Hand Cymbals
Hand Cymbals play an essential part in band and orchestra music as they often are used to highlight big moments in works. These cymbals are matched pairs of cymbals that are played by hitting the cymbals together. Most hand cymbals offer an immediate response at varying dynamics and a full range of overtones. The classic “crash explosion” sound!
Hand cymbals are available in many different sizes and weights. (check out our blog about cymbal weights for more information). It is essential to match the cymbals with the music and scope of the ensemble. If you are playing fast marches, using those 20” heavy cymbals isn’t always the best idea. Using a smaller diameter such as a 16” or 17” cymbal would be a great option for this type of situation. Likewise, you would not want to use small 16” cymbals for something like Mahler 5. A nice set of 18” hand cymbals is an excellent start for most programs.
Suspended Cymbals
Suspended Cymbals are thin or medium thin weight and are generally played with yarn-wound mallets. They are used for powerful crash accents and smooth crescendo effects. Like hand cymbals, suspended cymbals also vary in size. The larger the cymbal, the more volume you will be able to achieve. When playing the suspended cymbal, use a steady single roll that allows the cymbal to resonate and place mallets around the 9 and 3 o’clock position about an inch from the outer rim.
Finger Cymbals
Finger Cymbals are small, high pitched cymbals that produce a very staccato tone. In the band and orchestra setting, finger cymbals are used typically as an accent in music, much like the triangle. There are a few different ways to play the finger cymbals, but they should not be clashed together like hand cymbals. Using two hands, hold one cymbal steady and use the other to strike the stationary cymbal by dropping the one on to the other. This will produce a clear, high-pitched tone required out of the instrument.
Percussion Source is your full-service resource for the finest concert percussion instruments and accessories. Everyone at Percussion Source is an active percussionist. When you call, you’ll talk with fellow percussionists to get advice from a player’s perspective. Your musical success is the focus of our work. We welcome your comments and thoughts about how we can help serve you better.
