Cymbal
A cymbal is a percussion instrument, usually a thin metal disk, that produces a ringing sound when struck against another cymbal or with a beater.
Cymbal alloy: A metal mixture used to make cymbals, commonly based on copper and tin or copper and zinc. Alloy composition influences a cymbal’s stiffness, durability, and timbre.
Crash cymbal: A cymbal designed for a loud, bright burst of sound, commonly struck in pairs or with a stick. It is the standard cymbal for emphatic accents in drum-kit music.
Drum kit: A collection of drums and percussion instruments arranged for one performer. Cymbals provide accents, rhythmic patterns, and transitions within the kit.
Ancient cymbals: Metal percussion disks used in ancient societies, including those of the Mediterranean and Asia. Early cymbal-like instruments establish the long history of struck metal disks.
Bell (cymbal): The raised central dome of a cymbal, also called its bell. The bell produces a focused tone distinct from the cymbal’s bow and edge.
Ride cymbal: A large cymbal used to maintain rhythmic patterns with repeated strokes. Its sustained, defined sound supports steady timekeeping.
Orchestral percussion: The percussion instruments and practices used in an orchestra. Orchestral cymbal parts range from delicate color to climactic crashes.
Zildjian: A cymbal manufacturer founded in Constantinople in the seventeenth century. The Zildjian family helped establish a major tradition of cymbal making.
Cymbal bow: The curved main playing area between a cymbal’s bell and edge. Striking different parts of the bow changes the balance of tone and sustain.
Hi-hat: A pair of cymbals mounted on a stand and operated with a foot pedal. Its opening and closing create a controllable range of rhythmic sounds.