SAEDNEWS: A cymbal is a round brass percussion instrument, usually played by striking the plates together. In a drum set, different cymbals are placed in specific spots, each producing a unique sound.
A cymbal is a percussion instrument made from two brass discs. The inner surface of each disc is convex, while the outer edge has a handle for the player to hold. In parts of a song that require energy and resonance, drums are accompanied by cymbals to achieve the desired effect. In some regions, cymbals are also referred to as Jahanche.
Cymbals come in various diameters, typically ranging from 20 to 60 centimeters, and are usually held by the outer middle section. The sound of a cymbal varies depending on its characteristics, which include:
Diameter of the cymbal
Thickness of the cymbal
Shape of the cymbal
Alloy and type of metal used in its construction
In a typical drum set, multiple types of cymbals are used, each occupying a specific position and producing a particular sound. Here’s a closer look at the main cymbals in a drum kit:
The sound most people associate with a cymbal is usually the crash cymbal. Its sound is loud and explosive, often used in drum patterns for emphasis. Crash cymbals range from 8 to 24 inches in size, and this size difference significantly affects pitch and tone.
For beginners, a drum set usually comes with crash cymbals between 14 and 18 inches. Some kits also feature a crash-ride cymbal, which functions as both a crash and ride cymbal. In a right-handed drum set, the crash cymbal is generally placed on the left side and is primarily used to emphasize parts of a song.
The ride cymbal is mounted on a stand and is typically the largest cymbal in a beginner’s kit. In a right-handed setup, it is positioned above the floor tom on the right side. While the crash cymbal is used for accents, the ride provides steady rhythms, similar to how hi-hats are used.
Crash cymbals produce a rich, explosive sound, while ride cymbals have a sustained, shimmering tone. Ride cymbals are generally larger than crash cymbals, often around 20 inches, though sizes up to 26 inches or more are not uncommon.
The sound varies depending on where the cymbal is struck:
Bell (center): Produces a bright, chime-like tone.
Bow (main surface): Produces a familiar cymbal sound.
Ride cymbals are versatile percussion instruments due to their variety of tonal options. Techniques include striking with the tip of the stick on the bow, hitting the bell, or using the stick edge. Larger cymbals produce stronger, longer-lasting sounds but respond more slowly. Smaller, thinner cymbals are not suited for powerful, loud strikes; larger, heavier cymbals should be used for that purpose.
Hi-hats consist of two cymbals facing each other on a stand with a foot pedal. Pressing the pedal closes the cymbals, while releasing it opens them. Hi-hats are used for playing steady rhythmic patterns.
Open hi-hats: Produce louder, more accentuated sounds.
Closed hi-hats: Produce a range of tones from crisp “chick” sounds to metallic, aggressive tones, depending on the type.
Hi-hats generally range from 13 to 16 inches. Lighter hi-hats have a brighter sound, while heavier ones produce a darker tone.
Splash cymbals, like crash cymbals, are used for accents but are also ideal for special effects in drumming. They are typically small and thin, producing sharp, short sounds reminiscent of splashing water. Sometimes they are called multi-crash cymbals and usually range from 6 to 13 inches in diameter.
China cymbals are recognizable by their upturned edges and bell-shaped center. Named “China” because their sound resembles traditional Chinese and Malay gongs, they are also called trash cymbals. China cymbals come in various sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 27 inches.
Cymbals are generally categorized into two types based on material and manufacturing:
Sheet Cymbals: Made by pressing metal sheets. They are usually less expensive, less durable, and more suitable for beginners.
Cast Cymbals: Made by molding molten metal. Cast cymbals offer better sound quality and durability and are generally more expensive.
In southern Iran, cymbals are made from a hard, durable metal known as “haft josh” (seven-times-fused). Traditionally, it was believed that because cymbals are metallic and jinn fear metal, playing cymbals alongside dammam drums would protect performers from spirits, allowing them to play with a pure intention.
Typically, the cymbals and dammam are played in sets of seven, with three of the most melodious cymbals in the front and four others at the back of the group.
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