Features:

  • CRISP SOUNDING, VERSATILE AND DURABLE HIHATS: When played closed together, the 13” HCS hihats have a crisp "chick" sound along with warm, sizzling undertones that carry over when played open. They also deliver with a cutting response when played with the foot. The Meinl HCS brass alloy hihats have gained immense popularity due to their versatility, durability, and outstanding sound quality.
  • DESIGNED FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS: Meinl HCS cymbals are designed for beginner and student musicians using a durable brass alloy that maintains its tone while holding up to the brunt of drum sticks. These cymbals are recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound.
  • GREAT FOR ROCK, FUNK, JAZZ, AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN: The responsive nature of these cymbals makes them work well at any volume level or intensity. They create a deep and heavy feel for rock players and provide bright accents for jazz when playing with the foot.
  • MEINL HCS CYMBALS PROVIDE FULL RANGE OF SOUNDS: The HCS series from Meinl cymbals is designed to offer all of the cymbal types and sizes normally found in professional lines to beginners, in order to deliver the same sound options a working drummer may look for. Each cymbal is stamped with the Meinl logo, giving young players the same feeling as the pros when they sit down at their drum kits.
  • OFFICIAL TWO YEAR MEINL WARRANTY: All Meinl cymbals carry a two-year manufacturer's warranty when purchased from authorized retailers.
Great value, decent sounding beginner cymbals that work together

I gave this a a gift. The HCS line of cymbals are a good, affordable choice for folks who are just starting out or for students because they are essentially matched to other HCS line cymbals. I gave a nephew a basic used drum kit fro Christmas a couple years ago, but the cymbals that came with the kit were more suited to being used as an enhanced interrogation technique than practicing or actual playing (riots might ensue). The lucky nephew got a small set of HCS hi-hats & a crash for their birthday the next year, and this crash/ride rounds it out, and the trash can lids can be recycled (if possible, I think the brass content might have been 0.2%) We added this and a stand to his kit this, and now he has all the basics, and because of the factory matching they sound good with the other HCS cymbals. Being a musician is an expensive but valuable proposition regardless of what you play, it's hard to get out the door with a new (non-toy) instrument of decent quality without spending hundreds or even a thousand dollars. No-one wants to make that investment until they're sure they student is truly interested in playing that instrument. Drums are nice, because they can be upgraded piecemeal, unlike a Tuba, Sax, Piano, or guitar (as in body & neck). All of the larger cymbal makers like Paiste, Sabian, Zildjian, etc. all have similar but more pricey entry level options too, the Meinls' seem to be the lowest cost option in my area without going to Cletus and Bob's Recycling and Cymbal Depot. Since Cymbals are large metal disks, Prime shipping was also a factor in the purchase decision.

Big sound

This cymbal can make a broad range of sound. The bell makes a very solid and broad ting. Playing rolls near the rim can produce a complex wash of noise. The actual ride function has some depth but the rhythmic clarity dominates. Sounds good to me! It does ring out a lot, so you should consider this cymbal if you are OK with a lot of sustain. Some of the naysayers seem to be forgetting that you can always mute it with your hand if dynamics demand it. The shiny brass looks good! 2016-09-29 update: After getting into some better (bronze) cymbals, I'm considering replacing my brass HCS cymbals with B20 cymbals. When I compare them, the HCS cymbals have a distinctive tinny ring to them that I'm getting tired of. If you aren't sure you want to commit to pricy bronze cymbals, this cymbal is a good way to find out. I now wish I could trade this in for credit towards a good premium cymbal.

Surprisingly resilient AND good sounding

Honestly, I didn't expect much when I bought this cymbal in 2012 for under $70, but it last me 2½ years of serious pounding (30-45 shows per year, 3 hours per show, plus weekly practices). Near the end of 2014, it started to crack, which probably says more about my play style than the cymbal itself (hence why I buy $70 cymbals), but even with the crack it was serviceable for a few months. I'm a crash rider, so this thing took a serious beating. For it to last as long as it did at its price point, dang... I'm a believer! I've since put down the drum sticks to raise my family, but when I get back into the scene, you can bet I'll be restocking with Meinl crash cymbals. These cymbals are for those who play hard/often and aren't too picky about tone. Sure, there are cymbals out there that might sound better, but I'd rather break these guys than drop $200+ for something high end.

First "upgrade" cymbal - very happy with the sound and quality!

I'm a beginner drummer and I bought this cymbal to replace the cheap one that came with my drum set and so far am very happy with the upgrade. The quality difference is quite stark and the both the ride and crash sounds it makes are much more consistent. It weighs quite bit more and doesn't appear that it will dent as easily as the other one did - When I use as a ride, the cymbal doesn't move around quite as much as the old cheap one that I had.

GREAT PURCHASE GO MEINL

Okay, This ride is seriously great! I've had this cymbal for about a year now. When I got it I was a little scared, it was a lil funky. But I thought it's a starter ride, so it won't be perfect. Fast forward a year from that, this ride is amazing. It's very useful in a concert/performance setting. You gotta find the sweet spots on this ride and learn how to work it. It's not perfect but it's pretty darn close. I've chosen this $75 ride over a $300 Zildjian ride my friend has many times. This thing can project! (Unlike the Zildjian one my friend owns) This is a good purchase, great choice for a first ride, and awesome pickup if you need something just for performances to hit. Btw Eh I don't know about recording... But Meinl's HCS series. Totally beast. Pick this up if you're beginning or need a performance cymbal setup I say again.

WAY surpassed expectations.

These are really good. Not just for the money, but they are really good! Back to the money: best Cymbal for the money--PERIOD. As good as Zildjians or Sabians? No. But 85% as good and 1/10th the cost. If you're a pro and making a lot of money drumming, get the big names. But if you're a weekend warrior or playing for fun, you'd be a fool not to get these. I know it shouldn't matter, but these things LOOK great too! Marvelous finish.

Great Sounding Cymbals At A Great Price!

I have a DW drum set with with all Zildjian A Custom cymbals and high hat. I recently purchased a small Ordery drum set (4 piece Cafe Kit) for playing in small venues such as one of my churches classrooms. I wanted to purchase some cymbals and a 13" high hat set that I could use with the Ordery kit at a lower price point than my Zildjians. I researched Meinl cymbals and I have heard their higher end cymbals in person and I was really impressed. So I ordered a HCS 20" Traditional Ride, HCS 16" Tradional Crash and a set of HCS 13" Traitional High Hat set. All for around $200.00. For that price point I was not expecting too much. The cymbals arrived and I set them up in the same room as my other set with the Zildjians. I was pleasantly surprised with the sounds of the Meinl cymbals. I am not trying to say that they are even with the A Custom's, but they held their own considering what I paid. I wish they had these cymbals back when I started playing drums. If I had to compare them to anything, possibly the old Zildjian Amir cymbals from the 1980's. The ride has a nice ping and sustain. The crash and high hat are on par and compliment the ride cymbal. Closed the high hat has a click sound. I highly recommend these cymbals if you are on a budget, just starting out on the drums or just need a spare set like I did.

Nicely made cymbal - and at a nice price

Nicely made cymbal - and at a nice price! Seems to be more durable than some cymbals and still has great sound. Was tired of replacing expensive cymbals due to cracks, but was hesitant to buy a less expensive cymbal thinking that might be giving up the quality sound. That is not the case with this cymbal! Menial cymbals will be my first choice from now on!

Amazing sound!

The Meinl 18" Crash/Ride Cymbal exceeding all expectations! I previously owned Meinl cymbals and I was always happy with them, so when it came time to buy an 18" I again chose Meinl. It came to me as promised and sounds phenomenal! If I am to give any critique, it would be to use better black ink that does not fade/come off with use. I am proud to use Meinl symbols, and I have noticed that with a LOT of use, the ink starts to fade/come off. But the sound remains superior, and that is all that really matters! Thanks Meinl, and keep up the great work. John Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Great Price, Great Sound!

I'm using these high hats for a small kit ,( Pearl Rhythm traveler drum set. ) and they give a good sizzle. For the price that you're paying these little guys give you a great sound. I wouldn't get these if you're planing on playing "pro live shows", or recording. I have a pair of zildjian titanium cymbals / high hats and you can tell the difference. These high hats don't hold / sustain their sound for too long. If you're playing rock beat or just starting off.. These are a great starter set, and for the price you can't really disagree. A must have for a start to advanced player.

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