How to Rivet a Cymbal

[@jotagomezmusico]

Its amazing how much fear are in the drummer comunity to do this... Finally someone can explain how to do this properly... Thx Rick!

[@xcontrabandit]

I understand it's very easy to cause cracks and permanent damage, if drilled improperly.

[@paulegron7561]

Any thoughts on how placement affects the sound? I mean placement in terms of cluster (i.e. 2 or 3 in a line) or perimeter (evenly spaced, as you're doing here). Thanks!

[@andrewkeiswetter8629]

When they’re in a cluster, you get less rivet sound when you play closer to them, and more sizzling when you play away from them. Evenly space you’ll get a consistent sound. I personally like clusters

[@Jath2112]

So I just went to harbor freight to pick up some stuff for this. The cashiers name....was Zildjian. Pretty crazy moment, had to share

[@MechaAkuma]

I got to hand it to ya Rick. You have to have some serious balls to dare drilling holes in to a $500 jazz cymbal.

[@DIGITALSWOON]

or just a lot of cymbals to spare lol

[@goodstick2126]

Louie bellson in an old modern drummer magazine recommended a cluster method of 1 in from the edge, three rivets one-quarter a part. It's been my secret formula. Smile

[@ckr430]

Thanks for sharing the technique. I’ve got a cymbal that I’ve been wanting to install rivets. This will definitely help.

[@paul-ld9vh]

Thanks for the info! I will work on re installing rivets on my Zildjian vintage swish cymbal!

[@pablocaluch9061]

another cuestión Rick, supone that i made rivets on a 20" ride and then I decide to take them out. the sound of the cymbal would be diferent than the original sound? the holes would affect the cymbal sound?

[@Rhythmhousedrums]

This is great - been thinking about doing it to my 22" k con bounce ride. Looks pretty straight forward. My only addition would be to use a center punch for marking - especially if you only have a hand drill. It will indent the cymbal at the correct mark and not just keep the bit from wandering, but will actually pull the bit into the center of the mark.

[@Rhythmhousedrums]

Also, I wouldn't just use hardware store rivets - some metals react with other metals and will corrode. If you use aluminum for instance the brass is more anodic and will corrode the rivet. Steel also, but less so. I'd imagine the Zildjian rivets are stainless or similar metal make up of the cymbals.

[@paulmcateer]

Great Rick!...This procedure clarifies what otherwise might turn out be a disaster. I have a couple of cymbals that I use a chain sizzle with. Look forward to installing rivets and seeing how they work out.....Thanks

[@dennisstgermain442]

Interesting . Thanks again. BTW, Your Advanced Coordination book is GREAT !!

[@sober-southoftheborderever3591]

I do it all manually, with a hand driller. In my case, I always drill and install only 3 rivets (like an Armand Zildjian 19 ride). I measure the distance between each rivet and the distance from edge. Put a little pen mark and then do the drilling. I use Istanbul brass rivets that are easy to bend after installed. But here in Brazil once you install rivets in a cymbal, and if you decide to sell the cymbal, it is very hard to do it, since most drummers do not like rivets or drilled cymbals. It is a shame. I love the rivets especially to play ballads with brushes and gently hit the cymbal for that sizzle effect. Cheers everyone.,Keep on drumming!

[@anotheryoutubed]

Thanks for the video, can I pay you to do it though? :P

[@rickdior]

You can contact me at [e-mail]

[@webingerphoto49]

Thank you for the excellent rivet video! Also what does the back of your t shirt say…looks like NC state shape?

[@jake7945]

It almost seems like you hammer your rivets in 6/8

[@rickdior]

Its more like 15/16

[@roberthall6999]

Great video. Just wondering is their a reason you didnt just use your carpenters square to make your marking on tbe cymbal upside down to start? Could you not just skip the template step and measure an inch and a half from the perimeter? Either way extremly helpful I would have used a drill and drilled right side up. Very helpful.

[@rickdior]

A template makes it go much faster. I have templates for 24, 22, 21, 20 and 18 inch cymbals. You just put it on there and mark it. No measuring.

[@AnonYmous-nk5iy]

Can you link to an example of the rivets you use? I’ve just riveted my cymbal but the rivets don’t even vibrate slightly! Fully locked...issue is the type of rivet. Thanks...great vid.

[@rickdior]

Hi I use standard Zildjian rivets. They are about 3/16's in diameter. They may not be moving because the hole you drilled may be too small. The hole should be at least a 16th larger then the rivet body. It could also be because the cymbal you used is too heavy or light and is not vibrating enough to move the rivets.

[@pablocaluch9061]

thanks fotos the information man! great data!!! I have one question, if you rivet a cymbal (8 rivets) that changes de sound or the volume of the cymbal?

[@rickdior]

Hi Pablo It will not change the volume but it will change the sound since you will now hear the sizzle of the rivets.

[@kevinjohnson7488]

What size drill bit? How about using a hand drill? I don’t have a drill press/ workshop. Thanks for the video!

[@rickdior]

Hi Kevin The size of the bit depends on the size of the rivet you use. Make sure the bit is 1/16th larger than the rivet. You can use a hand drill. If you do that use a drill bit with a point so it will bite into the cymbal. You will need to apply pressure when you start so the bit does not travel across the cymbal and put a deep scratch in it. You will need to put a curved block of wood that is shaped like the edge of the cymbal under it when you drill it so it does not leave a bad burr.

[@zenos.5315]

Nice job…thank you

[@anthonypachecodrums]

What size rivets did you get?

[@BX2PA]

What material should rivets be made from for best results? ...Brass, Iron, copper, bronze.

[@rickdior]

They are usually made from hard steel. You can also get brass rivets but those work best for very thin cymbals and are more expensive. Stay away from aluminum rivets as they are too soft to work with.

[@BX2PA]

rickdior thanks will look for some brass ones..can you recommend a size and length?

[@Alan-dp4od]

Why on earth didn’t you tell us what distance from the edge you drill the holes? Nice video but that seems very important

[@rickdior]

Its in the description if you read it and its pretty obvious if you watch the entire video. There are no rules for where you are putting them. Cymbals can be riveted in all sorts of ways. Your welcome.

[@xcontrabandit]

5:08, einstein. Nice video, rick. This will be very helpful as soon as I find the nerve.