For jazz, look at thinner hi-hats in the 33–38 cm (13–15 in) range with a crisp-but-warm sound rather than a tight, aggressive "chick." Popular picks among jazz drummers include the Zildjian A Mastersound, Sabian HHX Complex Medium (35.5 cm / 14 in), the Zildjian K Sweet (38 cm / 15 in), and the Zildjian A New Beat — all known for a softer wash and more complex tone than rock-oriented hats.
Jazz hi-hats work differently from the hats you'd pick for rock or metal. You're not chopping out a hard, closed backbeat — you're feathering the pedal on beats 2 and 4, opening them slightly for wash, and riding the edge with sticks. That calls for a different kind of cymbal.
Who This Guide Is For
This is for drummers who already have the basics down and are starting to play jazz — whether that's your first combo gig, playing along to records, or just chasing that sound. If you're still working out fundamentals, a beginner electronic drum set or your current hats are fine for now. Jazz-specific hi-hats are an upgrade you make once you know what you're listening for.
What Actually Matters
Size. Jazz hats tend to run smaller and thinner than rock hats. You'll see a lot of 33–35.5 cm (13–14 in) pairs, with some drummers going up to 38 cm (15 in) for more air and wash. Smaller hats speak faster and feel more controllable at the softer volumes jazz calls for.
Weight. "Thin" is the word that comes up again and again for jazz hats. Thinner cymbals open up faster, wash out more easily when you crack them open, and have less of that hard, cutting edge. This is the opposite of what you'd want for a rock backbeat.
Tone. You're after something that sounds crisp when closed but warm and trashy when opened — not a clean, focused "tick." That complexity is part of why some of these cymbals cost more: getting a controlled amount of "dirt" into the sound isn't simple to manufacture.
Top Picks
Zildjian A Mastersound — A widely used choice among jazz drummers, known for a articulate chick with enough complexity to sit well under brushes and light stick work.
Sabian HHX Complex Medium (35.5 cm / 14 in) — Described by drummers as crisp and warm at once, which is the exact balance jazz hi-hats are trying to hit.
Dream Bliss (35.5 cm / 14 in) — A favorite among some jazz players for its softer, more washy character compared to more common brands.
A Avedis (35.5 cm / 14 in) — Another frequently cited jazz pick, sitting in the classic Zildjian A family sound.
Zildjian K (33 cm / 13 in) — A high-end option, and the smaller 33 cm size gives a quicker, more focused response that some jazz drummers prefer over larger pairs.
Zildjian K Sweet (38 cm / 15 in) — On the larger end for jazz hats, giving more air and wash when opened.
Zildjian A New Beat — A long-standing standard that shows up on jazz recommendation lists alongside more jazz-specific models.
Paiste 2002 Sound Edge (38 cm / 15 in) — Recommended across genres including jazz, if you want one pair of hats that can flex beyond straight-ahead playing.
Heartbeat Jazz Hi-hat Cymbals — Hand crafted in Turkey and built to recreate the sound of 1960s and 70s jazz hi-hats with a modern build, aimed squarely at drummers chasing that vintage jazz tone.
The Vintage Route
A lot of jazz drummers end up hunting for vintage hi-hats instead of buying new. Vintage thin Zildjian hats, in particular, get singled out as especially desirable for jazz. Some drummers report that generic vintage 1960s Zildjian hats — including old New Beat models — sound just as good as pricier modern jazz-specific hats.
If you go this route, expect some searching and no guarantees on condition. Vintage cymbals vary a lot pair to pair, and you often can't try before you buy. It's a rewarding path if you enjoy the hunt, but not a shortcut if you just want a reliable pair fast.
Trade-offs / When to Skip
Cost vs. what you'll actually hear. Jazz hi-hats reward close listening — arguably more than most other gear on this site. If you're new to jazz drumming, it's worth spending time with your ears before spending money — the difference between a Zildjian A New Beat and a K Sweet is real, but you need some playing time to hear it clearly.
Volume and neighbors. Jazz playing is generally quieter than rock or metal, but cymbals still carry, and opened hi-hat wash travels. If you're practicing in an apartment, an anti-vibration mat or riser helps more with drum and kick vibration than cymbal sound — for cymbals, playing quieter and using ear plugs protects your hearing either way.
Sticks matter too. A warm, complex hi-hat sound can get buried under the wrong drum sticks — jazz players often favor lighter sticks that let the cymbal's natural voice come through rather than sticks built for hitting hard.
If you're not sure jazz is your main lane yet, it's fine to skip a dedicated jazz hi-hat purchase for now. Spend that practice time on a practice pad working on your feathering and comping feel — the technique matters more than the cymbal until you can already hear what you're listening for.