In short, yes. Cymbals sound better with age. As cymbals age, they produce a dark and mellow sound, compared to the bright and loud sound on newer cymbals. And many drummers prefer the dark and mellow sound of an aged cymbal.

Do cymbals change sound over time?

Repeated vibration and impact will slowly work-harden any metal. This is the main source of a crash or cymbal mellowing. Makes sense, Ive experienced some noticeable sonic change in new cymbals after repeated play. Some drummers do a series of mallet roll sessions on their new cymbals as a break-in ritual.

How long should cymbals last?

Well, a drummer who hits with light to moderate force and good control should be able to make a cymbal last for 20 to 50 years, especially if theyre cleaned regularly. You can find 20+ year-old brass on eBay all the time.

Do Dirty cymbals sound different?

Cleaning cymbals does affect their sustain/sound -- if the cymbals are REALLY dirt/tarnished that is. A filthy cymbal that may sound dark & mellow will usually sound a lot brighter & will cut through better & sustain longer after it is cleaned.

Do cymbals wear out?

Yes, Cymbals do wear out over time. Cymbals are fairly ductile round plates made from alloys of different metals. Drummers who hit cymbals very hard can wear them out quickly. Over time, as you hit them, the structural composition of the metal weakens, causing the cymbals to break.

Why do my cymbals sound bad?

If your cymbals are cracked, dented, or key-holed, the sound can be permanently impaired. While cracks and dents are obvious, key-holing is less so.

What does hammering do to cymbals?

Hammering also adds tension and stress to a cymbals physical structure. The distortions on the surface of a cymbal caused by hammer strikes add tonal complexity to a cymbals overall sound; larger hammer marks cause greater disruptions of sound waves, lending to a trashier and darker sound.

Can cracked cymbals be fixed?

You can get lucky and perform a good fix, retaining most of the acoustic signature of the cymbal and keeping it from losing its sound. However, if done improperly, trying to fix the crack can end up dramatically altering the sound of the cymbal. Sometimes, though, you have no other choice.

What is the best brand of cymbals?

Top 4 Cymbal BrandsZildjian. Zildjian is arguably the most popular cymbal brand there is. Sabian. Sabian has always been the direct competitor to Zildjian. Meinl. Meinl hasnt always been as popular as the previous brands. Paiste. Smaller Brands. Dream. Istanbul Agop. Soultone.More items •2 Aug 2021

Is it bad to clean cymbals?

You can clean your cymbals using cymbal cleaner as often as you like but we dont recommend you polish them every time. The abrasives in the cymbal cleaner polishing compound could wear your cymbal down to the lathing, which ultimately alters the tone of the cymbal.

Can you clean cymbals with water?

Clean your cymbals more often with just warm water and soap. If you have to use a cleaner, use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.

Do thin cymbals break easier?

Thinner cymbals are more prone to cracking, as are hand hammered cymbals like Istanbul. Old K Zildjians are often cracked, and supposedly one in ten cracked during the shaping process, before it even left the factory. In their old literature, they actually warn that the cymbals crack easily.

Are bigger cymbals louder?

Heavy cymbals respond with bigger, louder sound, but require more power from the drummer to open up. Heavier Cymbals = Increased Volume, Longer Sustain, and Higher Pitch. Thinner Cymbals = Decreased Volume, Faster Decay and Lower Pitch.

Why do hi hats sound weird?

If you push too hard on your hi-hat foot pedal, you will choke the cymbals, and this is a sure way to make even the best cymbals sound average. If there is too much separation between the two, you only get the high-pitched and somewhat piercing sound of the top cymbal.

Which cymbal is the crash?

Crash cymbals were traditionally placed on the left side of the drum set (for a right-handed drummer) since the normally larger ride cymbal is usually on the right, however some drummers set up their crash on the right.

Can you hammer your own cymbals?

Most cymbals have little or no fine tuning. A master-smith or independent cymbal-smith can, through carefully planned hammering and lathing strategies, alter the sonic characteristics and create a more musical instrument.

What is the effect of hammering?

The hammer effect (or water hammer) can harm valves, pipes, and gauges in any water, oil, or gas application. It occurs when the liquid pressure is turned from an on position to an off position abruptly. When water or a liquid is flowing at full capacity there is a normal, even sound of the flow.

Are cracked cymbals worth anything?

Its a good sign if the edge is nice and smooth, although used cymbals could still have edge cracks. Cracks around the edge of a cymbal will mean that the cymbal is worth less, but not worthless.

Why do my cymbals keep cracking?

The problem with thin cymbals is that when they are played on a stage, they need to be hit hard in order to hear them, leading to a higher chance of the cymbal cracking. Our experts suggest to get a cymbal that is one size thicker than you want, in order to prevent breakage.

What is the most expensive cymbal brand?

In this article, we have made a list of the most expensive cymbals sets from the most popular brands! Most Expensive Sabian Cymbal Set14″ HHX Evolution Hats.16″ HHX Evolution Crash.20″ HHX Evolution Ride.+ 18″ HHX Evolution O-Zone effects cymbal.