About Big Island Cymbals

Big Island Cymbals was founded in 2022 by Cymbalsmith Russell Lundgren in Kapa’au, Hawaii. Russell draws inspiration for his cymbal designs from nature and the beauty of Hawaii. Big Island Cymbals goal in making cymbals is to have a base foundation of traditional cymbal making techniques, while also pushing cymbal designs into new frontiers. 

Russell has been a long time Hawaii resident where he has been playing drums professionally for 20 years, and between living on Oahu and the Big Island, has lived in Hawaii for approximately 25 years. He studied music at Cornish College of The Arts and The University of Hawaii. He has played with numerous bands and even toured the world for 4 years with various bands. 

His first teacher and first major influence in making cymbals is the Legendary Cymbalsmith Nicky Moon, who he is eternally grateful for introducing him into the craft. He also has studied extensively with pioneer and master Cymbalsmith Dave Collingwood. As well as Timothy Roberts, Francisco Domene and Mike Mongiello who have also guided him from time to time in the past. He is eternally grateful to these cymbal makers that came before him. His most recent ambitions are to travel to the country of Turkey to study with Master Cymbalsmiths there. 

Russell offers custom cymbal commissions, repairs, modifications, lathing, as well as laser engraving services.