The eight-shape cymbal is a round, slightly conical plate with a small opening at the center. It is designed to be hung from a holder using its smooth rim. One of the plates is typically thicker than the other. It was brought to Europe in the 17th century during the Turkish Wars and became very popular among European military bands, which imitated Janissary music. It is now used in symphony orchestras to add an exotic feel and to accentuate musical climaxes. It is also used in jazz, pop and rock music to create special effects or for rhythmic tasks. Aufstellbecken
The production of a cymbal starts with casting. The craftsperson heats up and melts the alloy, then pours it into a geometric-shaped mold. The resulting cymbal is heated, cooled down and pressed several times to achieve the desired thickness. The cymbal is then cut to its final shape. A computer-controlled machine may be used for the hammering process, although some cymbals are still hand-hammered by a craftsperson. The shape, thickness and other features of a cymbal will affect its sound.
Before a cymbal is ready to be sold, it must undergo finishing and polishing. This is done by hand using a steel brush and is usually finished in a clear lacquer, which protects the cymbal from environmental pollutants and moisture. This step is important for the sonic quality of the cymbal. The cymbal is then sealed with a thin layer of oil and the edges are sanded to give them a more appealing appearance.
This sonic quality is also affected by the type of metal that is used. The most common metals used for cymbals are copper and bronze. They are very durable and have good acoustic properties. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive. Other metals that are sometimes used for cymbals are nickel, silver and lead.
Once a cymbal is finished, it can be sold as a set or individually. It is often engraved with the year and the name of the company that made it. This is done to distinguish between similar-sounding cymbals that were produced in the same year. Depending on the company and its cymbals, these engravings can be quite elaborate or simple.
During the period from 1989 to early 1990, Paiste started to change how they imprinted their serial numbers on their cymbals. Instead of only the company name and series name being imprinted on the cymbals, they also included a phrase “HAND MADE IN SWITZERLAND” below the logo on the bottom of the cymbal. Because of this, you can now easily determine the manufacturing year for any cymbal that was produced in this time period by looking at its first digit in its six-digit serial number.
The eight-shape cymbal has a deep, rich and beautiful tone. It is ideal for musicians who prefer a warm and full sound with a strong attack and high sonic response. It is especially suitable for soloists who require a unique sound that can be clearly heard and distinguished from the rest of the ensemble. It can also be used in conjunction with other instruments, such as strings and woodwinds.
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