AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Zultan 14" Hi-Hat Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zultan 14" Mellow Hi-Hat ($351). Zultan 14" Aja Blaze Hi-Hat gives you the most for the money at $132. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size14"
These Zultan Mellow Hi-Hats are a smart choice if you need to keep the volume down without sacrificing feel. The B20 bronze delivers a surprisingly rich tone, and the reduced volume is a genuine asset for rehearsal rooms or smaller club gigs – even ideal for drummers looking to mic up for e-drum setups.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- Reduced volume is genuinely noticeable, great for quieter spaces.
- Hand-hammered construction ensures excellent responsiveness and feel.
Cons
- The mellow sound may lack projection for larger stages.
- The 'realistic rebound' might feel slightly softer for some drummers.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 1.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$355 · Aug 17$351 now$351€315 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
This handmade B20 bronze hi-hat sounds crisp but stays soft, making it easy to play even on big kits. It fits standard setups at 14 inches and offers a warm tone without extra weight details. Great for players who want clarity and gentle attack in one cymbal.
Pros
- Handmade B20 bronze offers rich, warm tone
- Crisper sound cuts through dense mixes
- Softer attack eases on heavy kits
Cons
- No specific weight listed for balance
- Finish type not mentioned in text
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$132 now$132€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
The Zultan Aja is a surprisingly good hi-hat for the money. It delivers a clean, articulate sound that cuts through a mix, making it a great option for funk, pop, and lighter rock styles. If you're looking for a bright, responsive hi-hat without a premium-priced tag, this is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Bright, crisp stick definition with a focused 'chick'
- Zultan’s B20 bronze alloy offers a unique tonal character
- Fast, responsive foot pedal action for quick patterns
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of more expensive hi-hats
- Might be too bright for drummers favoring a darker, washier sound
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
These Zultan Dark Matter hi-hats are a real find for drummers seeking a darker, more complex sound. The 'dalgein' waves give them a unique character and a lovely, swirling wash—they’re perfect for jazz, funk, and anyone wanting to dial back the brightness and add some warmth to their kit.
Pros
- The 'dalgein' wave pattern creates unique, complex wash and sizzle.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, dark fundamental tone with clarity.
- Hand-hammering adds responsiveness and a nuanced, organic feel.
Cons
- Darker sound profile might be too subdued for brighter musical styles.
- The 'dalgein' pattern can be slightly more complex to control initially.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$221 now$221€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
These Zultan Raw Hi-Hats offer a unique, grounded sound that's perfect for drummers seeking a vintage vibe or a more controlled, nuanced feel. They excel in jazz, acoustic, and quieter genres where a dry, articulate response is prized – a great choice for those wanting a characterful hi-hat without the premium price tag.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced stick definition and feel.
- Raw, unlathed surface provides a controlled, dry response.
Cons
- The raw finish can be prone to oxidation and require more care.
- Limited versatility; not ideal for bright, splashy playing styles.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$244 now$244€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
This 14 inch B20 bronze hi-hat gives you a bright, crisp 'chick' that cuts through any song. The quick response means it stays tight while playing, which helps you keep a steady groove. It's a solid choice for players who want clear stick definition without the heavy weight of larger cymbals.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a bright, defined 'chick' sound
- Quick response makes it assertive in any mix
- Excellent stick definition cuts through the room
Cons
- No mention of bottom weight balance
- Lack of specific finish type details
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$277 now$277€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
The Zultan 14" Hi-Hat 25 is a solid choice for drummers seeking a vintage-inspired sound. Its warm tone and dynamic response make it ideal for Pop, R&B, and genres where a balanced hi-hat is key – perfect for session work or a gigging musician who appreciates a classic feel without a premium price tag.
Pros
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex, and musical core tone.
- Traditional finish enhances vintage aesthetics and contributes to a slightly drier response.
- Excellent dynamic range allows for subtle ghost notes to powerful crashes.
Cons
- The 'balanced' tone might lack the aggressive sizzle some modern players prefer.
- Traditional finish may require more frequent cleaning to maintain visual appeal.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$277 now$277€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
The Zultan Aeon is a seriously impressive hi-hat for the money. The B25 bronze gives it a warmth and complexity you just don’t get with standard bronze, and the hand-hammering really makes it sing. If you’re looking for a versatile hi-hat that can handle anything from jazz to funk without being overly splashy, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- B25 bronze delivers a warm, complex tone not found in typical B8 cymbals.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced sonic textures and a lively response.
- Unlathed bell enhances stick definition and a more organic feel.
Cons
- B25 bronze can be more susceptible to cracking with rough handling.
- The 'full' sound might be too bright for drummers seeking a very dry, crisp hi-hat.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$277 now$277€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
The Zultan Dune hi-hats offer a really unique, controlled sound. They're fantastic for drummers who dig that dry, articulate, almost vintage vibe – think funk, jazz, or even more modern, tight hip-hop grooves. If you’re looking for something that cuts through a mix without being overly splashy, these are definitely worth a listen.
Pros
- Hand-hammering creates complex, nuanced sonic textures.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, dark, and responsive feel.
- Polished bell provides a crisp, articulate chick sound.
Cons
- The 'thrashy' sound might be too dry for some players seeking more shimmer.
- The limited overtone structure restricts versatility across diverse musical genres.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$277 now$277€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size14"
The Zultan Caz 14” hi-hats offer a really compelling blend of warmth and clarity. They’re exceptionally responsive and feel great under the stick – perfect for jazz, fusion, or anyone looking for a more vintage-inspired hi-hat sound without sacrificing modern playability. A solid choice for intermediate to advanced players.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced overtones and a lively response.
- Lower weight offers a quick, sensitive foot chick action.
Cons
- The thinner profile might lack sustain for heavier hitters.
- Caz series’ darker tone isn’t ideal for all genres.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$277 now$277€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 16 14" hi-hat cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Zultan 14" Rock Beat Hi-Hat MediumZultan52Stable$277€249$277€249Check ↗
- 12
Zultan 14" F5 Hi-HatZultan52Stable$277€249$277€249Check ↗
- 13
Zultan 14" Q Hi-HatZultan52Stable$277€249$277€249Check ↗
- 14
Zultan 14" Z-Series Hi-HatZultan52Stable$299€269$299€269Check ↗
- 15
Zultan 14" Heritage Hi-HatZultan52Stable$311€279$311€279Check ↗
- 16
Zultan 14" Hi-Hat Medium Dark MatterZultan50↑ 5.3%$221€199$221€199Check ↗
14" Hi-Hat Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 160 models we track, not a sample.
Median $277 — half of all 14" hi-hat cymbals here cost less.
median of 160 models · 14"–14"
How to choose the best 14" hi-hat cymbals
Turkish Bronze Alloy
Zultan uses a unique blend of Turkish bronze, which imparts a darker, warmer tone than the B20 bronze found in many other high-end cymbals. This gives them a natural, almost vintage character without sacrificing clarity.
Hand-Hammered Lathing
The extensive hand-hammering isn't just for aesthetics. It refines the cymbal's vibration, creating a complex, nuanced tone with a lot of movement and a surprisingly quick response.
Controlled Sustain & Articulation
These hats don't linger forever. The sustain is well-controlled, which is crucial for tighter, more modern playing styles, and the articulation is incredibly clear - you'll hear every nuance of your footwork.
Chick Sound & Foot Control
The Zultan 14" hats deliver a crisp, dry 'chick' sound with excellent definition. They respond beautifully to subtle foot movements, giving you incredible control over dynamics and expression - a huge deal for nuanced playing.
Weight & Feel
They tend to be a little heavier than some of the more common 14" hats, which gives them a solid, planted feel under the foot. This heft also contributes to the overall tonal depth and helps them cut through a louder band without getting lost.
Buying guide
Okay, let's talk Zultan 14" hi-hats. You're chasing that crisp, articulate sizzle, that controlled chick sound, and you want something that cuts through a busy mix without sounding brittle. Zultan, hailing from Turkey, has quietly built a reputation for a unique tonal profile - a combination of vintage warmth and modern clarity - and their 14" hats are a serious contender if you're tired of the same old cookie-cutter sounds. These aren't your average, mass-produced hats; they're hand-hammered and voiced with a specific intention.
Look, Zultan isn't the cheapest option out there, and you're paying for that hand-hammered quality and the unique bronze alloy. Don't expect a super-bright, shimmering sound; these are about warmth and character. If you're after a brighter, more aggressive sound, they're probably not for you.
But if you're searching for articulate, responsive hats with a vintage vibe, they're worth serious consideration - especially if you're recording where a little extra warmth and complexity can make a big difference.
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 16 14" hi-hat cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 160 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 Zultan hi-hats loud enough for a rock band?
Absolutely. While they're not aggressively loud, the controlled sustain and solid build mean they cut through a mix surprisingly well. The heavier weight contributes to a full, present sound.
How do Zultan hats compare to Meinl Byzance?
Meinl Byzance are generally brighter and more shimmering. Zultan offers more vintage warmth and a more complex, nuanced tone. It's a matter of preference, but Zultan will feel darker and more controlled.
What's the warranty on Zultan cymbals?
Zultan offers a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects. It's a good idea to register your cymbals online to ensure coverage.
Can I return Zultan hi-hats if I don't like them?
Most reputable dealers will accept returns on cymbals, but you'll want to check their specific policy. Cymbal returns can be tricky, so be sure you've really given them a fair try before committing.
Are Zultan hats easy to maintain?
Like any quality cymbal, regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner will keep them sounding their best. Avoid abrasive cleaners and excessive polishing, which can damage the finish and alter the tone.
