Paiste Masters 16" Thin Hi-Hat Cymbals

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

The Masters series was born from a very focused approach: assembling and refining high-end ride cymbals, patiently handcrafted in CuSn20 bronze, to achieve high sonic ideals across many styles. This approach, initially centered on a selection of rides, was later expanded in 2014 with the addition of crashes and hi-hats to extend this unique sonic atmosphere to more complete setups. The Masters thus position themselves as a family of cymbals with a strong character, relying on decades of expertise and inspiration from renowned international drummers.

Who This Hi-Hat Is For

This Masters hi-hat is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert drummers seeking an expressive cymbal capable of conveying playing nuances without aggressiveness. Its balance at medium volume makes it particularly relevant in modern jazz, funk, neo-soul, organic pop, blues, or acoustic music contexts, as well as in the studio where the precision of the "chick" and the texture of the "wash" must remain controlled. For drummers with a light to medium touch, it offers a wide dynamic range, while more powerful players will appreciate its ability to stay musical without saturating the sound space.

Features and Innovations

Developed in collaboration with Gregory Hutchinson, this hi-hat emphasizes practical playing criteria: a clean closure, quick response under the stick, and a controlled feel under the foot. The goal is not to produce a bright and cutting hi-hat, but a cymbal with a dense grain, measured projection, and a complex harmonic spectrum, capable of fitting into a mix without dominating it. An important practical point for custom setups: the Top and Bottom are also available separately, facilitating set adjustments (pairing with another piece, targeted replacement, searching for a specific balance between "chick," sustain, and openness).

Sound

The CuSn20 alloy, often associated with "traditional" bronze, is known for its warmth and depth. On a hi-hat, this translates to a less bright attack than a shinier bronze, with a softer high end and more present midrange. The result: a dark, full, and organic sound, very pleasant even at low dynamics, and particularly effective when avoiding "whistling" in the high frequencies.

In use, this Masters stands out with a felted yet detailed stick texture: patterns remain clear while maintaining a "round" feel under the hand. In open playing, the sustain stays musical, with a controlled wash suitable for moderate volume grooves and subtle accompaniments. The foot closure offers a warm and dense chick, broader than dry, ideal for supporting the tempo without harshness and for maintaining a coherent sonic foundation in styles where the hi-hat needs to breathe.

Technical specifications

Alloy	CuSn20 Bronze (traditional bronze)	Sound character	dark, warm, and full
Manufacturing	handmade	Recommended volume level	medium volume
Country of manufacture	Switzerland	Developed in collaboration with	Gregory Hutchinson
Type	Hi-hat	Parts availability	Top and Bottom also available separately