Several kinds of percussion instruments have been invented and used since a long time ago. A cymbal is one percussion instruments. It comprises of thin, circular plates made using metal alloys. The pitch is often indefinite in most cymbals. However, definite notes can be attained by producing small, disc-like varieties that base on traditional designs.
Istanbul Mehmet cymbals fall among the commonest percussion instruments employed in various events.
The term cymbal originated from a Latin word, cymbalum. Cymbalum is Latinized term that was derived from the Greek word kymbalon. In turn, kumbalon is word that derives from cup, bowl. In orchestral scores, a cymbal is indicated using words from various languages, including French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Even though these words are in different languages, they all have their origin from the word plates.
A cymbal has its origin in the ancient world. Historical evidence regarding the existence of cymbals in the ancient worlds can be found in representations in caves in different places. Some among the places where the instrument was in wide use include Assyria, Anatolia, Larsa, ancient Greece, Babylon, ancient Rome, and Hittite. Several Bible verses also reference the use of the instrument to praise God.
The introduction of the device into China happened between the 3rd or 4th century AD. By the 14th century, the instrument was already in use in Turkish janissaries. Introduction into Europe happened later in the 17th century and the instrument was widely played in orchestras and military bands. The call for a larger role to be played by the instrument in the nineteenth century led to increased diversity in the hardware, shapes, and techniques.
The features and structure of a cymbal contribute largely to the sound it makes. The instrument has a hole drilled at its center. The hole is used for mounting on stands or for inserting straps when the instrument is meant for hand playing. The region around the hole is usually raised and it is called the cup, dome, or bell.
The pitch of the sound produced by cups is higher than in other places on the gadget. The area immediately surrounding the cup is the bow. The crash area and the ride area are the two areas making up the bow. The thickness and closeness of ride region to the bell is higher than the crash region. Crash are is thinner and further to the edges.
The rim or edge refers to the immediate circumference of the instrument. The diameter is the main factor based upon in measuring the instrument. Centimeters or inches are the main units of measurement used. Size affects sound production a lot. Sounds in larger cymbals are louder and are characterized by a longer sustain.
Thickness is the factor based on when describing the weight of a cymbal. Significance of the thickness is to the general playing and sounds produced by the device. If the device is heavy, it makes louder sounds with a shaper cut. The articulation of stick is also better in heavy devices. Thinner devices make fuller sounds that have a lower pitch. They also respond faster.