I have a Spurlok issue with which I'm hoping someone can help me. Lately, while simply keeping time, my bottom bat cymbal ends up lifting up over the plastic sleeve on the hi-hat rod. It pops off and won't allow a chick sound and also runs the risk of damaging the bottom cymbal. Any idea how to fix this?
Thanks, all!
Judging only by your written description, it would appear you have an issue with a worn hi-hat clutch. Older ones played hard for many years can develop stripped threading, etc. Best to purchase a new high quality clutch or an excellent condition vintage Ludwig clutch. Good luck!
Do you have the original nylon sleeve in place? They had a wider band near the top that kept the felt washer in place and should also help keep the cymbal where it belongs. I am having a hard time picturing your problem though. What is it that is lifting the bottom cymbal upward when you release the foot pedal? Is it sticking to the top cymbal somehow?
If you're in need of a new sleeve this might help...
Another possible way to keep the bottom hat cymbal in place is something I just heard of today:
You can see one holding the bottom hat down in the pic on this page:
http://www.pinch-clip.com/how-it-works.html
I can't recommend it from personal use of course. I've only just seen it, not used it.
And I'm with KO in that it's hard for me to imagine what might be happening mechanically to cause what you are experiencing. Maybe a pic or two of yours (in various state of assembly or disassembly) would help.
What are the chances that an air lock is developing between the cymbals? While remote, it's possible for the top cymbal to pick up the bottom cymbal. How about slightly tilting the bottom cymbal? Is the tilting screw still intact on your hi hat? Even though you say a Spur-Lock hi hat, which model are you referring to? "Spurlok" really only refers to the clamp on the heel pad that can be turned down to keep the pedal from moving. Many people are usually talking about the very popular "Classic" direct-pull hi hat stand, the 1123-1, but can also be the Atlas stand, too.
-Mark
oc
Thanks for these replies. The stand is a an old 60's stand that identified as Spurlock. It doesn't seem like the top hat cymbal is causing the problem. It happens when I slosh the hats or sometimes when I'm playing uptempo time, the bottom cymbal pops up from the plastic sleeve. It happens whether or not the bottom cymbal is tilted. I tried to remove the plastic, but it's on tight. Is it apart of the metal tube itself?
The nylon sleeve is friction fitted into the top of the tube. If you twist and pull at it it should eventually pop out. You should have something there to center the pull rod though.
Sounds like possibly the plastic is worn away and shorter than it was originally which is letting the cymbal hop up over that. Either that or you've got too many ( or too thick ) felts under the cymbal. Originally it would have been similar to the one pictured below.
If the bushing is still the original height and the bottom cymbal is hopping straight up about an inch to jump over the tube then I'd say you're definitely pushing the envelope on sloshing the hats. Not that there's anything wrong with that but you may want to look for a more modern hi-hat stand in that case.
It has to be the sleeve. Your sleeve has a noticeable lip; mine does not. The sloshing is about as basic as one can get--I wasn't playing any progressive Tony stuff when it happened. The felt thickness looks the same.
New original nylon sleeves for a forty year old hi-hat stand are tough to find these days. The one in the picture is actually one I made myself. If you click on the link on my first response you'll see how you can make your own if need be. It's cheap too.
I looked at the sleeve again, and I'm not sure it's bad. It seems fine and still has a lip to it. Maybe the felt I have is too thick? Here are some photos. What's strange is that I've had the stand like this for a few years, and this is the first time this issue arose.
