Should I buy a cracked zildjian a custom cymbal?

Question:I have found several on ebay that have minor cracks. They are generally cheap too (around $30-$40) when a normal a custom costs around $200. Should I go for it? I currently don't have any crash cymbals and I have heard a cracked nice cymbal would sound better than a regular crappy cymbal.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have found several on ebay that have minor cracks. They are generally cheap too (around $30-$40) when a normal a custom costs around $200. Should I go for it? I currently don't have any crash cymbals and I have heard a cracked nice cymbal would sound better than a regular crappy cymbal.

Cracked cymbals rarely sound as good as a well made new one - especially with Zildjians! I've known a few drummers, and heard the difference, from new to small crack to big crack... cracks do not great tone make.

I would not buy a cracked cymbal - as others have said, it's just a matter of (brief!) time until that thing busts. I wouldn't buy something that might bust in the middle of a gig.... I would say go for a cheaper new one or save up for the good stuff. I'm also not keen on trying to fix broken cymbals. =)

That said, I'm just a guitar player. (grin) I found some links for you of drummers talking about it. It sounds like it really depends on the severity of the crack.

I like the soldering idea - if you're not shelling out huge wads of cash and you can accept the idea that none of this may actually result in a usable cymbal maybe it would be worth it, if only for the experience.

Good luck!

Saul

if you can afford the new one, buy it, otherwise superglue the lowrent one and play on.

The drummer in my band would disagree. According to him, once a cymbal is cracked it's basically useless because the crack affects the sound (negatively) and it's only a matter of time before it breaks. So why buy a cracked cymbal if you'll only use it once before it breaks? My vote is to save up and buy a new one, or a used one that isn't cracked.

A crack alters the tone of a cymbal and slightly mutes it (has less ring). A crack will only get worse with use, and super glue will not stop it from getting worse and will only further mute the cymbal. This is why they're cheap, you'd be buying someone else's junk.

noooooooo!!!!!!

they're cheap for a reason. and if you are a drummer you should already KNOW that decent cymbals are everything.