Drum Forum

[FitchFY]

I encountered a reality with one of my bands where I may want to switch hi-hats amidst a gig. There's a lot of little details that go into this, including feel, dynamics, sound, etc, but it's something I may want to do.

I guess I question whether it would be worth it. Having two hi-hat set-ups isn't really an option, and it certainly adds some weight to the cymbal bag... any of you cats use varying cymbals within a show, like swapping hi-hats or ride cymbals?

[the DW]

Can't help you on this one. I only have one set of cymbals that I use for everything. Sorry!

[1001gear]

Never done this and have not seen it done. Most cover drummers I've seen when faced with gear dilemmas just do the best approximations they can. The better ones and their bands are always blend concious so you don't feel the instrumentation is wrong even if it is. That said and continuing off the top of my head, if you feel the need for an alternate set, it's only a pair of cymbals, go for it. 

[zildjian@consol]

Never switched cymbals,but have switched snares.It didn't seem worth it after the gig

[drumsdb]

I've never changed Hi-hats mid show, but I have (on rare occasions) changed a crash out for a smaller/bigger crash or a china instead of a crash. I think changing out a HH may is a bit more involved and you're really pushing for time.  If it's a cover gig, and you have a set break it could work.   The question is two-fold,

1) Is this 2nd set of hats for one song or many?

2) If #1 is "many",  Could you arrange the set so those songs are all together?

My opinion is that I believe the "return on investment" of time, engery, and weight isn't worth bringing extra hats.  I seriously doubt anyone else in the band or audience would know the difference.

DB

[race81]

Never seen anyone do it....but its possible. just have them ready with an extra clutch already setup. would take what? 20-30 seconds.?? as long as everything is clear of em. Most guys I have seen that want a different hat sound, set them up on a remote system....leaves the wait, and chance for soemthing to go wrong out of the equation.

[danrothmusic]

Interesting suggestion. I second the comment of using a spare clutch.

[Humble Pie]

So what is wrong with having an extra set and running them off of a remote hihat pedal? I have 2 sets, one in the traditional spot and a locked-closed set just under my ride cymbal over my bass drum. Graounted I don't know what your specific needs are, but seems to me you can find a way around hard-swapping them onstage while everyone in the band shuffles awkwardly.

[FitchFY]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys! It would take half a day to explain the mind-set I have, what I want to hear, my set up, my playing style, yadda yadda... we all know the variations of someone's gear usage and their needs.

I was looking more for whether someone has done this or seen some pros and cons... at the end of the day, I'll likely just stick to one pair, but I thought I'd see what the ol' HC sounding board thought. Thanks again!

[Merlin Coryell]

I carry two bags worth of cymbals to many of my shows, but they all go on the kit at once, and Ive got hats on both sides. (You wouldnt believe the applications of open handed hats from either side!)

But onto your specific issue of swapping out hats, or any other cymbals.

For hats, it really isnt that much more weight unless you are talking some really heavy 15-16" guys. And if you pre screw on a second clutch, then its a quick drop and tighten job which could be done in seconds between songs.

As for other cymbals, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Tama quick release toppers, you can change an entire kit of cymbals out in moments with no worries.

[drumtechdad]

Take a poll after the gig and see if anyone in the room noticed the different sound on that song or songs. Drummers don't count. (In a manner of speaking.)

[RumStik]

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drumtechdad wrote:

Take a poll after the gig and see if anyone in the room noticed the different sound on that song or songs.

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That's exactly what I thought. For all our agonizing over nuance, live cymbal sound is most often dismally homogenous...especially to the common listener.