A method of optimizing the sound produced by a musical cymbal is disclosed wherein at least one segment including sound absorbing material having a specific, predetermined shape and thickness is applied to a mapped surface of a cymbal in order to alter the volume, frequency and duration of sound produced therefrom. In a second embodiment, a segment including vibration damping material having a specific, predetermined shape and thickness is applied to a mapped surface of a cymbal in order to alter the volume, frequency and duration of sound produced therefrom. Also disclosed is a cymbal having surface location markings so as to produce a mapped cymbal allowing precise identification and recording of the location where the aforementioned segments are placed. The at least one segment is affixed to varying positions and in varying amounts in order to obtain desired sound output from the cymbal to which they are affixed.