DRUMMER CAFE

there are all sorts of reasons cymbals can break.  

are they screwed down to tight? cymbals need room to wobble after getting hit.  set a pencil on the edge of your desk, half on, half off.  now hit the side hanging off.  the pencil went flying but it didnt break.  now set it up again and hold down the end on the desk firmly.  hit the other end again, did it break? ... same with cymbals.  aquarian cymbal springs seem to be good for people who like thier cymbals screwed down snug.

are they thin? are you using baseball bats? the right tool for the job makes a big difference.  using a 7A stick on a zildjian earth ride wont really move it, using a 2B on a paiste trad thin ride will tear it up.  find the right sticks and cymbals for what you do.

how are you hitting these cymbals? are they flat and your nailing them straight on? major cymbal stress!  and theres nothing wrong with playing hard.  just be sure that your playing right.  and with the right tools.

simply investigate your materials, and your technique and do the math.

I use those sleeves with the built in bottoms, then felt, then cymbal, then felt, then wingnut.  the wing nut screws down tight against the top of the sleeve so it doesnt go anywhere, but with thinner felts, the cymbal can still swing freely.  I use 7A's, and thin cymbals.  a light swing of the wrist and they sing.  (that kinda stuff works for the music I do)  they are at moderate angles so I can take a glancing stroke at the top, or edge by turning my wrist down a bit.  I dont break cymbals or sticks.

Thanx for the advice 563, I'll make some investigations.  Guess I'll have to save up for some new cymbals though - looks like a broken cymbal can't be mended  

oh yeah, forgot the jam block question ... nope. I dont use a lot of stacatto sounds on my kit, and when I do I usually hit my rims or the sides of my drums (or my stands, or the floor, or another stick, etc etc). but I have been known to use a wood block on occasion.  and I do like the sound of wood better than plastic.

and yep, no saving a broken cymbal.  you can hamper further breakage, but its still broke and will only get worse.