Zildjian - A20554 15" A Custom Mastersound HiHats Top

The way the light catches the bronze already hints at the character of the 15-inch Zildjian A Custom Mastersound, a hi-hat top cymbal from the A family. The sound is clear, rich and colourful, with a breadth and presence that go beyond that of a standard hi-hat. The ‘chick’ attack is crisp and clean, with no lingering resonance, driven by a lively response the moment the pedal is released.

Its 15-inch (381 mm) diameter widens the cymbal without making it feel heavy to play, supported by a medium-thin gauge that keeps the metal supple under the stick. The polished finish of the B20 bronze remains smooth, unhammered on this top, allowing the sound to emerge without any unwanted grit. The medium height and small bell narrow the strike zone, whilst the lower cymbal of the Mastersound duo features hammered grooves that allow air to escape and close the chick more quickly after each strike.

Both in the studio and on stage, this Mastersound is ideal for styles that require depth, such as funk or finely tuned pop. The short sustain and overall volume are underpinned by a balance that blends body and brilliance, which is useful when the mix needs to remain clear without overpowering the rest of the kit. Paired with its lower cymbal featuring hammered grooves, the pair closes the chick with a crispness that stands out from the more muffled hi-hats in the same A series.