Words and Sounds

There are several terms often used to describe a cymbal. Find below several of the most used ones. (This is a work in progress)

Describing Sounds

• ATTACK -The response rate of the cymbal. Some models are faster (more attack) than others.

• BRIGHT - Sounds that are high-pitched; they offer increased cut.

• CUT - The ability of the sound - usually high-pitched or loud - to cut through the surrounding music.

• DARK - Low-pitched, warm tones that combine for a 'dark' response that blends into surrounding music. HH models, including the Dark Crash, feature dark, traditional tones.

• DEFINITION - The amount of response given in response to being hit with the stick's tip. A cymbal will seem to have less definition if there are lots of overtones. (generally a thin cymbal). Generally a cymbal gets more definition the heavier it gets, due to the weight creating less overtones. "Stick Definition" is a synonym.

• DRY - A minimum of tone ensures a very definite stroke response.

• FAST - Rate of response when the cymbal is struck: how fast or slow it makes a sound and how that sound decays. A smaller or thinner cymbal responds and decays faster than larger, heavier models.

• FUNDAMENTAL - The predominant or main sound within the overall response of a cymbal. A Dark Crash produces a fundamental sound that has a relatively low, warm, rich tone.

• GLASSY - Clear, shimmering response. Often clean and smooth -- like glass.

• PARTIALS - The overtones or series of pitches produced in addition to the fundamental. Every cymbal will have a different percentage of highs, lows and mid-range partials.

• SUSTAIN - The duration of the sound before it decays. Bigger cymbals sustain longer than smaller models.

• TIMBRE - The general sound characteristics of a cymbal. Pronounced TAM-ber, or TIM-ber.

• TRASHY - Raw and dirty responses associated with chinese cymbals and some special models.

• WARM - A softer response that focuses on a blend of low-pitched, musical tones.

Describing The Cymbal's State

• CRACK - Generally caused by striking the cymbal using the wrong technique, or mishandling. A crack can run along the lathing grooves, or against the. They most often occur at/near the edge.

• DING / FLEABITE - Damage caused to the edge of the cymbal. This can be the result of a drop, or coming into contact with force.

• KEYHOLE - Used to describe a mounting hole of the cymbal being out of round. Some keyholes are so bad that a metal grommet might be used to keep the damage from worsening. This is caused by the mounting hole coming into direct contact with the metal post of the cymbal stand. To avoid this condition, always use a cymbal sleeve, and inspect these often for wear.

• REPAIR - When a cymbal has had a cracked area cut out to make it playable without making the crack worse.

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  Crack

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  Keyhole

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  Repair Cut