Cymbals Direct

As a drummer, it is inevitable that your equipment will need to be replaced at some point. You may have had a great gig and crashed just a bit too hard on your Cymbal, resulting in an unwanted crack. Although most companies have great exchange policies for cracked Cymbals, the best thing you can do is to avoid actions that can cause the crack in the first place.

If you are a hard rocker, odds are you won't choose a lightweight, super thin Cymbal such as a Sabian B8 Thin Crash. The force of the music you are playing requires a heavy, thick Cymbal that can withstand the pressure you are imposing upon it. Choose the right Cymbal for your type of music, and avoid undue force that will result in a crack.

Proper stick handling is essential for avoiding cracks. If you find that your sticks are getting marked up by the way you strike your Cymbal, change your handling of your drumsticks. The makers of Sabian Cymbals recommend 'slicing' across the edge of your Cymbal and avoid hitting it straight up and down. Play off the Cymbal with a glancing blow to the left or right. Hitting your Cymbal straight up and down with a rigid arm will put undue pressure on it and may cause a crack.

Holding your sticks properly will help to avoid cracks, but having the appropriate drumsticks for your Cymbals is also important. You can purchase all wooden sticks or sticks with a plastic tip. Although some say that plastic tips sound better when striking a Cymbal, wooden sticks are more durable and less likely to have the tip fly off when playing.

Proper cushioning of your Cymbals while they are set up is extremely important. Be sure to apply felts at the bell of the Cymbal, and use plastic sleeves to keep the Cymbal from touching the metal stand.

Storing your Cymbals properly is as important as playing them carefully. Keep them in a hard-shelled case or a bag between gigs. Avoid placing your Cymbals in situations where they can get nicked along the edges, as this can lead to cracks. Never let your Cymbals come into contact with the stand or other metal materials when transporting, as this can mark them in a way called key holing.

Good working Cymbals are cleaned and polished often. In much the same way that oil from your hands soils your jewelry, handling will cause your Cymbals to become worn. Keep them polished and shiny for the best durability.

If you do find that you crack one of your Cymbals, there are a few options. You can carefully drill a hole by the bell of the Cymbal, near to the crack. This will stop the crack from growing along the grooves. A machine shop can cut your Cymbal down to a smaller size, removing the crack entirely. Although these fixes will extend the life of your Cymbal, you will still need to replace it sooner rather than later.

When drumming, the best advice for keeping your equipment intact is to take care of it according to manufacturers instructions. Proper thickness choice, adequate storage, and the way you choose to strike will all factor into a long and healthy life for your Cymbal.

Labels: Cymbal Cracks, Cymbals Tips, Tips for Drummers