What is the primary purpose of these felts?

The primary purpose is to protect cymbals from metal-to-metal contact with the stand. This prevents damage to the cymbal hole and ensures the instrument can vibrate freely without mechanical interference.

How many felts are included in a standard pack?

Each pack includes exactly four short cymbal felts. This is typically enough to outfit two cymbal stands if using one felt above and one below each cymbal.

What are the specific dimensions of these felts?

Each felt in this pack measures 6mm in height and has a thickness (diameter/width) of 19mm. These dimensions make them a 'short' or low-profile option compared to standard cymbal felts.

Can these be used with low-volume cymbals?

Yes, they are suitable for all cymbal types, including low-volume sets like the Gear4Music Silver pack. They provide the same protective benefits regardless of the cymbal's volume output.

How does the firmness of the material benefit the drummer?

The firm felt material is designed for durability and longevity. It resists compression over time, making it ideal for drummers who gig frequently and need hardware that won't degrade under pressure.

Will these felts fit on hi-hat stands?

They can be used on hi-hat clutches or seats, such as those for Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series hi-hats, provided the 6mm height fits the specific clutch design. They are generally universal across most brands.

How do these prevent 'keyholing'?

By providing a soft but firm barrier between the cymbal and the metal tilter, the felts ensure the metal does not rub against the center hole. This stops the hole from wearing into an oval shape, known as keyholing.

Are these suitable for heavy ride cymbals?

Yes, their firm construction makes them capable of supporting the weight of large cymbals, such as a 21-inch Masterwork Iris Ride, without flattening completely.

What is the typical price for this 4-pack?

The typical price for the Gibraltar Cymbal Felts Short 4 Pack is approximately £5.00. This makes them an affordable maintenance item for any drum kit.

Why would a drummer choose 'short' felts over standard ones?

Short felts are often chosen to leave more thread exposed on the cymbal stand for the wing nut. They are also preferred by drummers who want a more direct feel or need to stack cymbals.

Can these be used with Meinl Byzance series cymbals?

Absolutely. They are compatible with Meinl Byzance and other professional-grade cymbals, ensuring the thin edges and delicate bells of high-end bronze are protected.

Are they easy to install?

Yes, they are simple replacements that slide onto the cymbal tilter. No tools are required for installation; you simply remove the wing nut and old felt, then slide the new one on.

Gear article

Gibraltar Cymbal Felts Short (4 Pack)

The Gibraltar Cymbal Felts Short 4 Pack is a set of essential drum hardware accessories designed to prevent metal-to-metal contact between cymbals and stands. Constructed from firm felt material, these 6mm-tall components provide a durable buffer that protects cymbal alloys while maintaining stability during play.

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Overview

The Gibraltar Cymbal Felts Short are professional-grade replacement components used to mount cymbals onto cymbal stands. Sold in a pack of four, these felts are specifically engineered to sit on the cymbal seat or above the cymbal bell under the wing nut. Their primary function is to isolate the instrument from the metal components of the stand, preventing 'keyholing' and other structural damage to the cymbal.

Construction and Durability

These felts are manufactured from a firm, high-density felt material. Unlike softer alternatives that may compress or disintegrate over time, these are designed to withstand the pressure of heavy gigging and frequent set-ups. With a height of 6mm and a thickness of 19mm, they offer a low-profile fit that is particularly useful for drummers who prefer less play in their cymbal movement or have stands with shorter tilter threads.

Compatibility

The universal design of the Gibraltar Short Felts ensures they are compatible with most standard cymbal stands. They are suitable for a wide variety of cymbal types, including:

Hi-hats like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or UFIP Bionic Series 13".
Crashes such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin or Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch.
Rides including the Masterwork Iris 21".
Low-volume cymbals used for practice sessions.

Because of their 6mm height, they are especially effective for drummers using thinner cymbals or those who need to fit multiple components onto a single stand tilter.

Function and Performance

The firm nature of these felts provides a stable foundation for the cymbal. By minimizing the direct contact with metal washers and tilters, they eliminate unwanted mechanical rattles and vibrations. The 19mm thickness ensures there is sufficient cushioning to absorb the energy of a strike without overly dampening the natural resonance or sustain of the bronze.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of these felts?: The primary purpose is to protect cymbals from metal-to-metal contact with the stand. This prevents damage to the cymbal hole and ensures the instrument can vibrate freely without mechanical interference.
How many felts are included in a standard pack?: Each pack includes exactly four short cymbal felts. This is typically enough to outfit two cymbal stands if using one felt above and one below each cymbal.
What are the specific dimensions of these felts?: Each felt in this pack measures 6mm in height and has a thickness (diameter/width) of 19mm. These dimensions make them a 'short' or low-profile option compared to standard cymbal felts.
Can these be used with low-volume cymbals?: Yes, they are suitable for all cymbal types, including low-volume sets like the Gear4Music Silver pack. They provide the same protective benefits regardless of the cymbal's volume output.
How does the firmness of the material benefit the drummer?: The firm felt material is designed for durability and longevity. It resists compression over time, making it ideal for drummers who gig frequently and need hardware that won't degrade under pressure.
Will these felts fit on hi-hat stands?: They can be used on hi-hat clutches or seats, such as those for Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series hi-hats, provided the 6mm height fits the specific clutch design. They are generally universal across most brands.
How do these prevent 'keyholing'?: By providing a soft but firm barrier between the cymbal and the metal tilter, the felts ensure the metal does not rub against the center hole. This stops the hole from wearing into an oval shape, known as keyholing.
Are these suitable for heavy ride cymbals?: Yes, their firm construction makes them capable of supporting the weight of large cymbals, such as a 21-inch Masterwork Iris Ride, without flattening completely.
What is the typical price for this 4-pack?: The typical price for the Gibraltar Cymbal Felts Short 4 Pack is approximately £5.00. This makes them an affordable maintenance item for any drum kit.
Why would a drummer choose 'short' felts over standard ones?: Short felts are often chosen to leave more thread exposed on the cymbal stand for the wing nut. They are also preferred by drummers who want a more direct feel or need to stack cymbals.
Can these be used with Meinl Byzance series cymbals?: Absolutely. They are compatible with Meinl Byzance and other professional-grade cymbals, ensuring the thin edges and delicate bells of high-end bronze are protected.
Are they easy to install?: Yes, they are simple replacements that slide onto the cymbal tilter. No tools are required for installation; you simply remove the wing nut and old felt, then slide the new one on.