What genres is this hi-hat designed for?

The B8X Rock Hat Top is optimized for rock, hard rock, and metal. Its crisp attack and minimal wash make it less suited to jazz or folk contexts where softer, more complex cymbal textures are preferred.

Is this cymbal heavy or light?

This is a medium-heavy top cymbal, which provides punchy articulation and quick stick response. The extra weight ensures it cuts through dense mixes and delivers defined stick definition ideal for fast-paced rock playing.

What skill level is this cymbal for?

The B8X Rock Hat Top is suitable for beginner through professional drummers. Its budget-friendly price point and forgiving bronze alloy construction make it accessible for developing players, while its tight control and reliability appeal to experienced musicians.

What is included and how does it compare to other budget hi-hats?

This is a top cymbal component only (bottom cymbal sold separately). Compared to the Zildjian Planet Z, Paiste PST 8, and Meinl HCS hi-hats at similar price points, the B8X Rock Hat Top emphasizes tighter articulation and minimal wash, making it more rock-focused than those all-genre alternatives.

Will this cymbal work in a tight, fast-tempo context?

Yes. The medium-heavy weight and precision-formed bronze construction deliver quick stick response and minimal sustain, allowing for crisp chop and fast footwork without muddiness in high-tempo rock and metal applications.

SABIAN 14" B8X Rock Hat Top

The B8X Rock Hat Top captures crisp, articulate hi-hat definition with solid stick clarity—a medium-heavy cymbal engineered to cut through dense arrangements without losing control. This top cymbal pairs snap with durability, making it a dependable choice for rock and hard-hitting production that demands punch and projection in the mix.

Construction & Materials

Built from bronze and precision formed through hammering and lathing, this cymbal exhibits the traditional craftsmanship SABIAN applies across the B8X line. The medium-heavy weight classification of the top cymbal ensures punchy articulation and quick stick response ideal for contemporary rock recording and session work.

Sound Character

The 14" diameter positions this cymbal in the sweet spot for tight, controlled hi-hat articulation with minimal wash. In the studio, engineers benefit from the defined attack and minimal sustain, allowing for crisp chop and fast footwork without muddiness—essential for layering and overdubbing with other percussion elements.

Key Features

14-inch diameter
Bronze alloy construction
Medium-heavy top cymbal weight classification
Precision formed, hammered, and lathed
B8X series designation (41403X catalog ID)
Designed as individual top cymbal component
Quick stick response and articulation
Rock-oriented sound profile with defined attack

The SABIAN 14" B8X Rock Hat Top functions as a focused, reliable workhorse for recording applications and sessions that prioritize clarity and control in fast-paced musical contexts.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	14"
Cymbal Type	Hi-Hats
Country of Manufacture	Canada