Hand-hammering and re-creating cymbals

[Johan VDS]

Here's a 20" Light Complex Full Bell Ride I hammered from a Sabian AA Medium ride.

This one is rather a special hammering concept because the bell has a deeper and fuller sound than you would expect from a cymbal this thin and high pitched.


SOUNDFILE (http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/2_CRASHES_and_RIDES_18_inch_and_bigger/20_Light_Complex_Full_Bell_Ride_1825gr_-from_Sabian_AA.mp3)


http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/2_CRASHES_and_RIDES_18_inch_and_bigger/20_Light_Complex_Full_Bell_Ride_1825gr_-from_Sabian_AA.jpg

[RudimentalDrummer]

Johan.....You can go very far with your own Hand-Hammering Custom Cymbal WorkShop / Company one day....You have the Skills & Talents to make these Cymbals look & sound good ... It's proven !...you're great...I don't think your skills are any less than those Master-Craftman at Bosphorus, Zildjian or Sabian.........

NIce to have you here....... My respect.

[Johan VDS]

20" Light Complex Ride 1830 grams, hammered from a Ufip Class ride.


SOUNDFILE (http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/2_CRASHES_and_RIDES_18_inch_and_bigger/20_Light_Complex_Ride_1830gr_-from_Ufip.mp3)


http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/2_CRASHES_and_RIDES_18_inch_and_bigger/20_Light_Complex_Ride_1830gr_-from_Ufip.jpg

[RudimentalDrummer]

Hammering. I hope that's not bad news :)




Here are two 20" Paiste B8 alloy cymbals (crash and ride) I had to convert into a 20" Ripple Trash and an 18" Radial Trash.

Here's a before and after clip of the ride, which is now a 20" Ripple trash.
http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/3_BEFORE_AND_AFTER_MODIFICATION/Paiste_B8_alloy_ride_before_and_after_into_20_Ripp le_Trash.mp3

Looks like this now:
http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/3_BEFORE_AND_AFTER_MODIFICATION/Paiste_B8_alloy_ride_hammered_into_20_Ripple_Trash .jpg






Johan..How much are you selling this piece of Art? If I want it.

[Johan VDS]

That was a custom order for an American drummer, so I don't have that one anymore. But I can make you another one of course.
If you want that, please MAIL (drumcymb@yahoo.com) me.

[Johan VDS]

A 7" Splash, hammered from a flat B20 bronze alloy disc.

SOUNDFILE (http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/4_SPLASHES-CHINAS-EFFECTCYMBALS/7_Splash_-from_flat_B20_bronze.mp3)

http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/4_SPLASHES-CHINAS-EFFECTCYMBALS/7_Splash_-from_flat_B20_bronze.jpg

[biscut]

Hi Johan,

What can be done with a recent Zildjian 20" K ride (medium thin weight)?
Can it be made thin?
I was recently at the hollywood vintage and custom drum show and was looking at Istanbul Agop SE's and Mel Lewis's and
Bosphorus Masters and liked those.

I also have an Istanbul Agop 22" Agop Signature that is much heavier than the same cymbal at the display at the drum show.

It seems the thin cymbals are more popular these days but I did like the responsiveness and sound of the thinner ones.

[RudimentalDrummer]

Gosh .... I hate you Johan....always making me having itchy powder all over my body....wanting a piece of your Hand-Hammered Cymbals....

Let me save up some $$$..then I'll sure commission you to do one specially JUST FOR ME...(a-one-of-a-kind Cymbal)....anyway great work again.

PS:- I think we should give Johan a Title - "DW Master-Craftman"...yeah..yeah..

[Batera945]

So since i never really did any of this before and would like to try wat do u think I should do.. like i want to just try it out so any cheap cymbals u think i might be able to use? i have these old 14 inch hi hats do u think anything can be done with them?

[RudimentalDrummer]

So since i never really did any of this before and would like to try wat do u think I should do.. like i want to just try it out so any cheap cymbals u think i might be able to use? i have these old 14 inch hi hats do u think anything can be done with them?

It's not easy hammering & re-creating cymbals if you do not know how to do it. I'm sure it's not as easy as it seems. There are so many different process involve as we can see from all these differently recreated cymbals being put up here.

My Father-In-Law owns a Hardware Shop, with many Machining Tools. He caters parts specially custom-made for Ships eg....making a Piston etc....I didn't know how to use any of their machinary to lather a simple cymbals even - I t believe it involve SKILL here....cheers !.

[Batera945]

yeah i bet lol .... but this would be somethin i would like to learn eventually cuz its pretty neat

[d&p]

Really, Johan is the man. He performed a miracle when he hammered my old Avedis 18" Pang to meet my ideas exactly. It was o.k. before but now it's just plain gorgeous. Thank you so much, Johan.

[scabo0o]

Have you ever let people watch you or would you consider it. Because i would come to belgium to watch at any cost. For a chance to see someone change a crappy zbt into the nicest sounding cymbal i could imagine would be so cool. do you think by watching someone like you would provide enough experience to creat just an ok sounding sounding cymbal. have you ever bought cymbal blanks and hammered them and if so where di you buy them cuz id love to have a go

[Sleuth]

Johan,

Will lathing a cymbal help it to develop a more controlled sound? I have a couple cymbals that I am experimenting with now. Both are sounding okay, but very washy and open. I would like to try to tame them a bit. Is this something that can be done with hammering on its own?

On the subject of hammering, here is another question. Do you do the majority of your hammering on the top or the bottom of the cymbal? And for indentations on the top, do you hammer the top or the bottom? It seems like when I work on the bottom, pits show up on the top, but I end up warping the shape of the cymbal itself and then have to rework it. This is probably an anvil issue, eh?

One more thing and I'll shut up... Are the wood lathes that I have seen around hardware stores large enough for cymbals? 12", 14" they seem too small, but maybe there is some kind of adaptor. I really don't know anything about machining. Any suggestions?

[Sleuth]

Johan,

Thank you for the info. If lathing will only make the cymbal more washy because of thinning out the metal, is there any way to make a cymbal less washy? Aside from duct tape of course.

So, how would one modify a wood lathe for turning a cymbal? I understand that a more powerful motor is a good thing to start with...

[Sleuth]

Even more questions:

I decided to take a risk and, yes I know this sounds crazy, sand the finish off of my cymbal. Afterward, the overall surface became less obviously hammered, smoother pits and bumps, visually pleasing, and the sound improved a great deal. So, here is the big question, did I just make a huge mistake? I was able to use some very fine sandpaper to take out the last of any surface scratches, however the cymbals surface is now very prone to scratching. Is there a way to "recoat" a cymbal to protect it from further scratching or am I just going to have to live with a scratched up ride? Would anodizing work?

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I like these. I love the visual impact, and the unique sound is great. I love what you did to the Sabian B8 16" crash and 20" ride. I have these myself. I'm in the process of getting a new main ride and main crash, and would love to turn my old ones into something new. Hmmm... only a few months until my tax return. heheh

[Sleuth]

Johan,

The sanding that I have done on my cymbal is actually pretty minimal, just enough to change the finish and a little more, probably 1 mm or maybe 2 at the most. I wasn't trying to thin out the cymbal by sanding, just trying to see what effect it had on the sound. But,thank you for the advice. I probably will not be sanding any furthur so as not to cause too much uneven thinning of the material and ruining it. You've scared me suitably :)

As for protective coatings, do you think something like carnuba wax might work, or would it just gunk up the cymbal? Or, is it really even something that needs to be done? I suppose after a time the cymbal will start to oxidize and the finish will be less delicate.
Hmm...so many questions. Learning this art is really like performing one long experiment that never quite ends, isn't it?

Sounds like using a lathe is pretty dangerous, eh? You've told me twice now to be careful. Perhaps I will just stick to hammering for a while, and branch out to lathing later.

Again, thank you for all of the helpful tips. I am hoping to be able to post some pics and sounds soon.

[tamadrummer132]

well... i was kinda bored and had read this thread and thought.. well i have a 17 inch b8 crash to mess up... wee

well i messed it up.. big time.

i foolishly began to hammer it into a china-like form, after i while i went to it it and it lost all musicality, it has no resonation, its flat.

the crash is 4 years old and kinda worthless... so i dont really care
but i just thought id share my story x)

[tamadrummer132]

one question, my friend is a metalworker, and he probably has an anvil/lathe. he is not used to construct things such as cymbals, but could he transform one of my cymbals into something that sounded like a china without having cymbal experience, but metal-working experience?

[tamadrummer132]

your work is amasing, and the finishes even better. id love to purchase some.

[Tuxido]

I just saw this article and tought of this thread.

here (http://www.cymbalholic.com/articles/index.php)

[funkydrummer1818]

Hi Johan!

What type of payments do you accept if you to hammer the cymbal? Paypal is ok?

[Sleuth]

Johan,

Is it possible to hammer a cymbal too much? If a cymbal is overworked can it be brought back to life? I have been doing a lot of experimenting (some with good results, some not so good) on my cymbal and I think it is dead. I can accept the loss as I have learned a great deal about what NOT to do when rehammering :) So, perhaps it is time to move on to the next project, unless you have any suggestions? Perhaps sell it as scrap metal?

[Sleuth]

Johan,

Thank you. Perhaps all hope is not lost. So, it has more to do with whether or not I can still create a tension throughout the metal that will make the cymbal sound good? I guess what I am saying is that I have hammered to the point of very little tension. The edges of my cymbal are very "wobbly" when I play it and there is an undertone that fluctuates up and down in pitch when the cymbal is played lightly. Maybe this is the result of the thin spots you warned me about when I decided (foolishly) to use sandpaper on my cymbal. As always any advice is appreciated.

[driver]

Oh my! Best looking cymbals everrrrr

[Sleuth]

As far as tension goes...
If I were to only have time to hammer a section of the cymbal and then come back to it later, would this affect the cymbal negatively? I can continue with the same pattern at a later time, but is it going to be a problem not having an even tension over the surface between hammering sessions? Just curious. Thanks!

[Thedude]

So I'll cut right to the chase. i just got a paiste twenty series 18 inch crash that i love and hate..let me explain. the initial crash is great but there is the most annoying gongy,undertone thing going on at the end of the crash that is driving me crazy it sustains forever!! Now im going to be honest i have no intention of sending it over to you to work on, but i would like your input to as what to do about it. i would think that a few well placed whacks of a hammer could get rid of that note im hearing. any thoughts?

P.S. i dont care if i scew it up.

[Thedude]

Johan, like i said im not worried about ruining the cymbal. Also i do have 4 cymbals to "practice " on. My plan is to take whatever advice you offer ,other than dont do it, and start working that plan one cymbal at at a time. Any information you could provide on how to dry up a cymbal thru hammering would be appriciated. Thanks!

[Drummer Karl]

20" Light Trashy Ride, 1715 grams :

SOUNDFILE (http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/2_CRASHES_and_RIDES_18_inch_and_bigger/20_Light_Trashy_Ride_1715gr.mp3)

http://users.telenet.be/cymbzdrumz/1_RECREATED_CUSTOM_CYMBALS/2_CRASHES_and_RIDES_18_inch_and_bigger/20_Light_Trashy_Ride_1715gr.jpg



Maaan, that thing is truly beautiful! And so does it sound!
Did you hammer that one from a bronze disc or did you simply recreate it from another cymbal???

Really good, how much would it be? (I`m just curious)

Karl

[tooldrums1000]

Hey Johan what do you do with all those cymbals? If i was going to age my 14" hats how would i do it? Those cymbals you re-create look and sound AWSOME!!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Believe me, Tooldrums, you wouldn't be able to do this work. There are only a handful of people in the World who can do it, and Johan is definitely one of the best.

[tooldrums1000]

Believe me, Tooldrums, you wouldn't be able to do this work. There are only a handful of people in the World who can do it, and Johan is definitely one of the best.

You don't even know me. Think before you speak. I could be Robert Zildjian.

[Splinter]

No, because if you could do it, you wouldn't need to ask.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

You don't even know me. Think before you speak. I could be Robert Zildjian.

Believe me, if you were Robert Zildjian, you wouldn't be on here. He can't even create good cymbals these days anyway. I put a lot of thought into my post, more than you put into your reply in fact.

[tooldrums1000]

Anyway If i was going to age my 14" hats how would i do it?

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Try burying them in the ground for a year.

I'm not even joking, either.

[punkdrummer1]

Hey. I have an old solar chrash ride kicking around. I was wondering what i should do to it. What do you suggest, and what kind of tools do i need. Can you also give me what i should do in steps?

Thanks Alot.

[crazyhorse]

Try burying them in the ground for a year.

I'm not even joking, either.

The local studio likes to take rides and soak them in a tub full of soapy water... then lay them out in the sun for a bit... Gets a great ugly finish and definitely "ages" the sound. =)

[punkdrummer1]

It's brass and probably sounds dead. Nothing you can do with that I'm afraid if you hope for a decent sound. But you can experiment with it and do some hammering, you may learn a thing or two about tension and shape. It's the only way to learn the skill.


How do i hammer the cymbals, do i just take a regular day hammer and bang?

[Big_Philly]

I have an old Meinl crash cymbal with some scratches and a keyhole, so it's pretty much worthless. It sounds great though. I have been thinking about hammering it for an experiment, but I can also sell it for 20 euros... which sounds like a better idea?

[Big_Philly]

Well it's a Meinl Sterling, not sure about the alloy but it's probably not brass ;) And I dont think having just one cymbal to spare to hammer on will fully teach me to hammer. But it's a fun experiment nonetheless.

[tooldrums1000]

Believe me, if you were Robert Zildjian, you wouldn't be on here. He can't even create good cymbals these days anyway. I put a lot of thought into my post, more than you put into your reply in fact.

I like your sabian HH hats. (He can't even create good cymbals these days anyway).

[tannerw_2010@hotmail.com]

ok this is my first cymbal overhaul (or whatever you call it)

http://photos-433.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v79/8/57/842345446/n842345446_402433_530.jpg

(http://photos-433.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v79/8/57/842345446/n842345446_402433_530.jpg just incase it doesnt work)
It used to be a 10" Wuhan splash, and it sounds like its name now, dark. I have no lathing machine, so i just tried to polish it really good, and it didnt turn out to bad. It would sound loads better if there would be more sustain, the sustain pretty much is near to dead... do u have any tips on how to keep sustain? P.S. I have a slight feeling it could have been when i slightly damaged it with the hammer :( ... or should i say cracked it

[Shinx]

Looks great man, any recordings?

[crazyhorse]

Hint for sustain: Don't start with a 10" cymbal =) Splashes aren't exactly known for having sustain

[tannerw_2010@hotmail.com]

I did... but i didnt post it because the recording didnt have the same sounds as it does in real life... plus i also rehammerd my cymbal and broke it... so i cant re-record it.Looks great man, any recordings?

[tooldrums1000]

Hey johan what do you do with all your cymbals?

[tooldrums1000]

Sell them on ebay. Sell them to other drummers.

[Sleuth]

Hi, Johan.

This is probably a silly question, but...
Do you know of anyone or any cymbal company that I could send some old broken cymbals to be melted down and cast into blanks? I'd pay for it of course. It sure would be great if someone offered that service for those of us learning the art.

[tooldrums1000]

Hey Johan how do you pronounce your name? Is it like Yo han or jo hon?

[Cymbalrider]

I've been having problems getting the .mp3s on your page to work. It's fun to listen to all the cymbal conversions, especially the before and after ones. I think it's that file hosting page. It will say, to download click the link and when I do it goes back to the same page.

I would think the Sabian XS20s would be good for business as you can buy a b20 alloy cymbal for cheap to hammer.

[delliejonut]

Hey I was wondering if someone could post a picture of the tools used in cymbal crafting ie the anvil, the hammers, the lathe, ect. I've always been interested in this and it would help to have a visual reference to know what tools I'm going to need to get.

[tannerw_2010@hotmail.com]

http://tannerw2010.googlepages.com/HatsbeforeChinaaftert.mp3

I rehammered an old "stamped bronze" hi hat... it is now a china, doesnt look like one, but listen for yourselves... before and after included...

[foursticks]

As I said before please browse the websites of some turkish cymbalbrands like Istanbul or Bosphorus, there you will see all the tools. I use virtually the same.

Luke Flowers from the Cinematic Orchestra is also playing my cymbals from now on.

Ah I've met Luke. He's a TOP bloke and drummer. I'll ask him about your cymbals next time I meet him!

[mofle]

Hi Johan!

I have a question about hammering. Whenever I hammer a cymbal, it turns out dry and almost dead. How do I hammer it to get some lifi into it? Hope you can help me.

And I do not have a lathe. Thanks

P.S. May I say you make some mighty fine cymbals. They are art, every last one of them.

[fourstringdrums]

In case anyone's in doubt, I do use my own stuff :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyBcSaQHZDo

Wow, great stuff!

....................

[dea]

You are employing complex lathing patterns, but there seems to be a method to this. I'd be interested to understand how these lathing patterns differ and how they affect the sound. Does it make it crisper? Brighter?

[svkelleher10]

Anybody know of a simple hammering pattern i can use to get a faster decay out of a terribly ringy china?

[AZsabianprez]

SVKelleher10
Hand hammering a cymbal is an art and you really need to understand what you are doing to the metal before you can craft the sound to what you are looking for. That being said,
do you have any experience with hammering cymbals? I'll tell you this much, any hammering done incorrectly to your cymbal will certainly achieve the 'dead' sound you are looking for. When you bend the shape of a cymbal from the taught bow of a finished instrument, you are changing the tension of the metal. When you hammer the cymbal out of shape you release the tension, or at best alter it, and the instrument no longer supports itself as well as it did when you got it. That will definitely 'smother' the sound. Be very careful not to over hammer the cymbal, that will make stress points on the cymbal that will make it easier to break in those places.
Personally, I would use tape. Simple and easily reversible.

[OldStampK]

Johan, I've been lurking on this thread for a while and have to say that your cymbals rock my world. I've been doing some research and have found that there are a couple of guys over here that do similar work to what you're doing. Here's a link that may be helpful to stateside cymbal seekers. Check out the Mike Skiba page. I've been in contact with Mike. He charges $85 plus shipping for cymbal recreation. I'm sending him an overweight (to my ears anyway) Bosphorus Trad ride for a little slimming down. I'll let you all know how it turms out. If he can make this already good cymbal sound even better, then I'll probably have him work on some not-so-good cymbals of mine.

Thanks for the inspiration.

http://www.rarevintagecymbals.com/index.htm

I've tried hammering my own cymbals before and would not recommend it to anyone who doesn't have the budget to learn through trial and error. You're definately going to ruin some cymbals before you start getting it right.

[shaolin_cb]

I have access to a steel round that is 4.5" in diameter and 1.77" thick. Would this be too thin or too small to be used as an anvil? What are the consequences of an anvil that are too thin? Thanks.

[shaolin_cb]

Johan,

Thanks for your reply. I've read most of your posts on drummerworld and cymbalholic as well as checking out a few of your live peformance clips. You are a highly skilled drummer and craftsmen.

I was planning to shape the anvil face using a belt sander as mentioned in the cymbalholic Skiba article. You mentioned that it would be impossible to hammer the bottom with a high bell profile. Is this because I would be unable to contact the metal of the cymbal with the anvil because the bell would be contacting the anvil base? So this anvil might be alright for smaller cymbals (such as hi-hats) but could run into problems for larger cymbals whose bell height is larger then the anvil height....correct?

I'm from the US and would like you to modify a cymbal but the shipping costs are too prohibitive for me at this time. I will be in Paris in a few weeks. How far are you from Paris? Maybe I could hand deliver it.

Thanks again,

Colin

[shaolin_cb]

Also, what would you say are acceptable diameters for anvils? 3"-7"? 4"-6"? What is the diameter of your anvil?

[shaolin_cb]

My anvils still have not arrived. I have been working on shaping my hammers. I have heard the face of the hammer should have a curved surface too. Does this mean a slight curve or a very large curve. Since people don't seem to use the backside of a ball peen hammer I assume that is too much curve. Should it be just a little more curved then flat or a big curve?

Thanks for all the help thus far.

[Dangerous Dave]

Hello Johan. You did some amazing work here. I have a question for you. I have a Paiste 502 Bronze 14" hi-hat. What effect would I get if I hammer the body of the cymbals and leave the bell intact? Would I get them to ring more in an open position or what?
thx
Dado

[RudimentalDrummer]

Is This Real ........ about our Bro Johan

Tell me it';s not True.ee he's a great guy....please.eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee




---Quote (Originally by Astrosoniq@cymbalholic)---

This is what the local newspaper has written:
(please dont mind the poor translation, it is probably better than googles)


---Quote---
Brugge - Consternation in the Brugian music community. Last week tuesday Johan van der Sijpe has died. Born in Sijsel and lived to become 43. Van de Sijpe was seen as one of Belgiums most talented drummers in his generation.

'He could play all styles, from jazz to rock', says Philippe Lefief, ex-musician en today active at the website Moon Art Gallery.

In the 80's Van de Sijpe started with Cerceuil, later on he also played with Chacok Twice, Bronks and Cowboys and Aliens. His most succesfull engagement was with Jo Lemaire, with whom he also toured extensively. He played drums at reunion shows of St.James. His last group was coverband Noisy Neighbours.

'Johan has never found a group with wider recognition. Everybody appreciated him, but he has never realised it himself', reminisces Roel Jacobus, bassplayer with Skov. Van de sijpe, who resided in the province West-Vlaanderen, lived a reclusive life.

'Johan was a dreamer. He even designed his own cymbals', says Lefief.
---End Quote---
Original post: http://cymbalholic.com/forums/showpost.php?p=285742&postcount=44

Original article (in dutch) :http://www.standaard.be/Artikel/Detail.aspx?artikelId=X228037_1
---End Quote---

***************

[fooleeze]

I don't know if its appropriate for me to be the one posting this, but I have just learned this terrible news today.

Sadly, it was confirmed that Johan VDS passed away at his home on June 25th. This is terrible news, and I don't know what I can possible say about it at this time. . .

I worked a lot with him over the past year, picking his brain, and having him make many cymbals for me. His work is amazing, but what many may not know is was a better person than a cymbalsmith. Not to take away from his cymbal work, it was truly amazing. But I think he was an even better person to know.

Rest is peace, Johan.

Excerpts from a local newspaper:


Brugge - Consternation in the Brugian music community. Last week tuesday Johan van der Sijpe has died. Born in Sijsel and lived to become 43. Van de Sijpe was seen as one of Belgiums most talented drummers in his generation.

'He could play all styles, from jazz to rock', says Philippe Lefief, ex-musician en today active at the website Moon Art Gallery.

In the 80's Van de Sijpe started with Cerceuil, later on he also played with Chacok Twice, Bronks and Cowboys and Aliens. His most succesfull engagement was with Jo Lemaire, with whom he also toured extensively. He played drums at reunion shows of St.James. His last group was coverband Noisy Neighbours.

'Johan has never found a group with wider recognition. Everybody appreciated him, but he has never realised it himself', reminisces Roel Jacobus, bassplayer with Skov. Van de sijpe, who resided in the province West-Vlaanderen, lived a reclusive life.

'Johan was a dreamer. He even designed his own cymbals', says Lefief.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

A real shame. I was hoping to one day send off my hi hats to Johan for some re-working, but it seems not to be. As we lose another member of this forum too soon, my heart grows heavy.

[stasz]

I can't believe it. I hope that this is somehow not true... I often came through this thread and read his hugely extensive knowledge on cymbalmaking and the art that it is. I just now before reading the above post saw a link in this thread to a video of him playing a solo which can be seen here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyBcSaQHZDo) Not only was he infinitely knowledgeable on cymbals, he was a fantastic drummer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[Steamer]

That's certainly sad news. What a loss. One of the true cymbal artisan trail blazers of our modern time gone.

RIP Johan.

[mind_drummer]

RIP Johan

You were on my plan for cymbals modification. True cymbalsmith artisan and great dude, you will be missed but not forgotten.

Now time to reshape Tony Williams ride & Jeff Porcaro hats.

[DamoSyzygy]

Believe me, if you were Robert Zildjian, you wouldn't be on here. He can't even create good cymbals these days anyway. I put a lot of thought into my post, more than you put into your reply in fact.

Actually, the Zildjian family DO frequent this site.

[mofle]

I got to know of this terrible thing yesterday, and Johan will truly be missed.

Rest in peace, Johan.

[shaolin_cb]

RIP Johan. Thanks for your help. You will be missed.

[Dangerous Dave]

RIP Johan. We will miss you.

[shaolin_cb]

http://drummerworld.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif
http://drummerworld.com/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

I've begun. Watch out B8's, I'm coming.

[shaolin_cb]

This is the result of my hammering. I kind of like the bottom hat. The top hat is awful. Both were overhammered. But the top was excessively over hammered. The profile was totally distorted. I have been using the B8 bottom with my zht top and it sounds pretty nice. Both together is a big trash mess. They both lost volume, I assume because the overhammering "choked" it out. Maybe a lathe would add more volume if the cymbal was smoothed. Overall, it was alot of fun and I am going to bang away at that top and learn as much as I can before it falls apart.

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[805Drummer]

I have an Argent crash/ride cymbal. It's plain CRAP. It sounds like absolutely nothing. It would sell for $4. Would just taking a hammer and pounding it make it sound better?

[shaolin_cb]

If it can't sound any worse then there is a good chance it would sound better. Swinging a hammer at it without a proper anvil though, does give you a chance to crack it. Sounds like a good opportunity to learn about hammering without much to lose.

[805Drummer]

If it can't sound any worse then there is a good chance it would sound better. Swinging a hammer at it without a proper anvil though, does give you a chance to crack it. Sounds like a good opportunity to learn about hammering without much to lose.

Haha, yeah, I cracked it. Oh well.

[mofle]

I have no pictures right now, but I have rehammered a Sabian XS-20 Medium ride. It used to sound like a mediocore rock ride, and now it is a dry, thrashy and darker cymbal:

[shaolin_cb]

Sounds good Mofle. I would love to see pictures and hear how you hammered it.

[Big_Philly]

Nice sound, mofle. I like the stick definition.

[The Levee Breaker]

Johan VDS

Although I did not know you, I saw, heard and appreciated your work greatly. I was amazed by your vast knowledge of cymbals and your skills as a true craftsman, and percussionist.

You were a member who will be truly missed by all on the forum, and your spirit shall live on in the wonderful cymbals that you created.

Rest In Peace

[drumbandit]

I only just found out, I'll genuinely miss him posting and sending his messages about hammering. I guess my ZXTs will stay as ZXTs.

RIP

[Bish]

I would also like to offer my condolences, a terrible loss of a great man that I never knew, but hugely respected.

RIP Johan, you will be missed.

[delliejonut]

Wow, I just found out this terrible news today. His cymbals are the only ones that have actually sent shivers down my spine. It's terrible he had to go so young.

[DannyMeazell]

OMG I am setting here stunned with tears in my eyes. I have been out of the loop doing concerts and such for 9 months. I just found out about Johan passing. He was one of the kindest most patient people who loved drumming, who loved Cymbals and who Loved people. I went to his website to order a cymbal and found out. This is devastating! OMG Rest in Peace Bro! I still cannot believe it! God needed a Cymbal Maker! ;(
Danny Meazell

[TomasHakkesBrain]

jesus i need to get online more i just heard about this RIP. ill regret not getting a cymbal customised by him.

[beatboy21212]

Hey whats up guys? I'm an intern at Sabiab and I write blogs about different cymbals on there site. Check it out and let me know what you think,

HH (Hand Hammered)

13 inch Bright Hats: In a brush setting where the cymbals can mask the attack of the brushes, these hats certainly do not muddy the sound. In fact, they help compliment the brushes very well if used correctly. As it says they are very bright, and loud. They have great brush definition when rubbing or hitting the bristles over the top hat. When the foot comes into play the cymbals offer a tight “chick” sound that is good for all musical settings.

21 inch Hot Ride: It was dry, but yet very bright. It cut through much more clearly than the other cymbals. It had the best response to brushes. It gave great definition and response to every note I played in different ride patterns, and sounded great when I rubbed the bristles over the top of the cymbal. The bell was also pronounced which surprised me because of its small size.



Heres a link to my social group: http://drummerworld.com/forums/group.php?groupid=51



Thanks!

[HOUSTON 94]

Hey, I've got this K Constantinople Crash that I just hit with a hammer... it now has a huge crack in t. It sounds a lot like a trashcan lid. Is this good or bad?

[Phil Brodermann]

Hey, I've got this K Constantinople Crash that I just hit with a hammer... it now has a huge crack in t. It sounds a lot like a trashcan lid. Is this good or bad?

It's most likely bad for any possible re-sale value there was, but good if you like the sound so; potentially a bit of both.

If it was me I wouldn't have experimented on such a high end cymbal.

[Fishbones]

Hey, I've got this K Constantinople Crash that I just hit with a hammer... it now has a huge crack in t. It sounds a lot like a trashcan lid. Is this good or bad?

probably a bad idea to do that...

[Solarhersteller]

I hate it here..but i also couldn't imagine myself anywhere else" (Spider Jerusalem) http://sunrent.de/smileynormal.ico

[redsky20]

Hey, I've got this K Constantinople Crash that I just hit with a hammer... it now has a huge crack in t. It sounds a lot like a trashcan lid. Is this good or bad?

I like your style, keep it up!! :D haha.
Thats hoping that what you said was a joke... :o

[HOUSTON 94]

Well, it kind of lacks.... body? I'll still use it though.

[tabledrummer]

Greetings from Finland!

I've been lurking this forum a while now and finally decided to register myself. Seems like a great place to discuss and change thoughs. I read this thread from the beginning and it was shock that this great cymbalsmith has passed away. Gladly he gave us some keys to this mystic art of cymbal hammering.

I own a pile of "crappy"/not so good cymbals like Meinl Classics, Sabian XS20 set, Alchemy Pro A.R.T hats and also some re-cutted Sabian/Zildjian/Stagg cymbals. First I was selling them away, but reading this thread made me think about it twice. Why not try to re-create something from these?

So, yesterday i bought ball been hammer and started to hammer Meinl Classics 10" splash to something new. I used a piece of rail as an anvil (looking for better one for this purpose). I hammered cymbal for couple of hours and now it's more like a bell shaped. Actually it looks like Alien puke, but I'll still give it a test drive tomorrow. Besides I've never been to looks when it comes to cymbals. I'm even thinking to modify my drumset to look like it's taken straight from the Mad Max. Maybe I'll upload some pictures when I'll proceed.

[RudimentalDrummer]

Yes we all miss Johann and I so Glad ... this Thread is of somuch Help to so many of us Drummers here...

Cheers Bro

Eric