Author : Hughes Nelson
Image Credit : OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
In organology, when the branch of Western music is considered, the instruments used can be divided into the following groups:
- Wind instruments
- String instruments
- Percussion instruments
- Electronic instruments
The category of Percussion instruments further branches out into two main classifications: idiophones and membranophones. When it comes to the former, a predominant position is occupied by the cymbal. Usually comprising round plates of different alloys, cymbals are often used in pairs and turn out an indefinite pitch, although, antique cymbals, like the crotales, are exempt from this and can sound a definite note. Modern cymbals with indefinite pitch usually range between 14–18 inches in diameter and have a dome-like center to ensure that the sound is produced only from the impact on the edges. The antique cymbals however have shown variations in their shape: while the crotales are small finger cymbals resembling a castanet and produce high notes of definite pitch, Chinese cymbals or ‘bo’ have their edges curved upwards such that a thinner sound is produced.
Cymbals are made of four main copper-based alloys: bell bronze, malleable bronze, brass, and nickel silver. Bell bronze or bell metal is the most traditionally used alloy for turning out fine cymbals and is composed of one part tin to four parts copper. Malleable bronze or B8 alloy is a copper alloy comprising 8% tin, while brass, which turns out the finest China-type cymbals comprises 38% zinc in copper. Nickel silver, which is composed of 12% nickel in copper is usually used to make beginner cymbals. Silicon and aluminum bronzes and materials like Meinl FX9, stainless steel, and titanium have also been used for manufacturing cymbals but these have not gained much popularity.
The term ‘cymbal’ has been taken from the Latin ‘cymbalum’, derived from the Greek word ‘kymbalon’, which finds its roots in kymbē, meaning “cup” or “bowl”. Cymbals are an instrument that has stood the test of time and have found relevance in both classical and contemporary music, ranging from orchestra and marching groups to jazz and metal bands. They have been incorporated in drumkits in the form of crash, ride, or crash/ride, and a pair of hi-hats. The existence of cymbals can be traced back to the 7th century BC and has been found in the cultural history of civilizations across the world. A person who plays the cymbals is referred to as a cymbalist.
The most well-known types of cymbals include the following: Bell cymbal, China cymbal, Clash cymbal, Crash cymbal, Crash/ride cymbal, Finger cymbal, Flat ride cymbal, Hi-hat, Ride cymbal, Sizzle cymbal, Splash cymbal, Swish cymbal, Suspended cymbal, Taal or the Indian cymbal (clash cymbal).
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