How much space between your top and bottom hi-hat cymbals?

ConvertedLudwigPlayer

ConvertedLudwigPlayer

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How much space do you use between your top and bottom hi-hat cymbals?

I noticed that I tend to have only about 1" (or less) between my top and bottom cymbals when fully open. I don't know how or when I started doing it this way, but now realize I am missing out on volume and different sounds through having such a small space.

I use a small angle on the bottom tilter. It has become sort of a set it and forget about it thing. I should probably play with that more, too.
 
I have never measured but I'm certain I have way more space than most do, probably 2-3" I'd guess between the cymbals when the hat is just open. I like for the pedal to be as flat as possible to the ground when I have them closed and I like a LOT of play on that top cymbal.

***edit***
I say that I'm certain I have more space because anytime I sit at a kit in a store or at an open mic...or after someone plays my kit.....I always have to readjust the hi-hat to get more space.
 
Mine is probably about 1" on the left open side (10:00) and almost closed on the right side (4:00) close to the playing area. I keep the bottom at an angle also.

sherm
 
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Probably about an inch. Very Slight angle on the bottom cymbal.
 
At least two inches. I like a lot of play in the cymbals for playing them open and pedal work, but I also don't like the pedal flat when they're closed.
 
Maybe 1/2". I've always wondered about this and why I like such a small gap relative to others. I do a fair amount variation with my hats so it works for me I guess.
 
whats comfortable on the pedal closure
at that moment

the cymbals close when the bd pedal beater touches
the head

those two are equal

eh. that's one way..

Same depth
on both(bd and Hh) pedals
 
I haven't figured out much use for wide open hats,so... I adjust for sizzle at resting foot pressure. (It might not be the first noobish idea I came up with.)
 
Probably 1" to 2" depending on the cymbals and stand. I tend to angle the bottom hat away from me slightly. That way when the top cymbal comes down it protects the edge of the bottom cymbal from being hit directly with the sticks.
 
Never measured, but I'm going to say a lot? I like a good strong chick and I find having that extra headroom helps. I also keep the tension fairly tight. Bottom cymbal is angled to prevent airlock. Top cymbal is a bit loose on the clutch as well.
 
I just put my foot at a comfortable position pressing down on the pedal and then tighten the cymbal clutch in that position. I think my cymbals are typically about an inch apart but it varies depending on which hi-hat stand I am using. The distance between the cymbals isn't that important to me for my playing style but where my foot ends up is.
 
Depends on the hats. I am looking at my kit with 14" K light hats and its about 1/2 on the left (9PM) and 3/4" on the right (3PM).....
 
In that video that was posted here this week; Buddy Rich Talk Of The Town, you can see his hats are about 4 or 5" apart.
Many of the old school jazz cats played 'em that way. Cindy Blackman still does.
 
I'm sort of like K.O. in that I'm more interested in how my foot feels while I'm playing it. I've found that about an inch does it for me, so I set it up visually at approximately that spacing and it works. Slight tilt unless I'm playing my Mastersounds which I like level.
 
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