The cymbals are lathed or forged of metal and are saucer-shaped. The diameter and thickness define the pitch and sustain of a cymbal. They usually come in sizes 6"-25".

Sticks of varying size made of different material are used to play the cymbals to produce the desired tone. The attack is practically unheard when using soft stick, while a hard tip stick gives a loud attack. It can be drowned in water while it resonates, this results in a special sound effect with rising pitch. It can also be played with contrabass bow.

Listen to the audio samples:

Cymbals (118 KB)
Cymbals with bow (95 KB)