The Cymbal Whisperer Drummers play drums AND cymbals. Drums can sometimes be a little utilitarian. Even when in the presence of the most special of drums, some drummers have remarked, “A drum is a drum.” But cymbals are special. They are personal, they have a mystery, a soul, and are made by old world craftsmen. There are secret alloys, confidential processes, family recipes, and myths galore in the world of cymbals. There have even been websites devoted to many of these aspects of cymbal making. But outside of the world’s biggest cymbal companies, there is a growing number of independent cymbal smiths who started to make a big sound in the late 70s and 80s. Legendary cymbal smiths like Roberto Spizzichino, Mike Skiba, Craig Lauritsen, Matt Bettis, Matt Nolan, Jesse Simpson, and Heather Stine have come to the forefront of the independent cymbal world, and all of them have made […]

October 2022 Issue