How to Make a Hi-Hat Stand

A while back, I acquired a drum set for $50. I got a kick, snare, and three toms, but no cymbals or stands. Because the set was so cheap, I was unwilling to spend over $50 to complete it, but cymbals are expensive, and so are stands!

By a stroke of luck, I was given hi-hat cymbals and a crash for free. Although they are crappy Starcaster cymbals, they make cymbal noises, so I'm happy. But I still needed a hi-hat stand, and the cheapest ones I saw were $50-$60. Unacceptable!

I googled around a bit and could not find any information on building my own hi-hat stand. Perhaps it's been done before, but I couldn't find anything. However, the concept seemed simple enough, so I decided to tackle it on my own.

I was able to do this project for just under $23. This is partly because my mother works at a hardware store and I get sizable discounts, but other parts of the country are much cheaper than here in Washington State.

Step 1 The Parts

Below is a list of parts I used. Feel free to modify the design and add or swap parts. If you do, I'd like to see how it turns out!

• 3/8"-16 x 36" threaded rod (Note: you may actually only need a 24" rod)
• 1/2" x 12" pipe (Note: the picture shows two, but I only used one)
• 1/2" x 8" pipe (2x)
• 1/2" x 3" pipe (2x)
• 3/4" x 6" pipe (4x)
• 1" x 2" pipe
• 1" coupling
• 1" x 1/2" bell reduction coupling
• 1/2" x 1" hex bushing (female x male)
• 1/2" 90º ell (2x)
• 1/2" x 3/4" x 3/4" tee (2x)
• 1/2" cross
• 13/16" x 3-1/4" x 0.62 WG compression spring
• 3/8"-16 nylon locking nuts (2x)
• 3/8" x 1" washer
• 3/8" wingnut
• 3/8"-16 x 1/4"-20 reducing coupling nut
• 3/8" x 3/8" x 1" nylon spacer (2x)
• 1/2" x 3/8" x 1" nylon spacer
• 3/8" x 1-1/2" rubber washer (2x)
• 1/2" x 2" rubber washer
• 1/4"-20 x 2" eye bolt (nut is not necessary)
• 6" or so of chain
• Hi-hat cymbals, of course!

Again, a lot of these parts can be substituted. Pipe lengths, washer sizes and thicknesses, etc. can all be adjusted how you see fit.

Comments

[bmxican33]

lol no offense but this is pretty ghetto

[benfarhner]

That's how I roll :)

[DIYguitarguy]

Haha my bands drummer uses an office chair as a throne too!

[ellisgl]

I would hate to have to drag that on on tour....

[benfarhner]

It's not that heavy, and the best part is that it fully disassembles! Unfortunately, because of the locking nut, taking the cymbals off is kind of a pain in the rear end.

It's great for the studio though! ;)

[lukaj2003]

Good job on the stand.
Nice, cheap and simple.
BTW, your drum kit has a very 'ghetto' or garage band-y type look, from the drum condition and the DIY hi-hat. Maybe you want to consider leaving it as it is?
Unless that's not your style of course... 

[benfarhner]

Thanks! Yeah it's pretty ghetto-looking. I'm thinking of painting the hi-hat stand but that's about it. Maybe I'll just do a clear coat.

[Apple_4_life]

 you might want to buy a crash and ride symbol and maybe buy or build a stand for each of em

[benfarhner]

 You'll note that I was given a crash along with the hi-hats. I also built a stand for it :)