23 products

Hand Cymbals

Hand Cymbals

Experience the immediate response and portable control of Hand Cymbals (also known as clash cymbals), essential percussive instruments designed to be held and struck together for dramatic accents, powerful crashes, and rhythmic punctuation. These cymbals offer a wide range of dynamics and projection, making them highly versatile across various musical disciplines. 

This category includes diverse types of hand cymbals, such as orchestral hand cymbals, marching band crash cymbals, finger cymbals (zills), and effect cymbals for world music. Options are available in various sizes (from tiny 2-inch finger cymbals to large 20-inch orchestral pairs) and weights to suit specific musical roles, including orchestral performance, marching percussion, belly dancing, educational environments, and traditional music. 
Hand cymbals are foundational to classical and orchestral music, providing definitive, powerful crashes at climactic moments. They are equally critical in marching band and drum corps for rhythmic impact and visual flair, as well as in world music and dance genres. Their portability makes them a flexible choice for educators and gigging musicians. 

Modern hand cymbals are typically crafted from premium B20 bronze alloy, utilizing traditional craftsmanship, precise hammering, and lathing techniques to ensure superior tone and durability. Key features include quality leather straps or handles for secure grip, and matched weighting to ensure a balanced, cohesive sound when the pair is clashed together. 
Hand cymbals are commonly used with cymbal pads or mufflers for sound dampening during quiet passages or practice, and transported in protective cymbal bags or cases. They operate independently of stands or mounts, offering pure control in the hands of the player. 

From light, shimmering finger cymbals used for subtle articulation to powerful, explosive orchestral pairs that cut through a full ensemble, hand cymbals provide the impact, versatility, and expressiveness that percussionists rely on for impactful performance.