Hammerax, a manufacturer of cymbals and other percussion instruments, has implemented a new hammer system for the forging of its products. The system is a combination of hand and machine hammering capable of delivering new types of formations in metal. The Clearwater, Fla.-based company, while adhering to its policy of keeping its processes secret, released some information about the new system. While the system does contain some machines, there is no automation.

“The system is guided totally by hand,” said John Stannard, president of Hammerax. “The machines reduce fatigue and add power and flexibility, but there is much handwork involved. These are still truly handmade cymbals. The result is the ability to forge bronze in new ways that can add volume and richness of sound, and a wonderful variety of hammer shapes can be used to create many sounds and patterns.”