Basin

What is a pool?

A basin is a plate-shaped metal disk made of a bronze alloy. They come in different shapes and sizes. They are used in pairs and struck against each other manually or mechanically. Mounted on a stand, they are struck with wooden or yarn mallets. The first-named cymbals are counter-attacking idiophones the latter are impact idiophones. In modern drums the cymbals are mounted on stands and struck with sticks.

Cymbals produce a hissing sound with a long decay, but without a specific pitch. The diameter of orchestra cymbals varies between 40 and 60 cm.

Depending on how they are used and played, they are divided into different types. There are cymbals that set the beat and cymbals that emphasize the beat. However, the boundaries are not clear. A small pair of cymbals is called a cymbal.

How are pools made?

The production of cymbals is a multi-layered process that involves several steps and has a significant influence on the subsequent sound. In particular, the choice of metal alloy and machining processes such as hammering and turning play a decisive role and are often carried out by hand.

Two main alloys are commonly used by well-known manufacturers such as Paiste, Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl and others: the widely used B20 alloy (approx. 20 % tin, 80 % copper) and the B8 alloy with a lower tin content. Cymbals of inferior quality are often made of brass or nickel silver.

The usual manufacturing process is forging: blanks or cast discs are shaped by hand by hammering and then completely or partially turned. This gives the cymbals their characteristic sound.

The manufacturing process begins in the foundry, where the metal alloy is melted at a high temperature. The castings are sorted and cleaned of impurities. They are then heated and rolled several times to achieve the desired thickness. After cooling, the blanks are shaped and drilled before being heated and cooled again.

In the higher price range, many cymbal series are made entirely by hand, with each hammer blow changing the shape and sound of the cymbal, making it unique. Cheaper products, on the other hand, are shaped using presses. The cymbals are then turned, grooved and trimmed to achieve the desired sound and the right size. The cymbals then mature on shelves to recover and develop their full sound.

What do cymbals sound like?

As musical instruments, cymbals produce a variety of sounds whose character depends on various factors such as size, shape, thickness, material and playing style. The typical sound characteristics of different cymbal types are described below:

Crash cymbals: They produce a loud, penetrating sound with a fast, brilliant and often explosive swell. The sound is shimmering and lively and fades relatively quickly.

Ride cymbals: These cymbals have a clear, defined sound with a long resonance. The sound is often metallic and resonant, especially when the crest is struck. Playing on the edge produces a warmer, softer sound.

Hi-hat: Hi-hats produce a variety of sounds depending on whether they are played open, closed or semi-closed and whether they are struck on the edge or on the top. Closed hi-hats produce a dry, crisp sound, while open hi-hats produce a loud, shimmering and sustained sound.

Splash cymbals: They produce a short, bright and lively sound. The sound is fast and has little sustain, which makes them ideal for quick accents.

China cymbals: The sound is aggressive, trashy and loud, with a dark, often gong-like undertone. China cymbals have a very characteristic timbre and are very popular in rock and metal music.

Sizzle cymbals: They produce a sustained, “sizzling” sound that is created by metal chains or rivets on the surface. This effect adds an extra dimension to the sound of the cymbal.

Swish or trash cymbals: They produce a booming, “trashy” sound that is less defined than that of a crash or ride cymbal.

O-zone cymbal: The holes in the cymbal produce a more airy, cut sound with less reverberation than a normal cymbal.

Stacks: produce a very dry, short and sometimes loud sound that is very different from traditional cymbal sounds.

Overall, cymbals offer a rich palette of timbres, from subtle and delicate to loud and penetrating, making them an indispensable part of many musical compositions and performances.

The cymbal and its special sound

The cymbal is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and characteristic percussion instruments. percussion instruments that plays an important role in a wide variety of musical genres. From classical music to jazz, from rock to metal, cymbal players have set new standards with their virtuosity and unique variety of sounds.

Jazz legends such as Tony Williams and Art Blakey in particular pushed the boundaries of drumming with their imaginative cymbal playing. Their precise and dynamic cymbal sounds shaped the jazz rhythm and continue to inspire numerous drummers today. In the rock genre too, greats such as John Bonham from Led Zeppelin and Neil Peart from Rush have decisively shaped the sound of their bands with their powerful cymbal sounds.

But the cymbal doesn’t just play an important role in jazz and rock. Outstanding drummers such as Terry Bozzio, Billy Cobham, Dave Lombardo and Mike Portnoy have also impressed and set new standards with their unique cymbal playing in fusion, progressive rock and metal.

The cymbal is therefore a central element in music, making an unmistakable contribution to musical diversity with its diverse sound palette and the virtuoso playing techniques of the cymbal players.

History of the basin: from antiquity to modern times

Cymbals have their origins in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. They were made from various metals and were often used for religious ceremonies, military purposes and in music. Over the course of time, these original forms were further developed and refined until the many different cymbals we know today were finally created.

In the Middle Ages, cymbals were mainly used in military music to accompany battles and festivities. Back then, they had a more practical function and were not as versatile as they are today. It was not until the Renaissance and Baroque periods that composers began to use cymbals in orchestral works and explore their tonal possibilities.

In the 20th century, the cymbal finally gained a firm place in modern music. With the development of the drum kit, the cymbal became an indispensable part of the drum set. They were particularly widespread in jazz, rock and pop music and became an important creative element of the music.

Technological advances in cymbal manufacturing allowed the introduction of new alloys and manufacturing techniques that led to an even greater variety of sound possibilities. Drummers began to combine cymbals of different sizes, weights and alloys to shape their individual sound and set themselves apart from other drummers.

Today, it is impossible to imagine modern music without cymbals. They have evolved from simple metal plates into high-quality and sonorous instruments that enrich the musical landscape. The history of the cymbal reflects the development of music and shows how a simple percussion instrument has become a versatile and expressive component of the drum set.

What types of pools are there?

Cymbals as musical instruments come in various designs, each with their own sound character and specific uses. Some of the most common cymbal types are listed below. The most common types of cymbals include crash cymbals, ride cymbals, hi-hats, splash cymbals, china cymbals, sizzle cymbals, swish or trash cymbals, O-zone cymbals and stacks.

Crash cymbals are ideal for loud and accentuated sounds and are often used to emphasize the beginning of a musical section or to highlight important moments in the music. Ride cymbals, on the other hand, are larger and have a clearer, more defined sound. They are often used in jazz, rock and other musical styles to create a continuous rhythmic accent.

Hi-hats consist of two cymbals that are mounted on a stand and can be pressed together with a pedal. They are very versatile and can produce different sounds depending on how they are played. Splash cymbals are smaller, thinner cymbals that produce a short, lively sound and are often used for quick accents in different styles of music.

China cymbals have a unique inverted rim and produce a trashy, sharp sound that is often used for dramatic effects in rock and metal music. Sizzle cymbals have small metal chains or rivets attached to the surface to create a “sizzling” resonance.

Swish or trash cymbals are similar to China cymbals, but have a different sound profile, often described as “trashy” or “buzzy”. O-zone cymbals have multiple holes cut into the cymbal to create an airy, sliced sound. Stacks are cymbals stacked on top of each other to produce a dry, short and sometimes loud sound.

These different designs allow drummers and percussionists to create a wide range of sounds and effects to expand their musical expression.

What is the playing technique for cymbals?

The playing techniques for cymbals are diverse and vary depending on the type of cymbal and the desired sound. Crash cymbals are often struck with a mallet at the edge or in the middle to produce an explosive, accentuated sound. The strength of the strike influences the volume and timbre.

Ride cymbals, on the other hand, are usually struck with the tip of the stick to produce a clear, defined ping sound. Playing on the edge with the side of the stick produces a warmer, washy sound. Controlling the point of attack allows for a variety of sound textures.

The hi-hat can be played open, closed or semi-closed, each of which produces different sound characteristics. It is struck with mallets either on the top or on the edge and can also be operated with the foot pedal to produce different sounds.

Splash and china cymbals are often used for fast, accentuated effects, while sizzle cymbals with additional chains or rivets create a reverberating effect. Players use different strokes, sweeps or swipes to create different timbres, sometimes with their hands, fingers or other objects.

Controlling the volume and sound is crucial, with light strokes producing softer tones and harder strokes being louder and more penetrating. Cymbals can also be dampened by touching them after striking to shorten the resonance.

Overall, the playing technique of the cymbals depends on the style of music, the individual style of the player and the specific musical requirements. The ability to produce different timbres and dynamics is an essential aspect of cymbal playing.

Famous cymbal players and their styles: Influential masters on the drums

Famous musicians who are known for their skills on the cymbal are usually drummers, as the cymbal is an integral part of the drum set. Many of these musicians have significantly influenced the sound and playing style of cymbals in various genres of music. Here are some famous drummers who are known for their technique and influence on the way cymbals are played:

• Gene Krupa was one of the most influential jazz drummers, known for his innovative use of cymbals, especially in swing and big band settings.
• Buddy Rich was a virtuoso jazz drummer, famous for his incredible technique and speed, also on the cymbals.
• Max Roach was a pioneer of modern jazz drumming, known for his melodic playing on the cymbals.
• Known for his work with Miles Davis, Tony Williams brought a revolutionary approach to cymbal playing, particularly in terms of dynamics and the use of polyrythms.
• John Bonham was the drummer for Led Zeppelin, famous for his powerful style and innovative use of cymbals in the rock genre.
• Neil Peart of Rush was known for his complex and precise drum parts, including his sophisticated cymbal playing.
• Keith Moon of The Who was famous for his wild and energetic style, in which the cymbals played a central role.
• Stewart Copeland of The Police is famous for his reggae- and ska-inspired style, in which cymbals played an important rhythmic role.
• Elvin Jones influential jazz drummer, known for his energetic and creative use of cymbals.
• Ginger Baker of Cream brought a unique jazz influence to rock music and was known for his innovative use of cymbals.
• In the field of fusion and progressive rock, drummers such as Terry Bozzio and Billy Cobham impressed with their technical skill and mastery of different types of cymbals. Their complex playing style opened up new possibilities and sound dimensions.
• Cymbal players such as Dave Lombardo from Slayer and Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater have also had a great influence on the metal scene with their fast and precise playing and have shaped the sound of the genre.

In addition to the established greats, there are also modern cymbal players such as Jojo Mayer and Thomas Lang, who are pushing the boundaries of cymbal playing with new playing techniques and experimental approaches and setting new trends in various musical genres. With their unmistakable styles and technical brilliance, these renowned cymbal players have significantly influenced the development of cymbal playing and are role models for many young drummers worldwide. Their contribution to music history is unforgotten and their legacy lives on in music.

Which pool manufacturers are there?

• Fame
• GeWa
• Istanbul Agop.
• Majestic
• Meinl
• Mike Balter
• Paiste
• Sabian
• Sonor
• Stagg
• Tama
• Zildjian

How much do pools cost?

The cost of pools varies greatly depending on the brand, quality, type and size. Entry-level models are often inexpensive and cost between 20 and 100 euros each. They are well suited for beginners or occasional players, but usually only offer a simple sound. Cymbals for advanced amateurs or semi-professional musicians can be found in the medium price range of 100 to 300 euros each.

These cymbals offer better sound quality and are more durable. Professional models, which can cost between 300 and 600 euros or more each, are made from high-quality materials and offer excellent sound quality and durability. They are the preferred choice of professional musicians for studio recordings and live performances.

Specialty cymbals and limited editions can be even more expensive and are often designed for specific musical requirements or styles. Cymbal sets that include pairs of hi-hat, ride and crash cymbals can cost between 200 and over 1000 euros, depending on the quality and brand. It is important to note that prices can vary depending on region, dealer and current market conditions. When buying cymbals, it is also worth considering used cymbals, which are often available at a lower price and can still offer good quality.