Upcycled Percussion Screw Cap Ching Ring

The Ching Rings are multiplying. If you can't get enough drum and percussion surface textures, here comes another one!

The Screw Cap Ching Ring is made from those light aluminum caps you might find on a bottle of wine, sparkling water or olive oil. They are super lightweight, which makes them a bit delicate and difficult to work with, but the tone and response they get once folded into little pods is worth it. This one features plain silver caps - understated, classy.

Like our other Ching Rings, this useful little creation "activates" much easier on a hi hat cymbal than any of our hand rattles do, and it can really add a crunchy layer to hi hats parts. The ring can obviously flex, bend and become somewhat amorphous because of the chain at its core, which also allows for easy placement on cymbals for a sizzle/rattle effect.

Depending on how you position or play your hi hats, the ring may move off center - and that's not a bad thing! Because the chain is not stiff, the ring can be pulled toward to edge of the hi hats, for added effects when the hats are played closed (see video). This Ching Ring can also be used for cool rattle effects on other surfaces, and, while not nearly as controlled as our hand rattles, it can be played by hand for a tinkle-y, ambient effect.

In an already crowded market of jingly hi hat things, we'd like to believe, the different materials and construction here allow for some flexibility and different tones than what's already available. Be sure to check the video to see several of the applications in action!

Also worth mentioning - these aluminum caps typically have some sharp edges and pointy parts, both before and after we fold them. We do our utmost to file, grind and sand any dangerous parts to a safe, smooth surface - BUT - an errant strike with a drumstick, or getting squished, stepped on, etc. could theoretically expose an edge or corner that was previously protected. It's unlikely, but just care for these little guys and you'll be safe and sound!

And for a look at all of the Upcycled Percussion builds, visit our YouTube channel:
youtube.com/channel/UCyNdxU3I1NQchErgK3aJKSw