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Thread: Keyhole

  1. #1

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    Question Keyhole

    Pardon the newbie question... Do keyholes affect a cymbal's sound in any way? If so what can be done to fix it?
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  2. #2

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    I dont think it affects the sound, as far as fixing it goes there are some things called grommets i believe, someone else can tell you about it but many people in here have them

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    Cant really repair them but to stop them from growing...be sure to use some sort of protection to eliminate metal on metal contact between cymbal and threaded post. Many...in fact most new cymbal holders have protective plastic sleeves.

    all the best...
    Last edited by kay-gee; 03-25-2008 at 07:08 AM. Reason: typo

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    Eventually after it gets big enough it will kind of "hook" around your non-existent cymbal sleeve (sleeves would prevent keyholing), and may affect the movement of the cymbal. Plus, cymbals are round. And their holes should stay round.
    I'm not sure if it will affect the sound of the cymbal, this is an interesting question..

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  5. #5

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    true individual cymbal fidelity could only be achieved by an invisible anchoring method. One that suspends the cymbal mid air. Using traditional mounts,cymbal sleeves, and the like will certainly alter its sound. Same goes for wearing out the metal as in keyholing. For what it's worth, anything touching or taking away from the " original masterpiece " will even in the slightest way affect it's vibrations.
    Here's an example : say a small stick is floating ontop of the swimming pool water and the water is as calm as can be. Now start a ripple so you can see the " waves " move from point of beginning toward the floating stick. The waves represent the sound a cymbal makes. As the waves approach the stick their symetry is altered but yet the waves will extend past the stick regardless. Much in the same way your cymbal will make noise no matter how large or deformed the centerhole. Aside from the effects of a player's ability, each cymbal projects it's own character and that is affected by everything from dirt to relative humidity each giving or taking away an audible component.
    Most definitely. As a matter of fact, there will be "NO LIMIT"... just an unending quagmire of musical genius.

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    I have two very old classic cymbals with keyholes. Its sad somebody let them get that way before I bought them. I would say they do not affect the sound in any large or detectable way, BUT you have to mount them with a lean in opposite direction the keyhole, so they do not flip back into the keyhole and wear there. Thus, A little extra care needed. You can insert a grommet, but to me that is then a new piece of metal in there that likely WILL affect the sound and playability.

  7. #7

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    Now this is really out there, and may be totally the wrong thing to do but I gotta throw it out and see what happens. Also I've never tried it.

    Idea...I wonder if you could use a repair eyelette for like repairing a tarp. They sell those kits with the eyelettes and installation tool. Just and idea, not saying go do it, just wanna hear some feedback from the pro's on DC.

    As far as size, the ones for tarps would be to big, but I think I seen some brass kits at a Hobby store. I wouldn't know why they would'nt have something like that. Being I do not own any cymbals with a keyhole.

    If you could find an eyelette at the correct size and did install it, would it affect the sound? Would you think it would be able to be durable? What am I not thinking of?

    feedback.....please.

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  8. #8

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    Quote Originally Posted by jafo View Post
    Now this is really out there, and may be totally the wrong thing to do but I gotta throw it out and see what happens. Also I've never tried it.

    Idea...I wonder if you could use a repair eyelette for like repairing a tarp. They sell those kits with the eyelettes and installation tool. Just and idea, not saying go do it, just wanna hear some feedback from the pro's on DC.

    As far as size, the ones for tarps would be to big, but I think I seen some brass kits at a Hobby store. I wouldn't know why they would'nt have something like that. Being I do not own any cymbals with a keyhole.

    If you could find an eyelette at the correct size and did install it, would it affect the sound? Would you think it would be able to be durable? What am I not thinking of?

    feedback.....please.
    The thickness of the cymbal may be an issue trying to fit it. I might be questioning the durability of the eyelets too. interesting thought though.
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  9. #9

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    Quote Originally Posted by jafo View Post
    Now this is really out there, and may be totally the wrong thing to do but I gotta throw it out and see what happens. Also I've never tried it.

    Idea...I wonder if you could use a repair eyelette for like repairing a tarp. They sell those kits with the eyelettes and installation tool. Just and idea, not saying go do it, just wanna hear some feedback from the pro's on DC.

    As far as size, the ones for tarps would be to big, but I think I seen some brass kits at a Hobby store. I wouldn't know why they would'nt have something like that. Being I do not own any cymbals with a keyhole.

    If you could find an eyelette at the correct size and did install it, would it affect the sound? Would you think it would be able to be durable? What am I not thinking of?

    feedback.....please.
    this is one of the well known repair techniques. it works, but you have to find the exact size eyelettes (or grommet)....not easy to do, but do-able.

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    How long roughly does it take for a cymbal to start Key holing?
    I play for God's glory

  11. #11

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    Quote Originally Posted by dweez View Post
    How long roughly does it take for a cymbal to start Key holing?
    If you keep a nylon sleeve over the metal cymbal rod, it won't ever keyhole. The sleeves will wear out and drummers don't always notice it. By that time, keyholing has already started.

  12. #12

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    Default Re: Keyhole

    I have keyholing on my xs20 crash, but thats because I havent got
    the time to replace the cymbal sleeve...that is to go down to
    guitar center and buy some.

  13. #13
    ThePloughman Guest

    Default Re: Keyhole

    You dont need guitar center.

    Good heavens man, back in the dark ages, before they invented microwaves and cell phones, before there was evilbay or banjo center,


    WE USED TO MAKE THEM OURSELVES!!!!!


    rubber tubing, nylon tubing, gaffers tape works in an emergency.


    There is no excuse to be keyholing your cymbals.

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