How to Use a Clutch on a Hi-Hat Stand

The clutch is attached to the top, hi-hat cymbal.

A hi-hat is a pair of cymbals mounted on a foot-operated stand. The cymbals are of equal diameter and are mounted bottom-to-bottom. The hi-hat is an integral part of the rock and pop drum kit, as it is used it to count time. You can operate the hi-hat with your left foot, by depressing the pedal. The pedal pulls down on the stem that is attached to the clutch, which in turn is attached to the top hi-hat. The clutch position determines the sound and dynamic response of the hi-hat, so take time to set it up to suit your playing style.

Instructions

1. 

   Clutch position relative to the stem governs the distance between cymbals on a hi-hat.

   Lower the bottom hi-hat cymbal onto the stem of the hi-hat stand. Ensure the bell is on the underside.

2. Remove the nut from the barrel of the clutch.

3. Slot the top part of the clutch into the hole in the center of the top hi-hat cymbal. The barrel of the clutch will protrude about 1/2 inch through the hole.

4. Screw the clutch nut to the portion of the barrel protruding through the hole. This attaches the clutch to the top cymbal.

5. Slot the top cymbal onto the stem of the hi-hat stand. Carefully lower it so that it rests on top of the bottom cymbal.

6. Sit on your drum stool in a comfortable playing position. Put your left foot on the pedal and press it down. The stem will move up and down as you do this, but the hi-hat won’t move until you tighten the wingnut.

7. 

   A 1/2-inch gap is a good starting point to find your preferred setting.

   Depress the foot pedal so the stem moves down 1/2 inch. Tighten the clutch wingnut with your fingers so the clutch clasps the stem. Move the pedal to ensure that the clutch moves also, lifting and lowering the top hi-hat. Confirm that there is a 1/2-inch gap between the cymbals and that the cymbals only come together when you press down on the pedal.

8. Loosen the wingnut and press down on the pedal. Experiment with gap sizes by applying varying amounts of pressure to the pedal and tightening the wingnut. Although it’s a matter of personal preference, in order to retain control over the hi-hats, the gap shouldn’t exceed 1-inch. If it is less than 1/16-inch, the effects of pressing the pedal will be negligible.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are left-handed and have the kit set up accordingly, the hi-hat will be on your right, so use your right foot to operate the pedal.

• The traditional playing style calls for the drummer to press down on the pedal at all times to keep the hi-hats closed. You only open the hats when you want to alter the sound or add accents. As you’re playing, you can “sizzle” the hats by releasing the pressure on the pedal. This opens the hats slightly. The size of the gap when you release pressure on the pedal determines the intensity of the sizzle. A large gap creates a “trashy” sound; a smaller gap creates a crisp sound.

References

• Music Distributors Worldwide: Drum Set Instructions
• DW Drums:DW 9500 Hi Hat Stand Manual