Magnetic Dixon Dropclutch
The Magnetic Drop Clutch is a way to continue playing patterns on a closed hi-hat with your hands while your foot wanders off to double kick pedal, foot cowbell or similar.
Although drop clutches have been around in various forms for quite some time, what makes this particular device unique is that the regular looking clutch is held in place by a magnetic top disc that attaches to most hi-hat rods via a standard drum key. Once engaged, the magnetic disc does a perfect job of holding the top cymbal in place, with the stand feeling and performing as any hi-hat would. Though the disc and clutch combination does add a slight amount of weight, a small adjustment of the stand’s tension dial soon has things back to normal when your foot is raised.
To release the top cymbal and free your foot, simply strike the magnetic disc and the clutch disengages; it doesn’t take a hard strike to achieve this, meaning that it’s not a distraction from the flow of your playing, although you do have to factor in the sound produced by the top cymbal dropping onto the bottom as the disc is struck. That said, with a little practice you can easily master striking just as your foot is starting to raise, keeping this to a minimum. Once disengaged, the top cymbal sits naturally on the bottom, giving a slightly sloppy sound to your hats, which is a common occurrence for any kind of drop clutch and a small pay-off for what the system offers, especially as it negates you having to spend a considerable amount more money on a second pair of hats on a closed stand attachment.
Another neat little inclusion supplied with the Magnetic Clutch is a small, adjustable spring unit that sits between the two cymbals and can be set to hold the top and bottom anywhere from slightly apart to half open, which is perfect for more rock or metal playing, as you then get a sizzling, sustained sound from the hats while having the ability to pull out your best double kick chops. The Dixon Magnetic Drop Clutch is an interesting product that opens up a host of playing options for a very reasonable price tag – what’s not to like?