Cymbalsmith & teacher • Bristol, UK
I'm Dave Collingwood
cymbalsmith & teacher
cymbalsmith & teacher
After life on the road as a professional drummer, I started teaching myself to make cymbals in 2010.
What started as fascination quickly became obsession as I began to unpick the mysteries of the craft, realising that the more questions I answered - the more were asked!
I decided to start teaching cymbal making and running experiences & workshops for anyone interested, at any level. I teach new and established cymbalsmiths around the world, working online and in-person.
What started as fascination quickly became obsession as I began to unpick the mysteries of the craft, realising that the more questions I answered - the more were asked!
I decided to start teaching cymbal making and running experiences & workshops for anyone interested, at any level. I teach new and established cymbalsmiths around the world, working online and in-person.
2009
Amicably stepped away from life as a professional touring drummer after a 2-year world tour with Yann Tiersen taking in Europe, USA, Scandinavia, South America & China among others.
2010
Started experimenting with cymbal making, fascination became obsession. Working around the trials and tribulations of raising a young family!
2017
First move to a dedicated workshop.
2020
Launched my cymbalsmith Patreon, attracting and growing a community of learners, tinkerers and professionals from around the world. Publishing regular tutorials & insights, and hosting the first ever monthly cymbalsmith online meeting.
2022
First ever 'Make Your Own Cymbal' session takes place at my workshop in Bristol. It's to be the first of many.
2023
Invited to an interview with Steve Maxwell Jr. at the 32nd Chicago Drum Show. Also travel the USA teaching cymbalsmiths and helping workshop builds. Watch the full interview below.
2024
A month tour of the USA teaching cymbalsmiths across the continent, from New York to Hawaii. Another stop at the Chicago Drum Show.
2025
'Make Your Own Cymbal' sessions fill my calendar. More travels abroad to teach, and cymbal makers from around the world travel to Bristol to learn with me. The first 'Indie Cymbalsmith Summit' held at the 34th Chicago Drum show.
2026
'Make Your Own Cymbal' becomes a go-to gift for drummers, and an introduction to the craft for budding cymbal makers. Group sessions and events around the world in the pipeline.