I got a question that I never had answered. I think it`s like no-one wants to say, but maybe a trade secret but I doubt it,..I don`t know why I can`t get it answered.Most cymbals crack around the bell,..I understand why, but...How do you know when you`ve hammered too thin or took off too much in that area with the lathe ? (so you don`t send it out the door knowing it`ll crack soon)I don`t know,..maybe that`s a non issue durring fabrication !!
Hi OddBall,
The bridge area that you're talking about is one of the most critical in terms of the affect it has on the sound, overall tension and structural stability of a cymbal.
There are certain elements of the bridge which are set by the exact nature of the bell pressing and the heating and cooling processes involved.
The way that area is then hammered and lathed is obviously the next critical process. I generally like to do the minimum amount of work needed to that area in order to reach a particular sonic goal.
A good craftsmen knows how much to work the bridge and good artisans develop a feel for the variables in that area.
That's why I'd prefer to have a human involved in the hammering and lathing of a cymbal.
