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Author Topic: Hi-Hat Placement  (Read 2354 times)
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chefdoug
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« Reply #20 on: March 13, 2007, 10:35 PM »

Here is my new center hat set up as of 2 weeks ago. I like it but it is a little different than what I was used to but so far so good. This is more of a hybrid combining my last set up with a more traditional set up. I needed to do this for the new band I'm working with. Check it out....


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« Reply #21 on: March 13, 2007, 10:37 PM »

I forgot to mention, based on Dave Kropf's question ... I do a LOT of left-foot (HiHat) work in my playing generally. Everything from syncopated figures to fast eighth-notes with the left foot (HiHat). The Remote Cable HiHat responds wonderfully and is very smooth. The only thing that I don't like about it, response wise, is when I'm doing foot splashes. I can achieve them, but it doesn't feel like it does with a standard HiHat stand. It took some getting used to, but I'm fine with it now.

For Straight-Ahead Jazz, I wouldn't use this set-up probably. Not that I couldn't, but my approach is different. The majority of my Jazz time keeping isn't coming from playing on the HiHats ... like what I do in a Rock/Pop/Funk, etc. This set-up is really condusive when playing a LOT of HiHat or playing in a wide variety of styles. If I were just playing Jazz, by that I mean Straight-Ahead, BeBop, and the like ... I would be using my vintage Gretsch "Progressive Jazz" kit ... with a standard HiHat stand.
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Dave Kropf
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« Reply #22 on: March 13, 2007, 10:46 PM »

Hmmmm ... *is thinking of buying one now*  Grin

What do you think of the cable hat (9502) versus the universal remote hat (9550)?
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« Reply #23 on: March 13, 2007, 11:03 PM »

Hmmmm ... *is thinking of buying one now*  Grin

What do you think of the cable hat (9502) versus the universal remote hat (9550)?

The 9502 would be my immediate interest, simply because you can mount it a lot easier ... like on a rack. However, the 9550 is cool because there is no cable, which makes me think it will feel more like a standard HiHat stand.

If you can, try them both out. I really wanted the DW Remote HiHat to feel good (I used DW Pedals), but it just didn't meet my needs. Now, in fairness, I haven't tried these new ones out, so hopefully they are smoother and feel better than the ones I've tried in the past.

The Yamaha Remote Cable HiHat I have is old; very old. My buddy bought one just like the one I had, but it wasn't as old as the one I had, and he says his isn't as smooth as mine. In fact he's been checking out every Remote Cable HiHat on the market and he can't find one as smooth as my archaic Yamaha Remote Cable HiHat. That scares me a bit, because if I ever have to replace mine ... well, you know.
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« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2007, 11:14 PM »

Chefdoug, I really like the looks of your set-up. That makes so much sense.
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« Reply #25 on: March 13, 2007, 11:33 PM »

Hmmmm ... *is thinking of buying one now*  Grin

What do you think of the cable hat (9502) versus the universal remote hat (9550)?

Hi Dave,

I have personal, current experience with both those stands.  To me, there are pros and cons to each of them.  In my opinion, the universal remote hat is superior to the cable hat in terms of feel.  It literally feels just like a regular hi hat stand to me.  I hope this is a correct descriptor, but the action on the universal hat feels more direct than the cable hat.  The action on that stand is as quick as any traditional hi hat stand I've ever used (Iron Cobra, DW 5000 and 9000 for reference). 

Conversely, I can physically feel that my cable hi hat is just a hair less responsive.  It doesn't adversely affect my playing, but I do notice it.  FWIW, I'm using a 4' cable (stock was 8').  One strange positive of that slightly more sluggish feel is that foot splashes are easier for me with that rig.  Couldn't explain why if I had to...  Undecided  The cable hat is much more flexible in terms of positioning ease and possibilities.  It's also a lot easier to transport, especially now with the shorter cable.  I use the cable hat for gigs and keep the universal hat at home on my practice kit.

 

 
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« Reply #26 on: March 14, 2007, 08:59 AM »

Chefdoug, I really like the looks of your set-up. That makes so much sense.

The thing I don't like about Chefdoug's set-up is that the HiHat is now placed far forward.

One of the reasons I came up with my set-up is that I wanted to be able to not only have the HiHat accessible with both hands comfortably, but I'm also into having my body in a resting position, which I call "fetal position". With my set-up, my elbows are able to stay down by my side the entire time ... and still reach everything. With Chefdoug's set-up, my arms would have to move forward (or I'd have to lean forward) in order to reach the HiHat because the Toms are between the HiHat and the Snare drum.

So for me this set-up wouldn't work. My concept is to always be relaxed when I'm behind the kit and never have to strain or reach for anything. If I do have to reach, I want it to be something that is rarely played or only struck once ... like a Crash cymbal, China cymbal, etc.
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« Reply #27 on: March 14, 2007, 09:59 AM »

  Yes, my hats farther away now, but it's not as far as it looks.  The two toms out front are an 8" and a 10", those are small enough to keep the hats relatively close. I find that I don't have to reach any more than I would if I were using a traditional set up. They are also 15" hi hats so they, if I had 13's(like I used to) they might be harder to reach. Also, I am on the taller side with long enough arms to be comfortable playing like this. The other thing I like is that my left side has opened up for easy placement of my electronics (newly aquired Hart Dynamics Multi-Pad). Furthermore, you may notice in order to put the hats and toms where they are, I needed to angle my bass drum off to the right like if I had 2 bass drums.
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« Reply #28 on: March 14, 2007, 10:24 AM »

  Yes, my hats farther away now, but it's not as far as it looks.  The two toms out front are an 8" and a 10", those are small enough to keep the hats relatively close. I find that I don't have to reach any more than I would if I were using a traditional set up. They are also 15" hi hats so they, if I had 13's(like I used to) they might be harder to reach. Also, I am on the taller side with long enough arms to be comfortable playing like this. The other thing I like is that my left side has opened up for easy placement of my electronics (newly aquired Hart Dynamics Multi-Pad). Furthermore, you may notice in order to put the hats and toms where they are, I needed to angle my bass drum off to the right like if I had 2 bass drums.

Oh, I don't have a problem with the entire set-up ... and I knew that the Toms were 8" and 10". My point is that you can't keep your elbows down. You have to reach forward. If you can't touch your torso with your elbows ... that's my point. You have to burn energy to just keep your arm/hand where you can play the HiHat. I'm more into being totally relaxed and not burning calories just to hold a limb in mid-air, waiting to be used. With my "fetal position" approach, my elbows are down all the time ... and I can reach everything ... hovering over every instrument while keeping my elbows down. This way I'm more relaxed and not burning any energy.

I'm not knocking your set-up ... just pointing out why it wouldn't work for me and others. When you have a large set-up, sacrifices have to made. For me, I don't sacrifice burning energy to play the HiHat, Snare or Kick drum. These three instruments are my "bread & butter" and I spend a lot of time on them, so I want to be as totally as relaxed as possible when playing them. If I have to stretch or move my elbows from my side, burning calories/energy, I want it to be on instruments that I play the least ... in comparison to the Kick, Snare and HiHat.

This is my approach and how I teach.  Cool
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« Reply #29 on: March 14, 2007, 10:47 AM »

You are indeed correct about keeping the elbows down and that is one of the reasons I liked my last set up so much. Like you said, you sometimes have to sacrifice some things in a larger set up and unfortunately I had to switch it up to accomodate the material I am playing. I am only reaching out a little further now, but it does add fatigue. So far this is suiting me for the gig at hand. I am always open to trying new things in my set up. I find myself using my ride as equally if not more than my hats and I am still able to keep my ride in nice and close in this set up, even with the huge 24" ride I am using.  As usual with anything different strokes etc....(pun intended!)
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« Reply #30 on: March 14, 2007, 10:55 AM »

I don't like to have to stretch to reach anything either, and I've found that arranging the hats behind the toms but letting them hang over the rims a bit is a good compromise-  it's about the same distance from me as before they were positioned in the center.  It's been a challenge to find the right hardware to make this possible though.

I might have to try the hat between the toms arrangement though, that looks intriguing.

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« Reply #31 on: March 14, 2007, 11:19 AM »

I'm with Bart on the "hi-hat too far from me" thought when the toms are mounted in front of the hats. My hats are right in front of the snare and I mounted the first tom dead center over the bass drum so it feels VERY MUCH like a traditional four piece setup. No issues zipping around the kit. I, too, felt more comfortable not reaching at all for the hats so I can sit correctly and groove without (at least subconsiously) leaning forward. But we're all physically different and that's just what works for me - T-Rex arms, I guess!

I have no issues with the cable hats and their responsiveness. I have the new DW remote and it's very smooth, no problem doing foot splashes or quick hat beats. I have the 6' cable. Play with the tension to get it right - my setup came very loose. I had to crank the tension to get it where it felt like traditional hats and now it does.

One interesting by-product of the new hat placement I really didn't consider - awesome entry into the drum seat now! Nice wide open access to jump right in.
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« Reply #32 on: March 16, 2007, 10:38 AM »

My setup is nearly identical to Ryno's.  My setup is a bit more tight though.  I like to keep things as close as possible.  Same number of cymbals, all placed nearly the same... again... I like things very tight.  I also have my hi-hat closer to me... about 25% of my snare covered.  I like to sit back in my Roc-n-Soc chair, pressing my back against the backrest.   Its just soooo comfy.

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« Reply #33 on: March 16, 2007, 11:31 AM »

My setup is nearly identical to Ryno's.  My setup is a bit more tight though.  I like to keep things as close as possible.  Same number of cymbals, all placed nearly the same... again... I like things very tight.  I also have my hi-hat closer to me... about 25% of my snare covered.  I like to sit back in my Roc-n-Soc chair, pressing my back against the backrest.   Its just soooo comfy.



Got any pictures, dea?  I'm curious to see your setup. 
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« Reply #34 on: April 05, 2008, 06:23 AM »

I just ordered a DW 9000 Cable hi hat with an 8 foot cable.

I set it up and I'm feeling a ton of friction and trying to figure out if this is normal or defective..... it seems like I'm fighting the pedal to move the pole up and down. It moves, but it's making a pretty clear rubbing sound and seeming quite sluggish.

Any thoughts?

- Larry
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« Reply #35 on: April 08, 2008, 02:56 PM »

Oh, I don't have a problem with the entire set-up ... and I knew that the Toms were 8" and 10". My point is that you can't keep your elbows down. You have to reach forward. If you can't touch your torso with your elbows ... that's my point. You have to burn energy to just keep your arm/hand where you can play the HiHat. I'm more into being totally relaxed and not burning calories just to hold a limb in mid-air, waiting to be used. With my "fetal position" approach, my elbows are down all the time ... and I can reach everything ... hovering over every instrument while keeping my elbows down. This way I'm more relaxed and not burning any energy.

I'm not knocking your set-up ... just pointing out why it wouldn't work for me and others. When you have a large set-up, sacrifices have to made. For me, I don't sacrifice burning energy to play the HiHat, Snare or Kick drum. These three instruments are my "bread & butter" and I spend a lot of time on them, so I want to be as totally as relaxed as possible when playing them. If I have to stretch or move my elbows from my side, burning calories/energy, I want it to be on instruments that I play the least ... in comparison to the Kick, Snare and HiHat.

This is my approach and how I teach.  Cool

You are right on my friend.  Elbows down and at your side is the key to relaxed playing.  Remember...You are faster when relaxed.  You also have more expressive resolution at your disposal ( your dynamic variance is tighter ( difference between hard and soft ) ).  This mean more expression can be achieved and this is the holy grail of playing as far as I'm concerned.
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« Reply #36 on: May 24, 2008, 06:24 AM »

 
This new way of setting up the kit is very challenging; since I learned that there exist these remote hi-hats, I've been thinking about how I could use them. But as I can't imagine not having a tom in front of my snare, I'll stay with the traditional setup.
As for comfortable sitting and not moving my arms too much, I never use more than two mounted toms and one floor tom, which all are very close to one another.
 
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« Reply #37 on: May 26, 2008, 12:37 AM »

OK, OK, I am now convinced, I will now be purchasing a remote hat rig.  After watching your video Bart the other day I was on the fence now I will be jumping over.  I know everyone is different, but how long should it take to get comfortable with this new set up, I am a pretty fast learner so hopefully not too long.  Guess I will be getting prices tonight, other than the DW any other MFG's suggested....
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« Reply #38 on: June 17, 2008, 06:54 PM »

Here's a photo of my set-up from three years ago ...


Now I have a similar set-up except everything is position much lower, and I'm using the 12-inch to the left of the HiHat (no 10-inch), plus a 14-inch (optional) and 16-inch Toms to the right of the HiHat. I'll try to post a new photo soon.

I like that placement, but I hate how the two toms are separated so that its tricky to roll down the toms.
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« Reply #39 on: June 17, 2008, 10:29 PM »

I like that placement, but I hate how the two toms are separated so that its tricky to roll down the toms.

You should check out Bart's hi-hat ergonomic placement video.  He doesn't seem to have any issues rolling on the toms with that placement.  Quite speedy! 

FWIW, I think that's one of the beauties of a set up like this... that it stimulates different thoughts/patterns instead of the typical descending tom rolls.  That's the effect it's had on my playing.   
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