What is the primary purpose of the Gibraltar Cymbal Boom Arm?

It is designed to serve as a sturdy add-on for drum racks or multi-clamps. It allows drummers to extend their cymbal reach and position cymbals at specific angles that standard stands might not reach.

How does the 'hideaway' feature work?

The boom arm can be slid down into the vertical support tube. This allows it to function as a straight cymbal arm when the extra reach of a boom is not required, and it makes the unit more compact for storage.

Is this arm compatible with all drum racks?

It is designed to be universal for use with standard drum racks and multi-clamps. As long as your rack or clamp accepts standard diameter hardware tubes, this arm will fit securely.

Can I mount a heavy ride cymbal like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride on this arm?

Yes, the arm is described as extremely sturdy and is built to handle professional-grade cymbals. Its heavy-duty construction prevents the arm from dipping under the weight of larger cymbals.

What type of tilter does this model use?

This model uses a ratchet tilter. This provides indexed, incremental adjustments that lock firmly into place, ensuring the cymbal angle does not shift during performance.

Does the arm include a multi-clamp?

No, the arm is sold as a separate component meant to be used with an existing rack, clamp, or multi-clamp. You will need a compatible mounting point on your kit to use it.

What is the typical price for this Gibraltar hardware?

The typical price range for this specific Gibraltar boom arm is approximately GBP 55. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

Can this arm support low-volume cymbals?

Yes, it is perfectly suitable for mounting low-volume options like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack. Its stability ensures that even lighter cymbals remain in a consistent position.

Is the boom arm suitable for hi-hats like the Paiste Giant Beat 14"?

While typically used for crashes and rides, boom arms can be used for fixed (non-pedal) hi-hat placements. However, for standard hi-hat operation, a dedicated hi-hat stand is usually preferred.

How does the finish look on stage?

The hardware is designed to 'look the part,' featuring a high-quality chrome finish. This ensures it matches aesthetically with other professional drum hardware from Gibraltar and other major brands.

Is the ratchet tilter better than a gearless tilter?

A ratchet tilter offers notched, secure positions that are very resistant to slipping. While gearless tilters offer infinite positioning, the ratchet design is often preferred for its absolute stability under heavy hitting.

Can this be used to mount UFIP Bionic or Class series cymbals?

Yes, it is fully compatible with professional cymbals from brands like UFIP. Its heavy-duty nature is well-suited for the high-quality alloys used in the Bionic and Class series.

Gear article

Gibraltar Cymbal Boom Arm with Hideaway Ratchet Tilter

The Gibraltar Cymbal Boom Arm is a professional-grade drum hardware component designed for high stability and versatility. It features a hideaway ratchet tilter, allowing it to function as either a straight or boom arm when attached to racks or multi-clamps.

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Overview

The Gibraltar Cymbal Boom Arm is engineered to provide a robust mounting solution for drummers requiring flexible cymbal placement. It is constructed to be extremely sturdy, ensuring that cymbals remain secure even during heavy play. The unit is primarily designed as an add-on for existing drum rack systems or for use in conjunction with multi-clamps, rather than as a standalone floor-based stand.

Key Features and Design

The defining feature of this hardware is the hideaway ratchet tilter. This mechanism allows the boom arm to be retracted into the main down-tube, effectively converting the boom into a straight arm for compact setups or specific aesthetic preferences. The ratchet tilter provides incremental angle adjustments, offering a secure lock that prevents 'cymbal creep' or sagging over time.

Versatile Mounting: Compatible with a wide range of rack clamps and multi-clamps.
Sturdy Construction: Heavy-duty materials designed for professional use.
Hideaway Mechanism: Allows for easy transport and variable configuration.

Character and Utility

In terms of character, the Gibraltar hardware is designed to 'look the part' in professional environments, featuring a clean, polished finish. Its utility lies in its ability to support a vast range of cymbals, from lightweight 13" hi-hats to larger, heavier cymbals such as 21" rides. The heavy-duty build quality ensures that the resonance of the cymbal is the focus, rather than any hardware-induced rattle or instability.

Compatibility and Alternatives

This boom arm is suitable for mounting a diverse array of cymbals, including the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride, or specialty items like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. It is also a viable upgrade for users of entry-level kits, such as those looking to improve the mounting stability of a Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack.

While other brands offer boom arms, Gibraltar's reputation for 'universal' hardware compatibility makes this a standard choice for drummers who mix and match components from different manufacturers, such as Paiste, UFIP, or Meinl.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Gibraltar Cymbal Boom Arm?: It is designed to serve as a sturdy add-on for drum racks or multi-clamps. It allows drummers to extend their cymbal reach and position cymbals at specific angles that standard stands might not reach.
How does the 'hideaway' feature work?: The boom arm can be slid down into the vertical support tube. This allows it to function as a straight cymbal arm when the extra reach of a boom is not required, and it makes the unit more compact for storage.
Is this arm compatible with all drum racks?: It is designed to be universal for use with standard drum racks and multi-clamps. As long as your rack or clamp accepts standard diameter hardware tubes, this arm will fit securely.
Can I mount a heavy ride cymbal like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride on this arm?: Yes, the arm is described as extremely sturdy and is built to handle professional-grade cymbals. Its heavy-duty construction prevents the arm from dipping under the weight of larger cymbals.
What type of tilter does this model use?: This model uses a ratchet tilter. This provides indexed, incremental adjustments that lock firmly into place, ensuring the cymbal angle does not shift during performance.
Does the arm include a multi-clamp?: No, the arm is sold as a separate component meant to be used with an existing rack, clamp, or multi-clamp. You will need a compatible mounting point on your kit to use it.
What is the typical price for this Gibraltar hardware?: The typical price range for this specific Gibraltar boom arm is approximately GBP 55. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.
Can this arm support low-volume cymbals?: Yes, it is perfectly suitable for mounting low-volume options like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack. Its stability ensures that even lighter cymbals remain in a consistent position.
Is the boom arm suitable for hi-hats like the Paiste Giant Beat 14"?: While typically used for crashes and rides, boom arms can be used for fixed (non-pedal) hi-hat placements. However, for standard hi-hat operation, a dedicated hi-hat stand is usually preferred.
How does the finish look on stage?: The hardware is designed to 'look the part,' featuring a high-quality chrome finish. This ensures it matches aesthetically with other professional drum hardware from Gibraltar and other major brands.
Is the ratchet tilter better than a gearless tilter?: A ratchet tilter offers notched, secure positions that are very resistant to slipping. While gearless tilters offer infinite positioning, the ratchet design is often preferred for its absolute stability under heavy hitting.
Can this be used to mount UFIP Bionic or Class series cymbals?: Yes, it is fully compatible with professional cymbals from brands like UFIP. Its heavy-duty nature is well-suited for the high-quality alloys used in the Bionic and Class series.