A helpful illustrated guide on how to transport your hi hat stand in 13 easy steps

1. Loosen the wingnut on the hi hat clutch

The hi hat clutch is the part which holds the top cymbal in place. Loosen its wingnut first

2. Remove the hi hat cymbals from the stand

Put the bottom hi hat cymbal somewhere safe so it won't get damaged while you hold the top hi hat cymbal with your other hand.

3. Remove the top hi hat cymbal from the clutch

Now store the top hi hat cymbal somewhere safe and reassemble the clutch.

4. Loosen the wingnut half way up the hi hat stand

5. Remove the now loose upper tube from the hi hat stand

6. Unscrew the hi hat rod

If the hi hat rod is stuck be sure not to bend it. Instead try to unscrew it right at the thread of the screw, where it gets wider. Once the hi hat rod is unscrewed, add a little lubricant to it so it will be easier next time. Plain Vaseline will always do the trick for these things.

7. Put the hi hat rod in reversed direction into the top of the upper tube

The wider part at the bottom of the rod will keep the felt(s) in place.

8. Attach the hi hat clutch

While holding your finger on the screw thread of the hi hat rod, slide the hi hat clutch over the rod on the other end. In some cases you can slide the clutch all the way into the upper tube.

9. Tighten hi hat clutch wingnut

Tighten the wingnut of the hi hat clutch so it forms a sturdy piece of hardware along with the upper tube and the rod.

10. Loosen the wingnut on the bottom part

In order to fold the feet first loosen the wingnut.

11. Fold the feet of the hi hat

Take two feet and fold these inwards simultaneously. This will require much less force. If it takes too much force first loosen the wingnut some more.

12. Fold footplate

Depending on the make and model of your hi hat you may need to loosen another wingnut or allen screw. Or you might even need to release the two thin rods which keep the footboard from folding.

13. Two pieces in case or bag and you’re done!

Gently put your two pieces of hi hat into your hardware case or bag. Have fun at the gig, session or rehearsal!

If you want to set up the hi hat stand simply reverse these steps.

Always transport your hi hat stand like this. If you don’t you’re going to get a warped hi hat rod which will hinder your playing. Needless to say your hi hat stand won’t become more valuable with a warped rod..

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