China Cymbal Guide: What Do China Cymbals Sound Like?

A China cymbal is a type of crash cymbal known for its high, thin, trebly timbre. China cymbals work best as effects cymbals rather than core elements of a drum kit. Most China cymbals have a 16- to 20-inch diameter, but China cymbal size can vary from as wide as 27 inches to as narrow as eight inches for small China splash cymbals.

Manufacturers like Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Stagg, and Paiste construct China cymbals in a variety of ways. Some China cymbals have standard bells like swish and pang cymbals. Other China cymbals have a conical bell, while yet another type has an inverted bell and an upturned rim. Despite their many styles of construction, all China cymbals have a bright, abrasive sound.

There are two main types of China cymbals: those manufactured for a darker sound and those designed for a brilliant finish. Both are loud and brash, but the dark cymbals are voiced somewhat lower than their brilliant finish counterparts. As drum kit cymbals go, China cymbals produce a sound that is thin and trashy, earning them the nickname "trash cymbals.”

A China cymbal is mostly useful as an effect cymbal, particularly during an extended transition, a drum solo, or the end of a song. On its own, the sound of a China cymbal may not be especially pleasing, but when incorporated into a larger drum set and an overall band, it can play an important role. This mainly owes to the cymbal’s sharp, bright treble sound, which is audible over other instruments.

As is true for all pieces of a drum set, choosing a China cymbal will come down to a matter of personal preference. What may be an explosive sound to one player could be piercing and unpleasant to another. Whenever possible, audition cymbals in person before purchasing them.

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