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.