FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Factory Metal Percussion?
Factory Metal Percussion is a Southern California based company that designs and fabricates metallic sound effects for drummers and percussionists. FMP is dedicated to creating a completely new pallet of industrial sound colors for all levels and styles of drumming. FMP is endorsed by the finest team of professional drummers and percussionists in the world. The FMP Products Line includes Hi-Hat Jinglers, Celtic Bells, Cross Crasherz, Gothic Radius, Vertical Chinas and Cross Benderz.
Is Factory Metal Percussion a cymbal manufacturer?
No, Factory Metal instruments are not cymbals. Many drummers and retail stores are accidentally calling Factory Metal “effect cymbals”, but the reality is that cymbals are fabricated with a variety of bronze alloys that are lathed, spun, tempered and hammered. FMP Products are fabricated from industrial grade metals such as aluminum, iron, steel and stainless steel. Unlike cymbals which are generally poured into castings, FMP Products are cut by laser, die stamped, or CNC machined, depending on sound application. Factory Metal and cymbals are both metal, but that is about all they really have in common.
How is Factory Metal used in music?
Factory Metal is an auxiliary add-on that is incorporated into an existing drum setup or percussion rig, to provide an additional effect sound. Over the past three years Factory Metal has been used in everything from movie sound tracks such as Robots & Stealth, all the way to Vegas Shows with Cirque Du Soliel and the Blue Man Group. In rock music, FMP has been out on the Warped Tour with the Street Drum Corp, with KoRn and the Family Values Tour, and traveled the world with Tommy Lee and Motley Crue. Factory Metal has also been embraced by jazz fusion musicians and can be found on many albums with top professionals such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Terry Bozzio and Giovanni Hidalgo, to name only a few.
How would you describe the Factory Metal Sound?
Factory Metal is a new generation of sound with an edgy industrial metallic characteristic. Most FMP Products come with Jingles and Sizzlers to provide a variety of sound options for sizzle and rattle effects. The Factory Metal Sound is about possibilities and finding one’s own creative voice. With Factory Metal you can build and stack one idea on top of the other to create dynamic sound effects.
How does Factory Metal create new products?
Factory Metal is always striving to explore new sound options. We approach possibilities in terms of what isn’t out there and available to drummers or percussionists. Then we look at the spaces in the sound structures rather than what already exists. Our main focus is creating something useful and musical.
What is the price range for Factory Metal?
At Factory Metal our number one commitment is to create high quality US Made instruments. Because we manufacturer all our products here in the USA, we have been able to develop a complex product line, from a variety of metals. These different metals represent a wide range of prices to fit all player's needs. For instance, consumer prices for the new Street FX range from $15 to $40, with our new ProLine FX ranging from $35 to $95 respectively.
As an inventor, how did you first think of creating Factory Metal?
I was searching for expressive, creative sounds that gave me my own voice as a player. I was looking for something with an industrial edge. When I couldn't find it, I decided to create it myself. FMP became a extension of my own search for new instruments to play.
What instrument did you design first?
I initially made the 26” inch Gothic Radius. As I experimented with the thickness of the metal, I noticed the thinner metal mirrored that of an old vintage flat ride. I invited my first drum teacher, Kris Berry and Flow from Fever Drums over to my shop to check out some of the first FMP inventions. When they heard the new Factory Metal, the unique look and sound really stunned them. With that initial encouragement I set out to create the Celtic Bells, Cross Benderz and Vertical China. Before long I had 10 or 15 prototypes setup on my kit, and it just kind of grew from there.
How has Factory Metal evolved over the past 3 years?
I would say naturally. We started with Celtic Bells, Cross Crasherz and the Gothic Radius. From there we added our Hi-Hat Jinglers, Vertical China, and Cross Crasherz. In 2008 FMP partnered with a premier metal shop out of Southern California called Wolfe Industries to create our newest line of affordable effects called “Street FX”. The Street FX are available in Celtic Bells, Cross Crasherz, Hi-Hat Jinglers and are all distributed worldwide through LP/Kaman Music.
Will there be any other new products coming out this year?
Yes, we have re-designed our Gothic Radius and Cross Benderz. We have added a Rock Radius to the mix and introduced two sizes of Detonatorz. We also upgraded the Celtic Bells and Cross Crashers to our new “ProLine FX” designed for more high-end studio applications.
What can we expect from FMP in terms of innovation?
Not the same old – same old! We pride ourselves as a company that is redefining the way drummers experience and play music. One colleague described Factory Metal as "The Original Alternative Percussion Company". At FMP it’s our goal to inspire players by continuing to design innovative metallic instruments that keep musical creativity in the forefront, and push the sonic and playing envelope to the next level.
What is that big cross in the picture below?
It was specially designed for the band KoRn and used on the Family Values Tour in 2006. To see it on-stage click the cross in the picture.
Jim Anderson, President
Factory Metal Percussion
Have FMP Questions? Please contact me at JimA@FactoryMetalPercussion.com Who knows. . . . we may post your FAQ question next!
