Cymbal washers are an integral but often over-looked part of a drumset. Many drummers are not aware of just how important cymbal washers are, how they function or how often they should be replaced. In this article, we’ll talk about these factors as well as the connection between cymbal washers and cymbal performance.
How are Cymbal Washers Important to Your Drumming?
Cymbal Protection:
The washers separate and suspend the cymbal from the cymbal stand. This eliminates any possibility of metal-to-metal contact between the cymbal and the stand, which protects cymbals from damage and also supports better sound.
Stability:
During a lively and energetic performance, a powerful impact from the drummer may cause the cymbal to change position, creating difficulty in performance. A washer helps maintain stability and keeps the cymbal in position even during a powerful performance.
Sound Modification & Enhancement:
Many modern drummers use different types of cymbal washers to customize their cymbal sound and performance. Some washers allow a full, open sound while other washers can be used effectively in situations where a more controlled tone is required. Simply put, today’s drummer often uses washers to either enhance or modify the tone of their cymbals.
When Should You Replace Cymbal Washers?
Flat, Deformed or Damaged Washers:
Cymbal washers lose their cushioning and shape with use and time. Moreover, the more you use the cymbals, the faster the cushioning will fade. With reduced cushioning, the washers will not be able to properly support the cymbals and absorb the impact when you play. You may feel discomfort and hear a deterioration in tone when this happens. If you have started noticing a change in your cymbal’s feel and tone, it’s probably time to replace the washers.
Lost or Missing Washers:
Believe it or not, it’s not unusual to be confronted by a cymbal stand without top and/or bottom washers. This can happen when using borrowed or rented hardware or when the washers are lost. Because of the increased potential for physical damage to your cymbals and and musical damage to your sound, the washers should immediately be replaced. We highly recommend carrying spare cymbal washers in your stick or cymbal case for these situations.
To Upgrade Your Washers:
While “replacing” your cymbal washers can imply using the same type of washer, “changing” the washers can also involve upgrading from a traditional felt washer to a better quality, more consistent and more durable washer, such as an advanced, cellular foam Cympad.
How to Maintain Your Cymbal Washers
Regular Inspection:
You should regularly inspect your cymbal washers for normal wear-and-tear and damage, especially before and after a practice session or a performance. If you are a frequent drummer or a professional, you might have to replace the washers more frequently than if you are a student or play drums as hobby.
Correct Use:
The washer may be damaged due to over tightening of the cymbal stand’s wing nut, reducing its durability. Inspecting and replacing damaged parts are essential steps in maintaining all your drums and hardware. Damaged accessories, such as washers, can lead to other problems such as damage to the cymbal or even disruption to your performance.
Like drumheads and drumsticks, you don’t need to wait until the washers break or deteriorate to the point where they are no longer functioning at their peak to replace them. A fresh set of cymbal washers is an easy and inexpensive way to restore your sound and performance while enjoying the benefits of cymbal washer upgrades.
And, whenever you decide it is time for replacement or an upgrade, make sure you choose high-quality cymbal washers such as Optimizers, Chromatics and Moderators from Cympad.
