Gear article
DW Drums Cymbal Tilter Clamp
The DW Drums Cymbal Tilter Clamp is a heavy-duty percussion mounting component designed to facilitate the expansion of drum kits by attaching additional cymbals to existing hardware. It is engineered to accept standard 12.7mm (1/2") boom arms and L-rods, providing drummers with highly adjustable mounting points for crash, ride, and hi-hat cymbals.
See live pricesOverview
The DW Cymbal Tilter Clamp serves as a versatile utility for drummers looking to maximise their hardware efficiency. Rather than requiring an additional floor stand, this clamp allows users to mount cymbals directly onto 12.7mm (1/2") rods or boom arms. This design is particularly useful for complex setups where floor space is limited or where precise placement is required over other drums.
Mechanical Features and Adjustability
The clamp incorporates several of DW’s proprietary hardware technologies to ensure stability and customisation:
- Toothless Tilter: Unlike traditional geared tilters that limit movement to preset notches, the toothless design allows for infinite angle adjustments. This ensures the player can find the exact orientation required for their playing style.
- Cymbal Seat Adjustment: This patented feature allows the user to raise or lower the cymbal seat. By doing so, the drummer can lock the cymbal in place to precisely control the amount of swing or movement the cymbal exhibits when struck.
- TechLock Locking System: To prevent the cymbal from shifting during high-intensity performance, the TechLock system provides a secondary level of security, ensuring a solid base that resists slipping.
Compatibility and Hardware Integration
The unit is purpose-built to integrate with the industry-standard 12.7mm (1/2") diameter rods common in DW's own hardware lines, such as their L-rods and boom arms. This makes it a primary choice for mounting high-end cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or boutique offerings like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. While it is designed for heavy professional use, it is equally compatible with practice-oriented gear, including the Gear4music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack.
Target Audience
This hardware component is aimed at intermediate to professional drummers who require a reliable, high-torque mounting solution. It is particularly suited for players who use heavier or larger cymbals, such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats, where the stability of the mount is critical to the safety of the instrument. The clamp's ability to fine-tune cymbal movement also makes it a preferred choice for studio session drummers who need to control cymbal wash and resonance.
Related gear
£261.00 ($331)Masterwork
Masterwork Iris 21 Ride
£99.99 ($127)Gear4Music
5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack by Gear4music Silver
£355.00 ($451)Paiste
Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hat Cymbals
£496.00 ($630)Istanbul Agop
Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash
£358.00 ($455)UFIP
UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi Hat
£386.00 ($490)UFIP
UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hat
£76.00 ($97)Meinl
Meinl HCS 13 Hi Hat Cymbals
£449.00 ($570)Meinl
Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash
Frequently asked questions
- What size rods is the DW Cymbal Tilter Clamp compatible with?
- The clamp is designed to accept all 12.7mm (1/2 inch) rods, including standard boom arms and L-rods. This diameter is a standard for DW hardware and many other professional drum brands.
- What is the benefit of the Toothless Tilter?
- The Toothless Tilter allows for infinite angle adjustments because it does not rely on preset geared notches. This means drummers can set their cymbals at any precise angle rather than being limited to fixed increments.
- How does the Cymbal Seat Adjustment work?
- The patented Cymbal Seat Adjustment allows the user to raise or lower the seat and lock it into place. This allows the drummer to manually set how much the cymbal is allowed to move or 'swing' when it is struck.
- What is the purpose of the TechLock system?
- The TechLock is a locking mechanism designed to provide extra stability and prevent the tilter from slipping. It ensures the cymbal maintains its position even under heavy or aggressive playing conditions.
- Can I use this clamp to add a second crash to my kit?
- Yes, this clamp is specifically designed to expand cymbal setups. By attaching it to an existing rod or boom arm, you can easily add a second crash like a Meinl Byzance or Istanbul Agop without a new floor stand.
- Is this clamp suitable for heavy ride cymbals?
- Yes, because of the TechLock system and heavy-duty construction, it is stable enough to support larger, heavier cymbals such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.
- Can I mount hi-hats using this tilter clamp?
- While primarily used for crashes and rides, it can be used to mount x-hats (fixed hi-hats). It is compatible with various hi-hat models such as the UFIP Bionic Series 13" or Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats if they are on a compatible rod.
- Does this clamp come with a boom arm included?
- No, the product is the tilter clamp itself. It is designed to be attached to your existing 12.7mm boom arms or L-rods to provide the tilter function at the end of the rod.
- What is the typical price for this DW hardware piece?
- The typical price for the DW Cymbal Tilter Clamp is approximately £50.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.
- Will this work with low-volume practice cymbals?
- Yes, it is fully compatible with low-volume cymbals, such as those in the Gear4music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack. The clamp provides the same level of adjustability regardless of the cymbal's volume or weight.
- How does the build quality compare to entry-level clamps?
- DW hardware is generally considered professional-grade, offering features like the Toothless Tilter and TechLock which are often absent on budget alternatives. This makes it more durable and adjustable for long-term use.
- Is it possible to lock the cymbal completely still?
- While most drummers prefer some movement, the Cymbal Seat Adjustment can be tightened to significantly restrict movement. This is useful for specific percussion effects or stacker setups.
