To Rivet or Not To Rivet. That is the question. ;)

[Cann_Man28]

Well in case anyone is wondering... here's what I did. I got Memphis Drum Shop to install two Zildjian rivets. I've had it back for a couple of weeks now. I like it but decided that two rivets are just a bit much for this cymbal. Maybe the Bosphorus rivets would have been better? (Anybody know if the Bosphorus rivets fit in the same size hole as Zildjian rivets?)

So I took off one of the rivets. I like it better now and think it sounds really good. Here's the original video done by the drummer I got it from (before the rivet), followed by a video I just did with the one rivet. I used a Zoom iQ7 microphone to record this, so it sounds pretty true to in person...

Bingo, sounds killer with the one rivet. Reminds me that I have a 20" A to drill.

Also fwiw. I look for cymbals that looked played in when I am shopping. I want a key hole, a rivet hole, some tape residue, a patina. If a cymbal is over 5 years old and doesn't look loved, I am pretty suspicious. I see many people advising against drilling due to resale status, I have a different perspective.

 

[Parcel]

So, specifically, what in your experience do you find adding rivets to a cymbal does to the crash? Would the crash sound basically stay the same but maybe just a slightly shorter sustain, or do you think it would sound substantially different as a crash? Would you add rivets to this cymbal (audio sample obviously without rivets below)?

I never fixed rivets on any of my cymbals, I just put a small chain on them to get a sizzle sound.
Only on the ride cymbals, tho.
Crashes are for accents, they don't need any help...

 

[Drumbumcrumb]

In case you (or anyone) is thinking of trying different rivets like Bosphorus etc., Cymbalsonly has the good stuff for $6 shipped (apologize if this has been linked, I didn’t see it). Right at the very bottom of the page.

CymbalsOnly.com current Istanbul AGOP Inventory

CymbalsOnly.com - Specializing in Istanbul AGOP and Bosphorus Cymbals from Turkey. High-quality sound files so you can try before you buy!

www.cymbalsonly.com

I ended up liking the Bosphorus. The cymbal sounds great btw, I think the rivet adds something nice.

 

[Rick]

In case you (or anyone) is thinking of trying different rivets like Bosphorus etc., Cymbalsonly has the good stuff for $6 shipped (apologize if this has been linked, I didn’t see it). Right at the very bottom of the page.

CymbalsOnly.com current Istanbul AGOP Inventory

CymbalsOnly.com - Specializing in Istanbul AGOP and Bosphorus Cymbals from Turkey. High-quality sound files so you can try before you buy!

www.cymbalsonly.com

I ended up liking the Bosphorus. The cymbal sounds great btw, I think the rivet adds something nice.

Thank you!

The final saga on this cymbal...

I ended up taking your suggestion and ordering a packet of Bosphorus rivets from Cymbalsonly. Just what the doctor ordered for this cymbal! I love it! These rivets are noticeably less harsh and smoother sounding than the Zildjian rivets. I used two of the Bosphorus in place of the one Zildjian. About the same amount of sizzle, but I think the two Bosphorus rivets give it a little nicer sound. Here's a demo video I did tonight...

 

[Drumbumcrumb]

Thank you!

The final saga on this cymbal...

I ended up taking your suggestion and ordering a packet of Bosphorus rivets from Cymbalsonly. Just what the doctor ordered for this cymbal! I love it! These rivets are noticeably less harsh and smoother sounding than the Zildjian rivets. I used two of the Bosphorus in place of the one Zildjian. About the same amount of sizzle, but I think the two Bosphorus rivets give it a little nicer sound. Here's a demo video I did tonight...

Oh wow, that sounds REALLY good! Nice soft, smooth wash with plenty of stick. Perfect. Glad I could be of some help.