Today, many drummers have upgraded from felt cymbal washers to Cympad cellular foam washers because of the quality, efficiency and consistency they provide. Cympad’s advanced Optimizer washers offer those benefits as well as improved tone, resonance and isolation, durability and playing comfort. But did you know that Optimizers are available in a range of models that are designed to fit any cymbal size, type and application?
The Cympad Optimizer Line
The soft, flexible, cellular foam used for Cympad’s Optimizer series features millions of tiny air pockets that cushion and protect cymbals and their sound by allowing them to breath and resonate freely. Optimizers are all 40mm in diameter and are available in four different heights: 8mm, 12mm, 15mm and 18mm.
Which Optimizer Should I Choose?
- The 40x15mm Optimizer easily, efficiently and effectively replaces standard felt washers and can be used to enhance cymbal sound and performance whether placed beneath or on top of the cymbal. They are recommended for 6˝ to 18˝ Splash, Crashes, Chinas and Effects.
- The 40x18mm (Ride) Optimizer is recommended for larger, heavier Ride, Crash, China and Effects cymbals from 18˝ to 24˝.
- The 40x12mm and 40x8mm Optimizers are an excellent option for bringing out the tone of smaller Splash and Effects cymbals and recommended for use between stack cymbals and for other types of mounted percussion instruments.
Using Optimizers for Cymbal Control
While Optimizer cymbal washers are designed to enhance cymbal tone they can also be effective in helping to control cymbal movement and decay. To achieve the desired effect, compress the space between the cymbal and the washers by tightening the wingnut.
The Cympad Optimizer Starter Pack features an assortment of washers to fit a standard drumset configuration, including 3x 40x15mm, 1x 40x18mm and a Hi-Hat set.
The Optimizer Hi-Hat set includes two 24x10mm washers for the hi-hat clutch and one 50x9mm washer for the seat.
