About Drum Cymbals
Cymbals are made from thin, usually round plates of solid bronze or sheet bronze (in the case of budget-priced cymbals) of indefinite pitch. Cymbals provide the means for a drummer to add atmosphere and augment a piece of music with the varied sonic qualities that different cymbal types offer, as well as serving as the timekeeper. As such, they're every bit as important as the drums themselves.
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History
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Since time immemorial, cymbals have been used in religious ceremonies and rituals. They are thought to have originated in Asia; China and Turkey being two of the main manufacturers. They were used extensively in the Middle East, appearing in Egypt around 800 B.C., and their use has been recorded in Europe as far back as the Middle Ages.
The use of cymbals as part of an orchestra didn't happen until the 17th century in Europe. In the 18th century they began to be used in military music. Jazz musicians in the early 20th century and mid-century pop and rock musicians made the cymbal-equipped drum set a part of mainstream culture.
Types
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The hi-hat is a pair of cymbals mounted on a stand, and it's an essential part of a drum kit because it is the part of the kit most often used to keep time. The hi-hat is made up of two cymbals: a bottom cymbal, which rests on a stand, and a top one which is attached to a spring-loaded rod that is moved up and down by a foot pedal. This allows the cymbals to be opened and closed together. Usually 13-14 inches in diameter, it's usually recommended that the hi-hat cymbals be the highest quality of the cymbals in the drum kit. This is because they are the ones most frequently heard and get the most use, so from the point of view of both tone and longevity, quality is paramount.
With its nice open ringing sound, the ride cymbal is also used as a time-keeper, and sized at anywhere beween 18 to 24 inches, it is usually the largest cymbal in the drum set. The center, domed part of the cymbal known as the bell is used for tighter, pronounced accents, with the volume, tone and sustainability of the cymbal being dependent on the thickness and quality of the metals used.
Crash cymbals are designed to accent the rhythm and add a sense of drama. Often hit in unison with a kick drum for added emphasis, crash cymbals come in a wide variety of sizes and thickness, and each have their own distinctive tones. The heavier, large-diameter crash cymbals are usually large enough to double as a ride cymbal, and have plenty of volume and sustainability. Smaller crash cymbals are often referred to as splash cymbals since they're usually quieter, higher-pitched and have a shorter sustainability. They're particularly effective when used in conjunction with heavier crash cymbals, giving the kit a nice variety and contrast in sounds.
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Effects
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Hitting cymbals in different ways with different types of sticks or beaters can create profoundly different effects and moods. Striking a suspended cymbal softly with a felt beater or mallet softens the attack but adds to the sustainability, whereas a forceful strike with a wooden drumstick produces a slicing, bright tone that is much more dramatic.
Playing a roll on the cymbal with mallets can produce a wonderful shimmering wash of sound, building to an atmospheric crescendo. Another method of using a cymbal to create an interesting texture is a rapid but light scraping of the ridges of the top of the cymbal with something metallic like a coin, resulting in a zinging tone similar to the bell-tree percussion instrument.
Whether accenting passages in a strident military march or creating a dreamlike atmosphere for a slice of chamber pop, the skilled use of cymbals can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a piece of music.
Misconceptions
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The handheld cymbals mistakenly referred to as orchestral "crash" cymbals are actually called "clash" cymbals. They are used in pairs and are held by hand straps attached to the bell of each cymbal. They are played by sliding the edges together which produces a sizzling sound, or by striking them against each other for a true "crash."
Warning
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Cymbals may be made from metal,and built for the express purpose of being hit, but they still need to be taken care of. Rough treatment or neglect can degrade the sound quality over time. Since quality cymbals are quite an expensive investment, it's wise to take precautionary measures to protect them.
Cleaning is probably the most important part of cymbal care. Cymbals are handled during set-up and tear-down, drawing fingerprints. Fingerprints contain oils that can damage the cymbal, degrading the tone. There are many cymbal cleaners on the market and different cymbal finishes require different cleaners. Be sure to read the labels to avoid doing more harm than good.
Transporting cymbals to rehearsals or gigs is another way for cymbals to get damaged, so cymbal bags with dividers are essential to keep each cymbal separate and avoid any potentially damaging contact between them.
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