GEARREVIEW
BY MARK SHELTON
Cymgard: Edge Armoring and Sound Dampening
Cymgard Hi-Hats fit matched pairs of hi-hats.
for a test drive. The reduction in both ring and
Practically any standard cymbal diameter is
volume was a pleasant surprise to my ears.
available (up to a massive 24 inch plate). The
Removing the constant cymbal ring during
various sizes and models range in price from
practice allows a drummer to clearly hear subtle
$9.95 to $26.95 (MSRP).
details of cymbal work that are often masked
by uninterrupted ringing. You will be able to
KEY FEATURES
Standards & Lites fit
single cymbals
Hi-Hats fit matched pairs
of hi-hats
Cymbals fitted with Cymgards can be safely
clearly evaluate every stroke as you practice
stacked horizontally or vertically.
Cymgards
a brisk swing pattern on a Cymgard-equipped
prevent cymbal edge contact with storage
ride cymbal. I enjoyed striking a cymbal with the
racks and/or other cymbals. These safeguards
velocity that would normally produce a hearty
help to ensure that your cymbals will remain
crash while hearing little more than the quiet
undamaged whether stored in bags, vaults, or
wood-against-rubber contact sound. Based
the tight-fitting slot of a trap case. Cymgards
on the previous sentence, your spouse might
are also an inexpensive and effective solution
actually buy you a set of Cymgards.
for cushioning your precious plates when it is
necessary to mail or ship.
Although some drummers might use Cymgards
on a regular basis when driving their gear to a
Practically every
size available
My initial installment of Cymgards on four
downtown gig, the product would be a very
cymbals took me several minutes and a
wise investment for players who place their
considerable amount of effort. I started the
favorite cymbals in the hands of others for
Although it weighs less than my coffee mug,
process with the printed directions, but found
long distance transport. Although I did not
Cymgard has the strength to protect your
consulting the on-line video to be more helpful.
personally try the drop test, the manufacturer’s
cymbal during storage or travel AND this
The demo video also states that Cymgards are
demo video was very convincing as I observed
nifty device allows you to practice your crash
easier to install after a break-in period. Sure
a Cymgard-equipped plate falling from about
techniques without waking the guy upstairs.
enough, after leaving the device on a crash
five feet and striking edge-first onto a concrete
cymbal for about 48 hours, I removed the
floor without any damage. Twice!
Constructed of sturdy elastic rubber, Cymgards
Cymgard and immediately reinstalled it very
fit onto and around the circumference of a
quickly--with much less effort.
That level of protection should be enough
cymbal to provide both edge armoring and
sound
dampening.
Cymgard
to endure a hurried baggage handler or the
Standards
After placing Cymgards on a ride, crash, and
and Cymgard Lites fit single cymbals, while
a set of high-hats, I sat down at my drum set
deadline-driven lo