Unlike traditional artists, modern drummers consider cymbal washers to be a necessity rather than a luxury. This small accessory is attached to the drum set to reduce cymbal wear and damage. Not just protection, but also, these washers help enhance the sound of the cymbals.
These are attached to the cymbal stand, and then the cymbal is placed so that the washer works as a wall between the stand and the cymbal. Moreover, the idea is to reduce the friction between two metals and reduce vibrations while playing. When vibrations are reduced, the cymbal will release a much softer sound than usual.
Cymbal washers are available in various types, such as foam, felt, and plastic. Out of these many options, foam and felt washers are mostly used. However, foam washers are lately trending among modern drummers. A discussion on felt vs Foam cymbal washers can help in understanding how the foam washers are more beneficial than the felt ones.
Felt Cymbal Washer vs Foam Cymbal Washer
The cymbal washers differ based on several factors, and some of the most common ones are:
- Material
- Performance
- Sound Impact
- Durability
- Cost
Difference by Material
A foam cymbal washer is made of premium-quality high-density cellular foam. However, a felt washer is made up of either a wool felt or a felt and leather combination.
Difference by Performance
A foam washer offers a much more balanced sound performance by enhancing resolution and isolation. On the other hand, a felt washer is mostly helpful in protecting the cymbal from any damage caused by vibration on the stand.
Difference by Sound Impact
The foam washer allows a free-sounding cymbal and improves its response and tone. However, a felt cymbal does not impact much on the sound, and it is mostly for cymbal protection.
Difference by Durability
Foam cymbal washers are more resilient than felt and do not change in characteristics or shape as fast as felt washers do.
Difference by Cost
Although felt washers are comparatively cheaper than foam ones, the latter are considered to be the best cymbal washers due to their benefits and reliability.
Benefits of Using Foam Cymbal Washers over Felt Ones
If you want a washer for basic protection of your cymbal at an affordable price, then a felt cymbal washer is the best pick for you. However, if you also want something that can optimize the cymbal’s performance and offer other benefits, then you must upgrade cymbal washers to foam.
Free Vibration:
Cymbals require vibrations to produce proper sound. The foam washers allow the cymbal to vibrate more freely than felt. This helps improve cymbal sound in terms of resonance and tone.
Enhanced Protection:
While any washer’s primary characteristic is cymbal protection, a foam washer offers enhanced protection by absorbing shock efficiently. At the same time, it provides better suspension from the stand to reduce the risk of metals coming into contact. Thus, it reduces the chances of cracks or other damage to the cymbal.
Lasts Longer:
The felt washers may seem affordable, but they may cost you more in the long run, as you may have to purchase them quite frequently. The foam washers, on the other hand, are extremely durable and also resistant to humidity. Though you still may have to replace foam washers also, but not as frequently as the felt ones.
Versatility:
Another great benefit of foam washers or felt washers is versatility. The foam cymbal washer is available in various densities and sizes. Hence, drummers can get the right cymbal hardware upgrade based on their playing style and suspension.
Reduced Noise:
Modern drummers and musicians consider foam washers due to their low-noise features. These washers don't produce much noise during practice sessions. So, when you check cymbal washer comparison, the foam washers are preferred over felt washers for studio recordings.
Diverse Colour Options:
Foam cymbal washers, especially from Cympad, are available in vibrant colour options, unlike the traditional felt washers. So, not just sound performance, but these washers also help in enhancing the aesthetics of the drum set.
A few years earlier, cymbal washers had only a single purpose: to protect the cymbal. However, modern drummers consider them among eminent drumming accessories due to their diverse benefits. While options like a felt washer still work on a single characteristic of being a barrier between the cymbal and the cymbal stand for protection, modern foam washers are featured with various other amenities. When you choose a foam washer, especially from Cympad Store, you also experience better resonance and isolation, as foam washers tend to improve cymbal sound.
