There are a number of basic methods which can be used to shape a blank.

Each method will have an influence on the final sonic outcome and more than one method can be used to fine tune a sonic foundation.

Circular Method -

This is the method that Paiste use to shape their flat disc blanks.

I’ll use this method if I’m after a foundation with more projection and volume.

The complexity will be simpler, but this can be adjusted if need be.

The basic method entails hammering in a circular pattern, with ever increasing diameters, working from the bridge to the edge. After completing each circle from the top, I turn the cymbal over and hammer the same diameter circle from the bottom.

After a basic inverted profile is formed, I’ll ‘flip’ (invert) the cymbal into a regular shape and repeat the process. The cymbal can be ‘flipped’ a number of times, until the desired profile height is achieved.

Additional tension can be added by extra top hammering if needed.

The photo below is an example of circular hammering.

The effect of the circular hammering can be maximised by hammering a circle of just one hammer mark width.

Spokes Method -

Hammering in a triangular ray which starts at the apex at the bridge and ends at the edge.

I’ll use the spokes method to create a more complex sonic foundation.

If we think of the hammered spokes as being numbers on a clock face, this would be the order of hammering:

-1st spoke of top hammering at 12 o’clock

-hammer the same area from the bottom of the cymbal

-2nd spoke of top hammering at 6 o’clock

-hammer the same area from the bottom of the cymbal

-3rd spoke of top hammering at 9 o’clock

-hammer the same area from the bottom of the cymbal

-4th spoke of top hammering at 3 o’clock etc....

The tensioning wires on an umbrella are analogous to the spokes method.

Sometimes I’ll hammer multiple spokes from the top before retracing the lines from the bottom. Sometimes completely hammering the top before completely hammering the bottom in either the flipped or normal shape. 

The cymbal in the photo below was re-hammered using the spokes method and if you look closely you can see some of the radial lines.

Band Shaping Method -

This method involves shaping the cymbal by dense hammering in small circular bands.

Each band is hammered into a uniform shape, each band ‘connecting’ to the previously shaped area.

I usually shape in bands that are 1 to 2 inches thick.

The photo’s below show the process.

Combination Shaping -

Any combination of basic hammering shaping techniques can be used at any time during the shaping process.

I’ll often use a band shaping method near the bridge, and then switch to spokes for the remainder. This is especially useful for dealing with poor bell pressings or caliper marks at the bridge.

All of the combinations are dependent on what particular shape issues need addressing and the desired final sonic outcome.

There are many possibilities, limited only by a craftsman’s experience and willingness to experiment.