical style

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• May require careful tuning for optimal sound
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Baldman Percussion 14" OG Junk HatsHi-Hat PercussionSize: 14"Top "cymbal" made of walnut with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 562133

$219

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Paiste 14" 602 Heavy Hi Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 14" 602 Heavy Hi Hat

by Paiste

Jazz Pop Standard Setup

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models available

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size
• Industry standard for most applications

✗ CONS

• Competition with other frequency ranges
• May not excel in specific applications

Paiste 14" 602 Heavy Hi Hat, Hi-Hat Cymbal, Size: 14", Strength: Heavy, Fast responding and assertive hi-hat...

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 483858

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Benny Greb Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Benny Greb Hat

by Meinl

Standard Setup Rock All Genres

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most applications

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✗ CONS

• May lack character of specialty sizes
• Competition with other frequency ranges

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Benny Greb HatHi-hat CymbalSize: 14"Pure Alloy SeriesBenny Greb Signature ModelTop made...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606872

$494

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Paiste 14" Signature Power Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 14" Signature Power Hi-Hat

by Paiste

Pop Jazz All Genres

Key Feature:

• Great for virtually any musical style

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• Competition with other frequency ranges
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Paiste 14" Signature Power Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 14"Signature SeriesPower versionLoud soundDry and warm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513143

$637

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Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Jazz Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Jazz Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Jazz Standard Setup Rock

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most applications

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• Competition with other frequency ranges

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Jazz Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 14"Traditional Jazz versionB20...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513500

$468

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Dark Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Dark Hi-Hat

by Istanbul Agop

Standard Setup All Genres Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• Competition with other frequency ranges

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Dark Hi-HatHi-Hat CymbalSize: 14"Traditional Dark SeriesB20 bronzeTraditional...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 580584

$468

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Soundwave Hats - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Soundwave Hats

by Meinl

Jazz All Genres Rock

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most applications

✓ PROS

• Excellent balance of all characteristics
• Wide selection of models available

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• Competition with other frequency ranges

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Soundwave HatsHi-HatSize: 14 "Pure Alloy SeriesFinish: TraditionalMechanical high-tech...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581525

$417

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Istanbul Mehmet 14" Hi-Hat IMC Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Hi-Hat IMC Natural

by Istanbul Mehmet

Pop Standard Setup Rock

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most applications

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Most popular and versatile hi-hat size

✗ CONS

• May lack character of specialty sizes
• May require careful tuning for optimal sound

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Hi-Hat IMC NaturalHi-Hat CymbalsSize: 14"Material: B20 bronzeFinish: NaturalHigh-quality...

⭐ 4.9/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 609356

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Custom Hi-Hat - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Custom Hi-Hat

by Meinl

Universal Use Jazz Standard Setup

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models available

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models available
• Industry standard for most applications

✗ CONS

• May lack character of specialty sizes
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Custom Hi-HatMedium Thin Hi-HatSize: 14"Pure Alloy Custom SeriesThin TopMedium Thin...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 501501

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Baldman Percussion 10" Big Mini Junk Hats - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Baldman Percussion 10" Big Mini Junk Hats

by Baldman Percussion

Standard Setup Universal Use All Genres

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most applications

✓ PROS

• Industry standard for most applications
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• May not excel in specific applications
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Baldman Percussion 10" Big Mini Junk HatsHi-Hat PercussionSize: 10"Top "cymbal" made of walnut with...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 562183

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 14" 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 14" 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.

Best 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals for Universal Use 2025

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Medium Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 14" 30th Anniversary Med. HH

Istanbul Agop 14" Xist Power Hi-Hat

Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Hi-Hat

Baldman Percussion 14" OG Junk Hats

Paiste 14" 602 Heavy Hi Hat

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Benny Greb Hat

Paiste 14" Signature Power Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Jazz Hi-Hat

Istanbul Agop 14" Traditional Dark Hi-Hat

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Soundwave Hats

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Hi-Hat IMC Natural

Meinl 14" Pure Alloy Custom Hi-Hat

Baldman Percussion 10" Big Mini Junk Hats

How to Choose the Best 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 14" hi-hat cymbals?

How much should I spend on 14" hi-hat cymbals?

Are expensive 14" hi-hat cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 14" hi-hat cymbals?

Should I buy 14" hi-hat cymbals online or in-store?

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