Bang for the buck hi-hats?

I need a pair of 14" hi-hats in the $100-$150 range, used or new.

Any recommendations for something that will get me close to the best hi-hats at a fraction of the cost?

I'm really really picky about my hi-hats (I hate playing anything lower than K Zildjians) but I'd suggest some older Sabian AA hats. My (old) school has a pair of AA Regular hats from god knows when. They look terrible, but they have a pretty good sound to them, even to my picky ears.

Looking at Musiciansfriend, the best thing available brand new in your price range would probably be the ZHT Mastersounds (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Zildjian-ZHT-Mastersound-HiHats-Cymbal-Pair?sku=445513). I'd suggest looking used.

If you can find some used Sabian AA or AAX hats then you're pretty much set. I use AAX studio hats, sound great. I also like the AA regular and fusion hats too.

I've been VERY happy with my Alpha Rock hats.

Saluda's Mist-X series is $155 for a set of 14" Hats.

I know it's at the top of your price range but the cool thing is that they're custom cymbals and you can talk with the maker (Jamie) about how you want them to sound.

I haven't personally owned a Saluda cymbal yet but I hope to by the end of the summer.

Try the ZHT's there not to bad.

Post a wanted ad on craigslist, thats what i did, and i ended up getting 13'' k/z's w/ rivets in the bottom hat for 100 bucks.

I recently received an email from Midwest Percussion (I think...) advertising "blow out" prices on some cymbals...I seem to recall 13" Quick Beats for $150. That's brand new. When i get home, I'll try to remember to dig it up and post the info.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Tosco-T-1-Medium-Hi-Hat-Cymbals-443344-i1171791.gc

I've never played these, but I've heard very good things about them. Someone I know who's been playing drums for years and years uses these as his main hi-hat for gigs and recording.

Is it this:

http://www.midwestpercussion.com/cymbals/zildjian_blowout.html

A bunch for $199, but they are all mixed (top and bottom are different).

i'd go for that Armand/cie hat combo... sounds sweet, then again, i think matching hats are for suckers, if you mix them up, you will find something you like better than matching hats...

Ebay,deals everywhere

thats not going to be cheap though...

199.95... not too bad.

total, for both?

Thats a good deal, but hes probably not going to bite on it. I can say that the armands are very nice though. I picked up my pair basically brand new for 175

That's for sure, I was just checking eBay for some hats since I just realized mine are B8s. There are some AA,AAX and Paragon hats on there right now with 18 hours left in the $80 range, but most of those have a number of bids on them.

Might find ya some A customs used in that range. Good stuff no doubt.

Listed today -badly-Avedis Zildjian mastersound 14" no one bidding on them because it dosen't say mastersound ,but if you look at the pics...

and new beats all over the auction

I LOVE my ZHT Mastersound hats. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

i would stay away from zht, you would be better off going used... get real pro gear... make that last.

Whatever you get, make sure you hear it first. Unless you're feeling lucky.

Hi-hats are probably the most subjective of all cymbal tastes.

All sage (wise) advice. If you have crappy or cheap hats, any old Zildjians A series or Sabian AA series will sound ten times better. New Beats and AA regular hats are great and can be found for a decent price used. BUt Yes, Try it before you buy!! You will hit and play the hats 100's of more times than the other cymbals!

Look in the spam sub-forum. T-Hofman is selling some Sabian hats that might appeal to you.

that's true!