Cymbals

Cymbals

Cymbals are important elements of a drum set. There are different types with individual sound characteristics and fields of application. Originally they were used as single instruments in classical orchestras and especially came into operation during very dramatic or suspense-packed parts. The cymbals that can be found in nearly every drum set are Rides, Hi-Hats and Crash Cymbals. In addition to these there is a wide range of different cymbals, which can be used to add particular details to the sound or to individualise ones style.

The size and gauge of a cymbal influence the sound significantly. The bigger a cymbal is, the lower the frequency range and the louder the sound. The gauge influences the volume, the generated swoosh and sustain of the cymbal.

Cymbals are usually made of copper-based alloying. Bronze cymbals are the best quality, but with bronze with a tin ratio of 8 percent a nearly equal sound result can be achieved. Cheaper cymbals often are made of brass. Some rare cymbal variations are made of nickel and have a very particular sound.