Cymbal Sound Classification System
At Mosico, we believe that understanding a cymbal’s sound begins with a common language. Our Cymbal Classification System provides a clear framework to describe and analyze our instruments. It forms the basis for the sound descriptions on all our individual product pages, helping you conceptualize how various parameters influence a cymbal’s sound and function. You can use this conceptual framework to help determine your exact cymbal needs.
In designing and analyzing our cymbals, we have determined that sound parameters can be grouped into three logical categories:
1. Physical Parameters
These are the measurable aspects of a cymbal’s construction.
Size & Thickness: These two factors should always be considered together as the Weight (thickness in proportion to the cymbal’s size). A cymbal’s weight directly influences its volume and sustain.
Volume: This refers to the dynamic range in which the cymbal performs at its best.
2. Sound Character
These are the frequencies and harmonics that create a cymbal’s unique sonic fingerprint.
Color: This describes the overall dominance of higher or lower frequencies, giving a cymbal a bright or dark character.
Range: This is the presence of the lowest to the highest audible frequencies, from deep undertones to shimmering overtones.
Mix: This refers to the density of audible frequencies, which can be either clean and focused or complex and full.
3. Function
This category addresses how a cymbal reacts to your touch and playing style.
Attack: The immediate sound heard when the stick strikes the cymbal. This is the initial burst of sound.
Response Intensity: The power of the frequencies that develop from the cymbal’s vibration after the initial strike.
Sustain: The audible length of the sound’s vibration.
Specific Functional Characteristics: This includes unique features like the Bell Character in ride cymbals, or the crisp Chick Sound produced by a hi-hat.
Feel: The physical sensation you experience in your hands and with the stick as you play the cymbal.
Classification System
Expand the following sections for detailed discussions of the parameters.
Physical Parameters
These are the measurable attributes of a cymbal that directly impact its sonic output.
Size & Thickness (Weight)
The weight of a cymbal is a critical combination of its size and thickness. Together, they dictate the fundamental character of the sound.
Heavier cymbals (larger size or greater thickness) produce a higher volume, longer sustain, and a brighter, more focused tone. They are built to cut through loud mixes and are a staple in genres like rock and metal.
Lighter cymbals (smaller size or lesser thickness) yield a lower volume, quicker decay, and a darker, more complex sound. Their responsiveness makes them perfect for jazz, acoustic, and other genres that demand nuance.
Volume
Volume refers to the dynamic range in which a cymbal performs optimally. A good cymbal should be musical across its entire volume range. For example, a heavy ride cymbal might have a high maximum volume but may lose some of its musicality at very low volumes, while a thin crash cymbal might be highly responsive at low volumes but could be overwhelmed in a loud setting.
Sound Character
This category describes the unique frequencies and harmonics that give a cymbal its personality—the feeling and experience it creates.
Color
A cymbal’s color is the overall dominance of its frequencies.
Bright cymbals have a strong presence of higher frequencies, producing a clear, brilliant, and cutting sound. This is often the result of a brilliant finish and a heavier weight.
Dark cymbals have a richer dominance of lower frequencies, creating a warm, complex, and earthy tone. These are often produced with a traditional raw finish and a lighter weight.
Range
The range is the breadth of frequencies a cymbal produces, from the lowest audible tones to the highest overtones. A wide range gives a cymbal a rich, full-bodied sound with many layers, while a narrow range results in a more focused and cleaner tone.
Mix
The mix refers to the density and complexity of the audible frequencies.
A complex mix (found in many hand-hammered cymbals) means a dense blend of overtones that creates a rich, “trashy” or “shimmering” sound.
A clean mix (often found in machine-made or brilliant finish cymbals) has fewer, more focused overtones, resulting in a purer, more defined sound.
Function
This category addresses the tactile and sonic feedback you get from a cymbal—how it responds to your stick.
Attack
The attack is the immediate sound you hear upon striking the cymbal. It’s the initial “burst.” A fast attack means a cymbal responds instantly and explosively, while a slower, more subtle attack provides a gradual swell of sound.
Response Intensity & Sustain
The response intensity is the power of the frequencies that develop after the initial attack. The sustain is how long that sound lasts. A powerful response intensity paired with a long sustain is great for epic crashes, while a low intensity and short sustain is ideal for quick, subtle accents.
Specific Functional Characteristics
Bell Character (Rides): The bell should have a distinct, focused “ping” that cuts through the main body of the cymbal.
Chick Sound (Hi-Hats): This is the crisp, clean sound produced by closing the hi-hats. The quality of this sound is a core indicator of a hi-hat’s musicality.
Feel
Feel is the physical sensation of playing the cymbal. It’s the balance of rebound and resistance you feel in your hand. A responsive cymbal will feel bouncy and dynamic, while a heavier cymbal might feel more solid and require more force. The right feel for you is a crucial part of building your personal connection with the instrument.