Before delving into the process of making drum cymbals, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what they are and how they work. Drum cymbals are percussion instruments that produce a wide range of sounds, from bright crashes to smooth rides and sharp hi – hats. They play a vital role in adding texture, dynamics, and accents to a musical performance.
Anatomy of a Drum Cymbal
Bell: The bell is the raised part in the center of the cymbal. It is usually thicker and produces a higher – pitched, more focused sound. The size and shape of the bell can significantly affect the overall sound character of the cymbal. A larger bell often results in a more pronounced, cutting sound, while a smaller bell may offer a softer, more subtle tone.
Bow: The bow is the curved area that extends from the bell to the edge of the cymbal. It is the main body of the cymbal and is responsible for the majority of the sound production. The thickness and curvature of the bow can vary widely among different types of cymbals, contributing to their unique tonal qualities.
Edge: The edge of the cymbal can be straight, wavy, or have other shapes. The edge treatment can influence the way the cymbal responds when struck. For example, a thin, rounded edge may produce a softer, more wash – like sound, while a thicker, sharper edge can create a more defined and articulate sound.
Hole: Most cymbals have a hole in the center, which is used to mount the cymbal on a stand. The size and shape of the hole can also have a minor impact on the sound, as well as the stability of the cymbal when mounted.
Gathering the Materials and Tools
Materials
Cymbal Alloy: The most common material for making cymbals is a copper – tin alloy, often referred to as bronze. Different ratios of copper and tin, along with the addition of other elements such as zinc or silver, can create a variety of cymbal alloys with distinct sonic properties. B20 bronze, which is 80% copper and 20% tin, is a popular choice for many high – quality cymbals, offering a warm, rich sound with good projection.
Polishing Compounds: To achieve a smooth and shiny finish, you’ll need polishing compounds. These can range from coarse abrasive compounds for initial surface smoothing to fine polishing pastes for a high – gloss finish.
Lacquer (Optional): Applying lacquer to the cymbal can help protect it from oxidation and corrosion, as well as give it a more finished look. However, some drummers prefer the natural patina that develops on un – lacquered cymbals over time, as it can also affect the sound in certain ways.
Tools
Metal Cutting Tools: A bandsaw or a metal cutting disc on an angle grinder can be used to cut the raw metal sheet into the desired cymbal shape. These tools need to be sharp and suitable for cutting metal to ensure clean and accurate cuts.
Hammer and Anvil: Hammers and anvils are essential for shaping the cymbal. Different types of hammers, such as flat – faced hammers, cross – peen hammers, and ball – peen hammers, are used at various stages of the shaping process to create the desired curves, thickness variations, and surface textures.
Press (Optional but Recommended): A hydraulic or mechanical press can be extremely useful for more precise shaping, especially when creating consistent thicknesses and symmetrical forms. It can help in tasks like flattening the metal sheet initially or forming the bell and bow shapes more uniformly.
Lathe: A lathe is used to turn and shape the edges of the cymbal, as well as to create any desired patterns or grooves on the surface. It allows for very accurate and detailed work, which can have a significant impact on the cymbal’s sound and appearance.
Measuring Tools: A caliper is crucial for measuring the thickness of the cymbal at various points during the making process. A ruler or measuring tape is also needed for overall size measurements and layout.
Polishing Tools: Polishing wheels, buffing pads, and polishing compounds are used together to smooth and shine the surface of the cymbal. These tools can range from simple hand – held buffers to more powerful bench – mounted polishing machines.
Step – by – Step Guide to Making Drum Cymbals
Preparing the Metal Sheet
Selecting the Right Alloy: Choose the appropriate cymbal alloy based on the sound characteristics you want to achieve. As mentioned, B20 bronze is a popular choice, but you may also explore other alloys depending on your preferences and the type of cymbal you’re making (e.g., crash, ride, hi – hat).
Cutting the Metal Sheet: Using a bandsaw or an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc, cut the metal sheet into a rough circular shape. Make sure to leave some extra material around the edges, as you’ll need it for shaping and trimming later. The size of the initial circle will depend on the final size of the cymbal you plan to make. For example, if you want to make a 16 – inch crash cymbal, you might start with a circle that’s around 18 inches in diameter.
Shaping the Cymbal
Initial Flattening (if necessary): If the metal sheet has any irregularities or is not flat enough, you can use a press or a large, flat – faced hammer on an anvil to flatten it out. This step helps ensure a more consistent thickness and shape as you progress with the shaping process.
Forming the Bell: Place the metal disc on the anvil and use a rounded – ended hammer to start shaping the bell in the center. Gradually hammer down the center area, working your way outwards in a circular motion to create the raised bell shape. Keep checking the thickness of the bell with a caliper to ensure it meets the desired specifications. The bell should be thicker than the rest of the cymbal to produce the characteristic high – pitched sound.
Creating the Bow: Once the bell is formed, use a combination of hammers and the anvil to shape the bow. Hammer the area around the bell, gradually curving the metal downwards and outwards to create the bowl – like shape of the bow. Pay attention to the curvature and thickness, as these will affect the cymbal’s tone and response. You can use a template or a pre – made cymbal as a guide to achieve the right shape.
Edge Shaping: Mount the partially shaped cymbal on a lathe. Use the lathe to turn and shape the edge of the cymbal. You can create a straight edge, a wavy edge, or other custom shapes. Additionally, you can use the lathe to cut any grooves or patterns on the edge or the surface of the cymbal. These grooves can influence the sound by changing the way the cymbal vibrates and resonates.
Thickness Adjustment
Measuring Thickness: Use a caliper to measure the thickness of the cymbal at various points, including the bell, bow, and edge. Different types of cymbals have different ideal thickness profiles. For example, a crash cymbal may have a relatively thinner edge compared to a ride cymbal, which often has a thicker edge for a more sustained and articulate sound.
Hammering for Thickness Changes: If the thickness is not as desired, use a hammer to thin out or thicken specific areas. To thin an area, place the cymbal on the anvil and gently hammer the surface, spreading the metal out. To thicken an area, you can use a technique called “raising,” where you hammer the underside of the cymbal to push the metal upwards and increase the thickness. This process requires careful attention and precision to achieve a balanced and consistent sound.
Surface Finishing
Initial Sanding: Use sandpaper of various grits, starting with a coarse grit (e.g., 80 – 120 grit) to remove any rough edges, tool marks, or imperfections on the surface of the cymbal. Work your way up to finer grits (e.g., 400 – 600 grit) to smooth the surface further. This step helps prepare the cymbal for polishing.
Polishing: Apply a coarse polishing compound to a polishing wheel or buffing pad. Turn on the polishing machine and carefully move the cymbal across the rotating wheel or pad, following the contours of the cymbal. Start with the larger areas and then move on to the more detailed parts like the bell and the edge. As you progress, switch to finer polishing compounds to achieve a high – gloss finish. Be careful not to over – polish, as this can remove too much metal and affect the sound of the cymbal.
Applying Lacquer (Optional)
Cleaning the Cymbal: Before applying lacquer, make sure the cymbal is clean and free of any polishing compounds or debris. Use a clean cloth and a mild solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, to wipe down the surface of the cymbal.
Spraying or Brushing the Lacquer: If you choose to apply lacquer, you can use a spray gun or a brush. If using a spray gun, hold it about 6 – 8 inches away from the cymbal and apply the lacquer in thin, even coats. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next one. If using a brush, apply the lacquer in smooth, even strokes, being careful not to leave any brush marks. Typically, 2 – 3 coats of lacquer are sufficient for good protection.
Tuning and Adjusting Your Cymbals
Tuning Basics
Cymbals don’t have traditional tuning like drums, but you can still influence their sound by adjusting the way they are mounted and played. For example, tightening or loosening the wingnut on the cymbal stand can change the resonance and sustain of the cymbal. A tighter wingnut will dampen the cymbal slightly, reducing the sustain, while a looser one will allow for more free vibration and a longer sustain.
Customizing the Sound
Edge Trimming: If you find that the cymbal has a certain harshness or unwanted overtones, you can carefully trim the edge. Use a fine – toothed metal file or a small grinding tool to gently remove a small amount of material from the edge. This can soften the sound and change the tonal character of the cymbal. However, be very cautious when doing this, as removing too much material can damage the cymbal.
Surface Modification: Some drummers and cymbal makers experiment with creating small dimples or scratches on the surface of the cymbal. These surface modifications can change the way the cymbal vibrates and produce unique sound effects. But again, this should be done with great care, as it can permanently alter the cymbal’s sound.
Tips for Beginners
Start with Simple Designs: When first making cymbals, it’s a good idea to start with simple shapes and designs. Don’t try to create overly complex patterns or shapes right away, as this can be challenging and may lead to mistakes. Focus on mastering the basic shaping, thickness adjustment, and finishing techniques first.
Practice Hammering Skills: Hammering is a crucial part of cymbal making, and it takes time and practice to develop the right technique. Start by practicing on scrap pieces of metal to get a feel for how the hammer interacts with the metal and how to control the force and direction of the blows.
Study Existing Cymbals: Look at and study different types of commercial cymbals. Pay attention to their shapes, thicknesses, and surface finishes. This can give you valuable insights into the design and construction of high – quality cymbals and help you in your own making process.
Conclusion
Making drum cymbals is a complex and rewarding process that combines artistry and technical skill. From selecting the right alloy to carefully shaping, finishing, and customizing the cymbal, each step plays a crucial role in determining the final sound and appearance of the instrument. While it may seem intimidating at first, with patience, practice, and the right tools, anyone can learn to make their own unique cymbals. Whether you’re a musician looking to create a one – of – a – kind cymbal with specific sound characteristics or a hobbyist interested in the craft of instrument making, the journey of making drum cymbals offers a deep understanding of these essential percussion instruments. As you gain more experience, you’ll be able to experiment with different alloys, shapes, and techniques to create cymbals that truly stand out in your musical performances.
