Traditionally, felt was the most common material used for cymbal washers. More recently, advances in technology and innovation in design have led to the development of foam cymbal washers. The new foam washers offer drummers several advantages, including sound enhancement, cymbal protection and greater playing comfort. Therefore, it’s no surprise that, today, many drummers prefer to upgrade from old-style felt cymbal washers to foam.
This article will help explain how foam is produced and why foam cymbal washers are preferred by modern drummers who want to enhance the sound and performance of their cymbals.
What is Foam?
Foam rubber is a polyethylene material that is infused with millions of tiny air pockets. The density of the foam can be varied by the percentage of air pockets in it. This allows precise control of the firmness, resilience and sound absorption qualities of the foam and provides a highly consistent material that is superior in variety of applications.
The manufacturing process for producing foam involves 3 different steps: foaming, molding/extrusion and cutting/stamping. This process maintains consistency in durability, density, shape and size.
- Foaming – Gas is used to expand the base material and create a cellular structure.
- Molding & Extrusion – After foaming, the material is formed into specific shapes or into large sheets.
- Cutting & Stamping – In the final step, the individual products are cut or stamped from the shapes and sheets according to the required measurements and specifications.
The Features of Foam That Affect Cymbal Sound & Performance
Open-Cell Structure
The foaming technique creates an interconnected bubble structure within the cell structure which helps absorb vibrations and shocks more effectively. This supports the cymbal on a cushion of air and, at the same time, avoids metal-to-metal friction between the cymbal and the stand and protects the drummer’s hands and wrists from damage in high-impact playing situations.
Refined Consistency
The various steps of cellular foam processing refine the material for a reliable consistency, a predictable level of sound and a stable performance. In different musical applications, foam can be used to dampen unwanted vibration but also to allow natural sound to flow.
Better Cymbal Swing for Better Performance
Since they provide better suspension, foam washers let the cymbal swing freely. Better cymbal movement contributes to a cleaner attack and increased resonance.
How Does Foam Enhance Cymbal Resonance?
When a drummer strikes the cymbal, it creates a vibration across the surface. Anything that restricts the vibration restricts the tone, resonance and movement of the cymbal. However, when a Cympad foam washer is used, the cymbal can vibrate freely, without creating any disruption in the tone.
It is also important to understand that the open, cellular structure of a foam cymbal washer is completely different from the inconsistent, compressed, ultra-dense, fibrous structure of a felt cymbal washer. This difference is not only in the structure of the material but also in its negative effect on cymbal performance.
As we have discussed, because felt is much denser than foam, it dampens the motion and acts to limit the resonance and sustain. Foam literally optimizes the vibration—enhancing sustain, clarity and overall performance of all cymbal brands, types and sizes.
What is Cympad Foam?
The premium-grade cellular foam used for Cympad cymbal washers has been specifically selected for its ability to efficiently and effectively isolate the cymbal from the cymbal stand and create a cushioning cymbal support system while providing a reliable choice of sound enhancement (in the case of Cympad Optimizers) or sound control (in the case of Cympad Moderators).
How Do Cympad Foam Cymbal Washers Benefit Drummers?
Cympad Chromatics and Optimizers create a more natural and consistent cymbal tone for live and studio performances. Cympad Moderators offer incremental tone control, which makes them perfect for low volume playing in clubs, recording studios and practice rooms.
Where Can I Buy Cympads?
Once you have made up your mind to upgrade your drumset to foam cymbal washers, the Cympad webstore offers a wide selection of high-quality foam cymbal washers and is one of the best and most dependable places to purchase your Cympads.
