I have a nice Zildjian A crash ride that has developed a small crack about an inch in length where the bow of the cymbal meets the bell. I have been told in the past to use a small drill bit and drill a hole at each end to prevent further cracking. I have also been told that smoothing the edges of the crack with a dremel or similar tool will help retain the cymbal's tone.
Has anyone else here tried this or know any more information about these little procedures. I'd like to do something about this because its a great sounding cymbal and I would appreciate any information that could be posted about this.
Thanks in advance to anyone who posts info.
-Joe
cracked cymbal?
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fw
Hey Joe!
I heard that if you drill the ends of the crack, you need to make sure you get the actual ends. I guess what appear to be the ends of the cracks aren't really the ends--the true ends of the cracks are microscopic and extend a bit past what look like the ends. Also, they say to use a press, but if you don't have one, put plywood on the other side of the part you want to drill and hold the drill in place as firmly as you can so it doesn't slide around and damage the cymbal.
I think I've seen people avoid sizzle from the crack by drilling a few holes along the crack and tightening small bolts through the holes. After you tighten them as tightly as you can, you trim off the excess bolt shafts. Then I guess you just tighten them every once in a while, or put loctite on them. Personally, I'd be afraid to do that much to a cymbal unless the sizzle made a really unpleasant sound.
Will
I heard that if you drill the ends of the crack, you need to make sure you get the actual ends. I guess what appear to be the ends of the cracks aren't really the ends--the true ends of the cracks are microscopic and extend a bit past what look like the ends. Also, they say to use a press, but if you don't have one, put plywood on the other side of the part you want to drill and hold the drill in place as firmly as you can so it doesn't slide around and damage the cymbal.
I think I've seen people avoid sizzle from the crack by drilling a few holes along the crack and tightening small bolts through the holes. After you tighten them as tightly as you can, you trim off the excess bolt shafts. Then I guess you just tighten them every once in a while, or put loctite on them. Personally, I'd be afraid to do that much to a cymbal unless the sizzle made a really unpleasant sound.
Will
The death rattle!!! You can drill the ends of the cracks, just make sure that you get the whole ends of the crack. This will only prolong the death of the cymbal. If it's that high up near the bell you may have been hitting that cymbal too hard. Anyway enjoy what time you have left and start looking for it's twin in the stores. I've milked an extra 6 months drilling the cymbal and playing 6 nights a week.
HA I was just replying at the same time. Good points about the wood.
Dinkus
HA I was just replying at the same time. Good points about the wood.
Dinkus
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palacki808
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Thanks for the information guys. I need to do something about this cymbal soon, I have another ride, but it doesn't have the feel or sound of my good ol' zildjian. As much as I hate to admit it I should probably start looking for another one. In the meantime I'm going to the garage (where the drill press is).
Thanks again Guys.
-Joe
Thanks again Guys.
-Joe