Anyone play those cymbals with holes in them?

[porkpieguy]

I'm starting to see more and more cymbals with these giant holes bored into them. Anyone own/play these? Is it more of a gimmick, or are these legit? What's the advantages and disadvantages of having holes bored into cymbals? Does it affect durability? Your thoughts?

[Olimpass]

I've seen them being used as bashing rides/crashes with quick decay. They sound cool with various applications.

[wolvie56]

They're designed as special effects cymbals. Usually a bright crash with a quick decay. A super splash if you will. Or a super bright quick decay china. They look pretty cool.

[crispycritters]

I like the HHX Ozone crashes - fast, dark, a little trashy (in a good way).

I believe cutting holes in a cymbal will weaken it as there are more edges to strike directly and less metal for the overall size of the cymbal. I have seen quite a few of the Zildjian EFX ozone style cymbals for sale on eBay that have been cracked - they cut several large narrow strips out of the cymbal and the ones I've seen have all cracked from the end of the large cut out strip to the edge of the cymbal (hope that makes sense). Personally if I would only consider an ozone cymbal with round holes cut out - NOT shapes - apparently the forces that build up in the cymbal when struck are dispersed more evenly with round cut outs - with shapes the forces seem to concentrate in small areas potentially causing cracking problems

[Russ]

I'd go as far as to play a cracked ride, for that one of a kind sizzle sound you can only get with one. Holes, I don't know about that - haven't tried yet.

[xsabers]

All my cymbals have holes. Can't get 'em on the stands otherwise...

[jgziegler]

i was going to get one, went out with my mentor to the middle of nowhere and tried it, it was 'dead'. Ended up buying a trash.

As wolfie said, they have a bit of a china sound, so if you figure your first cymbal is a ride, second a large crash and you only want 1 more, they are a good option because they are somewhere between crash/china/splash.

I've seen them a lot over here in Czech Republic, I think i've seen only 1 for sale used in +/- 6 months of looking. Considering Czechs are pretty cheeky, and definitely will try to sell FCKD cymbals, I would say that means at least Czech drummers like them!

[Russ]

All my cymbals have holes. Can't get 'em on the stands otherwise...

Zing!

[Dodeska]

I use a Meinl Custom Classic Trash Crash. I don't particularly care for or like the sound of Chinas so this was perfect to add the sound I wanted.
It also helped that it cost me a fraction of the new price!

[late8]

I like the HHX Ozone crashes - fast, dark, a little trashy (in a good way).

I believe cutting holes in a cymbal will weaken it as there are more edges to strike directly and less metal for the overall size of the cymbal. I have seen quite a few of the Zildjian EFX ozone style cymbals for sale on eBay that have been cracked - they cut several large narrow strips out of the cymbal and the ones I've seen have all cracked from the end of the large cut out strip to the edge of the cymbal (hope that makes sense). Personally if I would only consider an ozone cymbal with round holes cut out - NOT shapes - apparently the forces that build up in the cymbal when struck are dispersed more evenly with round cut outs - with shapes the forces seem to concentrate in small areas potentially causing cracking problems

Thanks for this...I was about to plunk down some money for the Zildjian EFX cymbal with the oblong holes. Now, I'm thinking about going with the round holes like the HHX Ozone you mentioned at the top of your post. I'm leary about any holes cut into a cymbal. I know some cut holes in cymbals to stop a crack from spreading but I've also witnessed holes grow beyond the cut out due to the forces applied to the surface of the cymbal when played.

Has anybody had any issues with Sabian Ozone cymbals cracking around the holes??

[crispycritters]

[QUOTE=late8;616128] I know some cut holes in cymbals to stop a crack from spreading but I've also witnessed holes grow beyond the cut out due to the forces applied to the surface of the cymbal when played.

I believe this happens for several reasons -

1. They underestimate the length of the crack, sometimes the crack continues but is extremely fine and cannot be seen easily. The cymbal is drilled assuming the crack has stopped and the remaining part of the crack continues to grow with use.

2. The holes drilled tend to be very small - this causes the energy of the flexing crack of the cymbal to be concentrated in the same small area of the drilled out hole, drilling a hole of larger diameter should spread the energy over a wider area. (But it looks crappy).

3. Sometimes when drilling cast metal the edges of the holes are left ragged (it is very difficult to smooth and round off the edges of a small pilot hole) in effect there are many tiny cracks in the cast metal around the newly drilled hole, again the crack will continue to grow.

I'm not sure about the longevity of ozoned cymbals, but if anyone has any experience of these cymbals I would like to hear if you have had any cracking problems.

[dangermoney]

I would be interested to know more about the Ozones as well. I've tried 'em, love the way they sound, but shy away from buying one in fear that someone sitting in will smash it to pieces ...

[inthpktplayer]

I have one. Like it a lot. Quick decay. Sort of "dirty" sound to it.

[pcs90]

I have a Zildjian 16" K Efx and love it. I've also owned the 14" A Custom version. In the past I had 16" B8 Pro and 16" AAX Ozone crashes as well. I've had no problems with any of them, but I'm not a hard hitter either. I've heard many stories of the Ozones cracking as well so if the shape of the holes makes a difference, it's probably not a major one.

[Powertrip240]

I have a Sabian 16" AAX Ozone crash that I play as more of an effects type cymbal. It's like a slightly milder China. I love it. I have not had any problems with cracking. I even had it fall off of a 3 foot drum riser during a gig (poor stand placement). I thought for sure it would be cracked, but nope. Good to go.

[HolyChina]

None with GIANT holes yet but i do see a hex ozone in my future. However I do own a Holy China (of coarse) and a 18" aax aero crash so they have holes but not large ones.

[kay-gee]

Gimmick! 35% less bronze...100% price.

all the best...

[piratemonkey124]

I have the mienl you pictured. The 10" piccolo china. I like it. It's not as loud as my 18" china, but sometimes I don't want a big loud china. And it decays fast. I like to use it playing with acoustic guitar.

[Sticks4drums]

I own two Sabian ones, and really enjoy them. A very nice balance between shimmering crash, and abrasive china! Get you one!

[comet]

I'm an ultra-minimalist, thus I haven't participated in the holey cymbal or the aux snare fads. No disrespect to those of you all who make good use of these extra instruments.

[Pearl MCX Man]

It's like anything else if you need and have a lot of use out of one then ok. Other than that it is just cool cymbal that looks great in a kit. I would buy one even though I have never heard the sound it is just, the looks that are attractive to me lol

[SpazApproved]

I have a sabian evolution cymbal and it has a distinct quick wash sound. I love it

[Sticks4drums]

I'm an ultra-minimalist, thus I haven't participated in the holey cymbal or the aux snare fads. No disrespect to those of you all who make good use of these extra instruments.

When you are bored you have to buy something.

[pcs90]

Gimmick! 35% less bronze...100% price.

all the best...

Not if you buy them used!

[Sticks4drums]

Not if you buy them used!

Ya but sometimes the used ones have holes in them!