Sound Edge hihats question

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Hi all - I've getting back into drumming and trying to learn a bit more about some other cymbal options than what I'm used to. I've always been a Zil guy, but curious about Paiste Sound Edge hats. What is so unique about these hats vs. other Paiste ones? Is it the hammering, the bottom hat? What makes them the legend that they are?

Jorge
 
Why others love them, I can't say, But I'll share my thoughts. I love that the top cymbal is brighter than the bottom. Some other "regular" hats are this way too, but I think all Paiste Sound Edges have this feature. Though the top cymbal weighs less then the bottom on sound edges it is still brighter because the rippled bottom somehow lowers the pitch. Though the brightness of sound edges is mentioned a lot, I hear a wide frequency range from low to high, especially in the B8 models like the 2002s. The 602s B20 frequency range is narrower or cleaner. I also hear a lot of lows in the Signature sound edges too among the mids and high tones.

Memphis Drum Shop videos are good in letting you hear that there are many lows among the sharper and bright sound of sound edges. I think the main feature is that you don't have to use a lot of force with your foot to get a decent chick sound. Regular hats are more prone to have airlock or very little sound if the cymbals are not sitting just right, but the sound edge hat makes it less likely you'll ever loose the good chick sound with the foot.

I like the fact that just using the tip of the stick on the top cymbal is plenty loud enough in many musical situations. If you use a hi-hat mic, it may not be necessary with sound edges. An overhead mic should still pick up the sound of the hats without worrying that the sound is lost in the mix. So in many musical situations, there is no need to overplay these hats, which some do anyway. It is also a reason why some hate the sound edges. Many drummers play them too intensely and can come across as having too much volume. To me, the sound edge volume is up to the drummer, like other hats. They can be played lightly and sound great, as well as at moderate to very loud volumes. 602 sound edges are the exception though. They are more mellow and shouldn't be hit too hard because they are quite thin and don't have that much volume as other sound edges and have a tendency to crack more often.
 
When played partially open (like in The Song Remains the Same or Dancing Days), you don't have to lay into them to get a big, full sound. There is a certain brilliance to them. I've owned the Sig 14" and currently own the 13" & 15" 2002's. I love the 2002's.
 
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My 15 2002 SE hats arrive tomorrow. Ill report back. Looking forward to hear them with my new 2002 Big Beats.
 
I am a fan of Soundedge hhats and own or have owned models from the Signature, 2002 and 602 lines. They are as described above and have a great footchick. I hate hihats where the footchick sound doesn't cut through. I have sold a few nice sounding hihats for that reason. There is no issue with this with a Soundedge hihat pair.
The Soundedge can be articulate too in addition to being cutting.

Since your a Zildjian guy, I owned a 13" pair of A Custom Mastersound hihats when they first came out and they were fantastic, unfortunately Zildjian seems to have thickened up the A Custom line and the new ones do not have the same magic as the originals.
 
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I'm a fan, it's been a long time since I played these. Still sound right, chunky & crispy!
 
It took me a few days to really appreciate my 15" 2002 SE hats. But now I absolutely love them and they record very well too.
 
Congrats! There's nothing like shiny new 2oo2s. The 15" SEs are my go-to hats, live and studio. Enjoy!
 
I'm not a Paiste guy at all...but I have 2 SE bottoms (rude and traditional I think)...and they brighten up what ever goes above them.

I tried the zildjian equivalent...not at all the same. Meinl Classics...tinny...

Something just really nice about SEs
 
I recently tried again to get into the SE sound with some 14" Sigs. They are just too aggressive for me. I ended up going a new direction and got some new 2oo2 14" Heavy Hats and LOVE them! These are my idea of "rock" hats. Super crisp and have great articulation, all while having a great shimmer.
 
Maybe I'll get a pair of 2002 SE, but I already have a pair of Giant Beat 15"s....not sure what to do.
 
sillypilot said:
Maybe I'll get a pair of 2002 SE, but I already have a pair of Giant Beat 15"s....not sure what to do.
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I have both and they're very different. The SEs are brighter and louder. GBs are warmer, smoother. Both are fantastic.

One thing I like to do is pair a 900 Heavy bottom with either the SE top or GB top. You can have multiple variations and sounds that way, for fairly cheap.
 
I run a 2002 SE bottom with a 602 top and it's just right.
 
Heartbeat said:
Maybe I'll get a pair of 2002 SE, but I already have a pair of Giant Beat 15"s....not sure what to do.
Click to expand...
I have both and they're very different. The SEs are brighter and louder. GBs are warmer, smoother. Both are fantastic.

One thing I like to do is pair a 900 Heavy bottom with either the SE top or GB top. You can have multiple variations and sounds that way, for fairly cheap.
Click to expand...
Very true. I was very happy when they introduced the new 900 Heavy 15 hats. They are nice as a pair but as you mentioned, I more often use the bottom under other hats tops for some great pairings when Im not doing the same with an SE bottom.
 
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