Home >> Internet Games >> Video Game Accessories

How to Repair a Broken Wire on the Drums Cymbal on Guitar Hero and Rock Band

Occasionally the cymbal pads for your rhythm games drum kit may stop responding to a hit, which basically renders the game unplayable. This is usually because the cymbal wire that connects the pad has become dislodged, or it may be broken all together. Every drum on the kit feeds into a central location inside the kit that recognizes when the drums are struck and responds like a controller. Replacing the cymbal wire is a relatively simple task that can solve the problem and ensure the kit functions successfully.

Things You'll Need

Phillips head screwdriver
Replacement wire

Instructions

- 1
  Take the cymbal pads off of the drum kit by unplugging them from the kit and sliding the pads off of their post.
- 2
  Flip the kit over and remove every screw from the back with the Phillips head screwdriver. There are about 15 screws in all. Then lift the back and expose the inside of the drum kit.
- 3
  Locate the motherboard; t is the green chip that has all the wires feeding into it. Each wire represents a different drum pad and the wires are color-coded. Find the wire that goes to the broken cymbal. Remove any tape on that wire.
- 4
  Flip the kit back so it is drum pad-side up. Unscrew the top of the cymbal post of the broken cymbal. It has two screws, one on either side. Note that these screws are a different size from the ones used on the back of the kit. Pull off the top of the post. The cymbal wire has a slider that connects it to the inside of the post. Simply slide it up to free the wire. Flip the kit back so it is face down and carefully pull the wire out of the motherboard; it should pop right out. Slide the wire out through the top of the cymbal post.
- 5
  Feed the replacement wire down through the cymbal post with the white connector side first. Take the replacement wire's slider and slide it down on to the cymbal post so it is securely in place. Replace the top of the post by screwing it back into place. Press the white connector into the empty notch on the motherboard where the broken wire used to be.
- 6
  Screw the back of the kit into place. Replace the cymbal pads and plug them in to the kit. Test the cymbal in a game it; should now detect hits.

Video Game Accessories