Handmade cymbal (imperfections) "Character"...

[Rimshot 1111]

I recently purchased several Meinl Byzance cymbals. Being handmade in turkey (as many cymbals are) I know there can be typical inconsistences or some might call it "character" in the craftmanship of each cymbal. Let me explain. I have noticed that each cymbal I have has many different characteristics such as, hammer marks (some deeper than others), thickness of the edge (some areas are thinner or "sharper" and other areas are thicker or "dull"), roundness (some areas on the edge are not perfectly round). Dont get me wrong. Im not unhappy with the cymbals by any means. The things mentioned above are not visible without close inspection of each cymbal (and maybe with a picky eye) but I wondered for those that have truly handmade cymbals what you have noticed with these so called differences or "character" of each individual cymbal. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

rimshot1111

[Akahito]

That is completely normal for cast cymbals, especially hand made ones. It's practically impossible to roll out a blank that would be 100% even, and in lathing and hammering those mis-shapes become exaggerated. The thinner the cymbal, the more malformed it's prone to become with hammering and lathing. Sheet castings are more uniform and consistent, but they too have some imperfections such as you mentioned, depending on how much and how the cymbals get worked during production.

[Divine Sentiment]

Hand made cymbals are wonderful and more unique in the sense that each one is different. They all look similar but just like animals they may have a spot or two more than another animal.

Even cast cymbals made by machines are magnificent but also more consistent.

My wuhan 16 in medium thin crash has a noticeable dent towards the edge, but hey, it sounds amazing, dark, airy, shimmering, and extremely sensitive! The edges are sharp and the inside is thick! Plus the hammering is imperfect which makes it more beautiful.

Imperfect cymbals contrast and equalize the beauty of DRUMS being perfectly made...

It's the Yin and Yang that match together perfectly.

So overall it's normal and depending on what you got, should be greatly appreciated...

[HyperKid]

Handcrafted cymbals > robot-made cymbals.

[DethRokRyan]

I have Meinl MB20s, and I really like the different characteristics each of them have. The only problem Ive had was that one of my crashes cracked very soon after I got it, and Im pretty sure it was due to the hammering being too thin where it cracked, as it was a heavy crash and it broke near the bell. Meinl got it taken care of quickly for me though. That company rocks.

[boro]

even my armand has 'sweet spots', especially near the bell.