Is this crack going to get worst?

[JRH7]

I recently purchased a used K Custom Light Dry Ride off of Ebay. The seller did not describe a crack in his description and described the cymbal as being like new. Upon arrival of this cymbal I inspected for any issues and found a micro crack on the under side of the bell on the perimeter of the hole. At first it just looked like something that happened in the manufacturing process and it wasn't a crack. At closer inspection I saw that the crack went through the cymbal. Keep in mind this a small crack. I contacted the seller and he told me that he never noticed the crack and I do believe him because it is so small. However I do feel he should done a detailed inspection of the cymbal before he put it on auction. He told me that I could return it if I'm not satisfied. The cymbal only cost me $215.00 USD. That is pretty good for one of these cymbals but at the same time it is cracked and just knowing that is driving me nuts! Should I keep this? Take a look-

Thanks J.

[Big_Philly]

I'm too lazy to figure it out myself and tell you, but here is a wikipedia article about fatigue and small cracks that might be helpful to you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_fatigue
It doesn't look too bad though, but I have no experience with this.

[boomboomda]

I think because it is a ride and not a crash it is probably not that bad, unless you play your ride as a crash too.
The other thing is, that the crack is right there where the cymbal is mounted, and that could put some stress on that area. It depends also at what angel you mount your ride, if you have it relatively steep, I am afraid that the weight will make it worth especially if the cymbal is supported where the crack is.
If you have it mounted pretty flat it should not be that bad.
I would definitely watch it.

[Maytridy]

I have heard that drilling a hole through the small crack (so that the entire crack is taken out) will stop the crack from getting any bigger.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Unfortunately that probably wouldn't work with a crack in the bell, drilling could stress the metal too much around an already fairly tense area. Especially with the heat inherent in the drilling process. My best advice would be to cut the area out with a drevel and therefore creating a permanent, but stable keyhole. Failing that, send it back to the seller. I would do the latter.

[Deathmetalconga]

Unfortunately that probably wouldn't work with a crack in the bell, drilling could stress the metal too much around an already fairly tense area. Especially with the heat inherent in the drilling process. My best advice would be to cut the area out with a drevel and therefore creating a permanent, but stable keyhole. Failing that, send it back to the seller. I would do the latter.

If he decides to keep the cymbal, he should ask for a partial refund, say $50 or so. Or send the whole thing back.

The nice thing about using a Dremel to grind the hole out is that it won't be noticeable since it will be under the felts.

I once had a quarter-inch crack in a Paiste 2002 bottom hi hat that I drilled out and it was stable for 20 years and I sold the hats. So a crack isn't necessarily a death sentence on a cymbal - but you are taking a chance anyway.

[tooldrums1000]

If i was you I would file it down then i would call it ready for action!

[DamoSyzygy]

Yet another good reason to not buy stuff online that you havent inspected yourself. Youre going to have to hope that he takes it back, should you choose not to keep it, but keep in mind that if he refuses to help you from here on in, theres not a lot you can do.

I hate to say this, but a crack in the bell is usually a sign of a mistreated cymbal and the crack is only going to get worse from here. Its the beginning of the end for your cymbal. Try to do whatever you can to get the cymbal returned and fully refunded, but dont accept a partial refund!

Sorry if I sound so negative, but I have to deal with Ebay/net sales every single day and some people will do anything to save a dollar. When it comes to cymbals though its ALWAYS a better choice to buy them locally and have the product support post-sale, even if it costs you a little more.

[ahum]

Well, my experience with cracks in bell is that yes, they are cracks and will grow over time, but not nearly as fast or severely as cracks in the edge or bow. The ones i've dealt with grew extremely slow and didn't really inhibit playing at all. That crack is so minute (looks like your camera has pretty impressive zoom, lol) that i'm sure the cymbal has plenty of life left in it. I'd say it's up to you. I'm sure the cymbal will last a long time, but probably not forever.

[Skitch]

Yet another good reason to not buy stuff online that you havent inspected yourself. Youre going to have to hope that he takes it back, should you choose not to keep it, but keep in mind that if he refuses to help you from here on in, theres not a lot you can do.

I hate to say this, but a crack in the bell is usually a sign of a mistreated cymbal and the crack is only going to get worse from here. Its the beginning of the end for your cymbal. Try to do whatever you can to get the cymbal returned and fully refunded, but dont accept a partial refund!

Sorry if I sound so negative, but I have to deal with Ebay/net sales every single day and some people will do anything to save a dollar. When it comes to cymbals though its ALWAYS a better choice to buy them locally and have the product support post-sale, even if it costs you a little more.


You make some excellent points here, but every cymbal I have sold has always been in top condition unless I stated so in the listing! This is because I hate being disappointed and I believe that my customers are trusting me with their hard earned money which represents their time away from family, home, etc. The customer always deserves my best effort in meeting their needs; I can't help them - I tell them so!

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

[DamoSyzygy]

^ of course Mike!

I too retail items online for my store and offer the service. Its a bit different here in Australia though, as often the online price overseas can be cheaper than buying the cymbals locally. Of course, if an Aussie buys a cymbal from overseas, they will arrive without warranty and they also dont get to try the cymbal first.

Ive had so many people stung by internet cowboys. The concept of internet shopping is fine, but there are definitely a few who are out for the quick buck and screw the uninitiated out of their money.

[bighaibigdrums]

Send it back. Why in the world would you pay over $200 for a broken cymbal? For another $70 you could have a brand new one with no cracks and a warranty.

[mbettis]

If it were mine, I'd ask for a partial refund and then take a rat tail file to her. Or, I'd use a dremmel. If you dremmel, go slowly and be careful not to overheat the area. If you can't touch it with your finger, it's too hot.

Later,
Matt

matt@RareVintageCymbals.com
www.RareVintageCymbals.com