Launched in April 2021, Borba Cymbals is a one man, independent cymbal crafting operation. Cymbalsmith Brett Borba transforms B20 bronze blanks into high quality instruments in his small workshop in sunny California.

Process

Each flat blank of B20 bronze is hammered, then lathed to remove the outer crust, and finally tuned in order to produce desired profiles, tension, stick feel and sonic characteristics. Each cymbal will be a completely unique hand-crafted instrument unto itself; distinct in sound, appearance and feel. All cymbals will receive a subtle lasered trademark, along with the size and weight and signature under the bell.

New Series Launch

In 2025, Borba Cymbals launched their “Jazz Machine” Series. These are cymbals that have received a minimal amount of initial hammering by a rotary hammer. They are then extensively hand hammered and fine tuned by hand. Some include machine pressed bells which are also over-hammered by hand. And, some will have fully hand-formed bells. Jazz Machine cymbals will be offered at a very budget friendly price (usually around $200 less that fully hand hammered custom cymbals). If you’re interested in all the sonic quality of a fully hand hammered custom cymbal, but are on a tight budget, the Jazz Machine Series is for you!

Custom Orders

Have an idea for a custom cymbal? I’m happy to work with customers to create their own bespoke instrument - whether that be a fully hand hammered custom piece … or a partially hand hammered Jazz Machine cymbal. Just email or contact Brett via Instagram to discuss your ideas!

Availability

Borba Cymbals are currently being featured in the finest drum shops in America (with more coming…):

• Bentley’s Drum Shop (Fresno, CA)

• Wood and Weather (SH Falls, MA)

• Gerry Porter aka Hazelshould.com (L.A., CA)

• Nelson Drum Shop (Portland, OR)

• Pro Drum Shop (Hollywood, CA)

• Badges Drum Shop (Acron, OH)

• Round Sound Cymbals (Oakland, CA)

• Good Hands (NYC, NY)

  Video samples for each cymbal are available on Instagram.

FREE U.S. Shipping!

Each Borba Cymbal will be carefully packaged and shipped FREE … to your doorstep … anywhere in the Continental US.

International buyers, please contact me before purchasing.

Thank you for supporting Independent Cymbalsmiths!