DW MFG MDD Three-Leg Hi-Hat Stand, Graphite
The MDD HH3 Graphite is a three-leg hi-hat stand, anodized dark grey, whose heel hinge is mounted on a bearing. On a hi-hat stand, that part works differently than on a bass drum pedal: it carries a foot that stays down for a long time, not a foot that strikes and lifts off.
What sets it apart
- Nested Delta hinge with bearing, US patent 9472174
- Sustained pressure with no binding or squeaking
- Tripod with rotating legs
- Anodized Graphite finish
- Direct pull enclosed in a machined lower assembly
- Cut-out footboard in high-grade aluminum
A foot that stays down, not a foot that strikes
On a bass drum, the foot presses and releases thousands of times, briefly. On a hi-hat, it often stays down for whole bars, with constant pressure to keep the cymbals closed.
Those two kinds of load do not wear parts the same way. Constant load crushes the contact surfaces in the same spot and causes binding, then a squeak. A bearing hinge spreads the load over rolling elements, and that localized wear never sets in.
The squeak you only hear once it is recorded
A squeaky hi-hat stand is a sneaky problem. The drummer does not hear it: they are behind the cymbal, forty centimetres from the noise, and the music covers everything. The microphone placed above it, however, records it.
A good share of the takes played again in the studio have to be played again because of this kind of mechanical noise. That is the practical reason a bearing hinge, which looks like a luxury in the store, pays for itself from the very first session.
Graphite on a tripod
A tripod leaves three tubes exposed, which hands grab at every setup and shoes knock into on stage. These are the parts of an instrument that take the most visible marks.
A colour set into the metal's oxide layer handles that treatment better than chrome plating, which chips from an impact and then pits. Graphite also hides signs of use, which show up clearly on a shiny surface.
Specifications
| Hinge | Nested Delta hinge with bearing, patent 9472174 |
|---|---|
| Type of load | Sustained pressure rather than strokes |
| Legs | Three, rotating |
| Colour | Anodized Graphite |
| Drive | Direct pull |
| Footboard | Cut-out aluminum |
What it is for
- A hi-hat held closed through long passages
- Recording, where any mechanical noise ends up in the mix
- Touring, where the tripod tubes take a beating
- A complete black setup, pedals and stands included
- Drummers who play with a heavy left foot
Compare with other manufacturers
How other manufacturers hinge the footboard of their hi-hat stands:
| Manufacturer | Comparable model | What differs |
|---|---|---|
| Tama | Iron Cobra Lever Glide | Bushing hinge, maintained with periodic greasing |
| Yamaha | HS1200T | Classic through-axle under the footboard |
| Pearl | Eliminator Demon Drive | Height-adjustable heel, hinge tied to that adjustment |
| Gibraltar | 9707 Series | Simple hinge, common replacement parts |
Frequently asked questions
- Why does a hi-hat stand start squeaking?
- Because sustained pressure always crushes the same contact surfaces. A bearing hinge avoids that localized wear.
- Can the squeak be heard on a recording?
- Yes, the microphone above the hi-hat picks it up, while the drummer behind the cymbal does not hear it.
- Does the hinge need maintenance?
- Checking that it is tight and cleaning it is enough; it does not need regular greasing.
- Does the Graphite tripod also come in a two-leg version?
- Yes, the same colour covers both frames in the line.
Avis clients
Has your hi-hat stand stayed silent on the mic?
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