SAVE IT.
KEEP IT PLAYING.
A cracked cymbal does not always have to go straight in the bin. SpineSplitter Studio offers practical cymbal repair and modification, from removing damaged sections and reshaping edges to selected custom alterations where the cymbal and intended result make sense.
The repair is not intended to return the cymbal to its exact original condition. Removing material will naturally affect the tone to some degree. The goal is to preserve as much of the cymbal's character and resonance as practical while returning it to a usable, musical condition.
Check the damage
Every cymbal is assessed before cutting begins. The crack location, length and surrounding damage determine whether a repair is practical and how much material must be removed.
Remove the crack
The damaged section is removed with a rotary tool and suitable cutting discs. The cut is kept conservative and shaped smoothly, avoiding sharp corners and unnecessary material removal wherever possible.
Smooth the new edge
The repaired edge is carefully sanded, polished and finished to remove burrs and reduce potential stress points before the cymbal is returned to use.
What to expect
A repaired cymbal will not sound exactly the same as it did before it cracked. Pitch, sustain, response and overtones can change depending on the size and location of the repair.
For many drummers, that is a worthwhile tradeoff if it keeps a favourite or expensive cymbal usable for rehearsals, practice, backup setups and other situations where a newer cymbal is not essential.
This can also allow newer cymbals to be kept for the places where they matter most, including live performances and recording sessions.
Know the limits
Not every damaged cymbal can be saved. Large cracks, extensive damage, multiple cracks or damage in critical areas may make a repair impractical.
If the cymbal has gone beyond a sensible repair limit, that will be explained before any cutting is done.
A repair can extend useful life, but it cannot guarantee that the cymbal will never crack again. Cymbals continue to flex and absorb repeated impact every time they are played.
Stop playing it early
If you notice the beginning of a crack, stop using the cymbal as soon as practical. Continuing to play it can make the crack travel further and increase the amount of material that eventually needs to be removed.
A smaller repair usually means less change to the original cymbal.
Need the exact original tone?
If maintaining the cymbal's exact original pitch, response and tonal character is essential, repair may not be the right option for you.
Once material is removed, some tonal change is unavoidable. If you are unsure, the cymbal can be assessed before you decide whether to proceed.
Cut. Shape. Keep it playing.
Actual cymbals repaired at SpineSplitter Studio. The damaged area is removed conservatively, then the new edge is shaped and finished smoothly. Process footage and before and after sound examples will be added as the repair archive grows.
Every repair is different. The amount of material removed depends on the position and extent of the damage.
Multiple cuts on the same cymbal can be priced together depending on the amount of work required. Custom modification work is quoted according to the requested change. Every cymbal is assessed before work begins.
Got a cymbal to repair or modify?
Send a photo of the damage or the modification you have in mind, or bring the cymbal in for assessment.
