Thursday, September 15, 2016

Understanding The Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals

By Timothy Clark


A cymbal refers to a percussion instrument that is quite common. A cymbal is usually used in pairs. The instrument is composed of thin, usually round plates made from a wide range of alloys. The pitch in most kinds of cymbals is usually indefinite, although the small disc-shaped versions that are based on ancient designs often produce a definite note. Istanbul Mehmet cymbals are very common and find use in many different events.

The term cymbal has its origin in the Latin term, cymbalum. Cymbalum is a Latinized version of the Greek term kymbalon. The term kymbalon is in turn derived from the word cup, bowl. In orchestral scores, words from different languages may be used to indicate cymbals. Some amongthe languages used in orchestral scores are French, Italian, Spanish, and German. The different words in the various languages are derived from the term plates.

A cymbal originated in the ancient world. There are reliefs in different places with representations of this instrument, indicative of its existence in ancient worlds. Some among the places it was used include Assyria, Anatolia, Babylon, ancient Rome, Hittite, Larsa, and ancient Greece. There are also Bible verses that describe various people using the device to give praise to 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.

A cymbal makes sound that is largely determined by its anatomy, features and structure. There is a hole going through the center, which is used to mount the device onto stands. The holes also offer a way for attaching straps for hand playing the gadget. The area joining to the hole is often raised. The raised area goes by the name cup, bell, or dome.

Cups produce higher pitched sounds than other regions on the device. The cup is surrounded immediately by an area called a bow. Bows are comprised of two other areas, that is, the ride area and the crash area. The ride region has more thickness and it appears closer to the bell. Conversely, the crash region appears closer to edges and is thinner.

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.




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