
Repairing Cracked Cymbals – Is It Even Possible?
- Repairing A Crack On The Outside. The most common place to get a crack on the cymbal is on the edge. This is very easy...
- Working With The Cracks. Another way to use cracks to your advantage is to create a whole new cymbal. This works best if...
- Repairing The Center Or Bell. The center of a cymbal or the bell of the cymbal...
What to do when a cymbal cracks on the edge?
It’s important that you act fast when you find a crack on the edge of a cymbal, even if it’s only a centre metre long. Usually you’ll be able to hear a slight change in the sound as the cymbal will sustain for longer than usual. The best way to prevent a crack from becoming any bigger is to simply control the crack yourself.
Where can I learn more about repairing and salvaging cymbals?
If you want to get serious and learn more about salvaging, repairing or even making cymbals I highly recommend checking out Lance Campeau’s “ The Cymbal Project ” on Youtube.
How can you tell if a cymbal has cracked?
It’s important that you act fast when you find a crack on the edge of a cymbal, even if it’s only a centre metre long. Usually you’ll be able to hear a slight change in the sound as the cymbal will sustain for longer than usual.
How do you fix a broken cymbal with super glue?
Apply a thin coat of Super-Glue to the entire ground area, position the patch and apply ample pressure. A clamp with a deep enough grab is preferred but a heavy weight will do as well. Make sure to place, cellophane, foil, paper or other protective layer under the topside of the cymbal to avoid glueing it to your workbench or clamp.

How do you repair a cracked drum cymbal?
0:174:02Repairing Cymbal Cracks | Home Of Drums DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst mark the spot where you want to drill a hole. The hole is there so that you end up with aMoreFirst mark the spot where you want to drill a hole. The hole is there so that you end up with a rounded edge instead of a straight corner where your two cuts meet this also gives you more stability.
How do you weld a cracked cymbal?
2:188:56Can you WELD a cymbal? - Lance Campeau - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd get the crack to join up properly. I got this screwdriver wedged in here to make sure that theMoreAnd get the crack to join up properly. I got this screwdriver wedged in here to make sure that the energy is dispersed over both sides of the joint. First. I have to apply the solder.
What can I do with old cracked cymbals?
In case your cymbal breaks, the metal is for sure recyclable. Since they already recycle metal created in different cymbal-making steps, cymbals that don't pass the sound quality tests, etc., you can recycle the broken ones as well.
Are cracked cymbals worth anything?
Cracks around the edge of a cymbal will mean that the cymbal is worth less, but not worthless. Small edge cracks are fairly easy to repair, and we'll cover this further down the page. Unless you repair cymbals with edge cracks, you'd need to be more gentle when playing them.
Why do cymbals crack?
Cymbals may crack due to a lot of stress being applied to them over time. This can be caused by your technique, set-up, cymbal type or simply from wear and tear over time.
Can you play a cracked cymbal?
Cracks play a role in structural integrity and can spread. If you continue playing cracked cymbals, the crack will increase. You can also hear cracks, which sounds sparkling as it vibrates with each thud. Some drummers even like this sound!
Do cracked cymbals sound different?
A crack cymbal won't really change the sound by itself. Although, over time it may get bigger and eventually crack through the cymbal, maybe breaking it.
How do you drill a hole in a cracked cymbal?
The quickest and easiest option is to drill the end(s) of the crack which should stop it spreading any further. Before drilling, as with any metal work, use a centre-punch to create an initial path for the drill bit, preventing any skipping.
Can you sell broken cymbals?
If they are broken or cracked then sell them to the scrap metal recycler.
What are Zildjian cymbals made of?
Zildjian cast cymbals are made from the Zildjian secret alloy, which is comprised of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver. Bronze cymbals begin as pre-formed disks cut from metal with uniform thickness.
How long should cymbals last?
Most drummers who have good playing techniques and do proper maintenance can use their cymbals for up to 20, 30 years, if not more. If quality cymbals break after a short time, you should replace them – but also consider purchasing suitable cymbals for the appropriate musical direction.
How much are cymbals worth in scrap?
Any cymbal made of B20 bronze alloy (sometimes called 'bell bronze') is worth $2 per inch; all other cymbals (except brass) are worth $1 per inch. If you're not sure what your cymbals are made of, just Contact Us and we'll tell you.
How do you stop cymbals from cracking?
4 Ways to Prevent Your Cymbals from CrackingProper “Seat” For your Cymbal. First things first, when setting up your cymbals it is so important to have a proper seat for your cymbals. ... Angle of Tilter. ... Approach when Hitting. ... Pick the Right Type of Cymbal for Your Desired Application.
How do people crack cymbals?
Crack can also occur by simple mistakes and accidentally catching different parts of your cymbal with your drumsticks. An example of this is if your cymbals have holes in them.
How much are cymbals worth in scrap?
Any cymbal made of B20 bronze alloy (sometimes called 'bell bronze') is worth $2 per inch; all other cymbals (except brass) are worth $1 per inch. If you're not sure what your cymbals are made of, just Contact Us and we'll tell you.
Can cymbals be recycled?
If a cymbal does break, that metal is fully recyclable. We recycle metal created in the sizing, lathing, edging and other cymbal making steps. Cymbals that do not pass the quality test in the Vault are melted down and recycled. Metal not produced by SABIAN (brass, for example) is returned to the supplier for recycling.
Are drum heads recyclable?
Drummerworld Pro Drummer - Administrator I'd say that smooth heads (clear or white or black) are recyclable, but coated heads probably aren't. Also, before recycling the head, cut it out from the hoop and recycle only the Mylar.
Do Paiste cymbals crack easily?
They are not made from "pucks" like traditional Turkish cymbals. This is gives Paiste the ability to match cymbal sonics across a model, but also makes them more brittle (I have cracked three Paiste cymbals, but have never cracked any from other brands). They are more expensive than the other brands.
Where to find a crack in a cymbal?
The most common place to get a crack on the cymbal is on the edge. This is very easy to fix if you spot the crack early, however the larger it gets the more useless the cymbal will become. It’s important that you act fast when you find a crack on the edge of a cymbal, even if it’s only a centre metre long. Usually you’ll be able to hear a slight change in the sound as the cymbal will sustain for longer than usual.
Why do drummers buy second hand cymbals?
A lot of drummers buy second hand cymbals to save on money. Some people actually prefer the sound of a broken cymbal. But the most common reason is so they can try to repair them and refurbish them to make a new cymbal.
How to fix a cymbal with a crack?
When a cymbal has a small crack at the edge, the easiest and most common fix is to simply remove the crack and surrounding material. The less material removed, the less impact it will have on the sound. Fortunately, the slightly decreased weight also results in the fixed portion naturally rotating towards the highest point, which is the farthest from where we hit. Although it is advisable to remove as little material as possible, it is vital that the entire crack, including any hairlines at the end, is removed. Otherwise it won’t take long until the crack reappears along it’s original path. However we also need to balance minimum material removal with as smooth a “cut” line as possible. Both for the sake of not converting the cymbal into a deadly weapon and to avoid any sharp interior corners as those would be starting points for new cracks.
Can a cymbal be used as a weapon?
Many times this salvage method yields quite acceptable results and the cymbal can be used for it’s original purpose, although with a slightly altered sound.
Can you cut a 20" cymbal?
If the crack isn't too long, and is at the edge of the cymbal, you can simply cut the cymbal down to a smaller size. For example, if your crack goes through the first inch of your 20" cymbal, you can simply cut off that inch. You'd be left with a perfectly healthy 19" cymbal.
Can you use epoxy to repair a cymbal?
Some people suggest using epoxy (glue) for repairing cracked cymbals. Personally, I don't think this is a very good method. The vibration involved in a moving cymbal breaks the bonds in the glue fairly quickly. Also, people have said that the results are mediocre, and that the sound is ugly.
Do drummers drill holes when repairing cymbals?
Some drummers think that the sound of a crack can be quite desirable. They may still drill holes when repairing cracked cymbals, but they enjoy the different, trashy sounds that the cracks create.
Can you fix a cracked cymbal?
I was wondering if it's possible to repair a cracked cymbal by soldering or welding it. My china is cracked right in the bend.
Re: Can you fix a cracked cymbal?
Depends on the size of the repair. Up to about 1 1/2" to 2" crack, the sound doesn't change drastically. It does change though. Use a dremal with a circular metal cutting bit and start from the edge and slowly work your way in.
Re: Can you fix a cracked cymbal?
Depends on the size of the repair. Up to about 1 1/2" to 2" crack, the sound doesn't change drastically. It does change though. Use a dremal with a circular metal cutting bit and start from the edge and slowly work your way in.
Re: Can you fix a cracked cymbal?
I was wondering if it's possible to repair a cracked cymbal by soldering or welding it. My china i cracked right in the bend.
Re: Can you fix a cracked cymbal?
I agree with NR. For somewhere around $50 you can get an 18" Wuhan and not have to worry about the crack.
Re: Can you fix a cracked cymbal?
Wow... this came back to life again... LOL! My china cracked in one of the grooves. Actually, it cracked in two places along the same groove. One at 12 O'clock and one at 7 O'clock. The groove was right were the bow bends back outward again on the china. I did buy a Wuhan, and it's a cool cymbal. It has a pang to it that the Zild didn't have.
Re: Can you fix a cracked cymbal?
I can't believe nobody has givin' you crap for technique, ha funny. But yes, i recently cracked my china a well, currently saving up, I had a Paiste, but i'm considering Istanbul, Lester from the band Pillar had one and it sounded sick!