How cymbals of different size sound different

[mightyboy88]

Hi guys , i would like to know what is the difference in sound of 2 cymbals,same model, but different size.

Lets say a 14" , 16" and 18" paiste PST5 . What can i expect to hear different ? Loudness , brightness or sustain etc

Thanks alot ^^ .

 

[Beansprouts]

I find the 14" one most Bright, sustain would be shorter.

For the volume I have no idea whether which one is louder. Hehe.


But you can check their sounds out on www.paiste.com
It sounds almost exactly the same as you're testing them.

 

[evident]

loudness is how hard you hit. the difference is more in the tone. the thicker/ heavier would give you a deeper sound, whereas a thinner one has a brighter sound. Heavier cymbals in general also have longer sustain but it depends on the type of metal and the build too.

 

[Softwaremaker]

Basic Anatomy of a Cymbal: http://paiste.com/e/support_anatomy.php?menuid=315

Physics 101

 

[pacifusion]

One obvious difference:
Just like in drums-
the larger the drum is the lower the pitch.
lower = higher pitch

If the cymbals are of the same model,
just different size,
you'll probably notice pitch difference =)

 

[mightyboy88]

Great info guys thanks

 

[mightyboy88]

Hi juz wanna say thanks for helping me with cymbal sizes , i ended up deciding to get a 16" crash which i tot could complement my 20" ride and 14" hihat.

I got a scimitar 16" HP-5 crash from woodworkz and im really satisfied with it . The scimitar cymbals are definately worth checking out

A sound clip of the crash http://www.zshare.net/audio/617426765ea3d4d8/
I feel it sounds good , really piercingly bright , what do you think ?

Some info on the cymbals
http://soft.com.sg/forum/great-deals/108650-scimitar-hand-hammered-bronze-cymbals-made-wuhan-china.html

 

[jukebox]

in general the larger the cymbal, the louder it will be.

enjoy your new crash!

 

[Composer of Requiems]

loudness is how hard you hit. the difference is more in the tone. the thicker/ heavier would give you a deeper sound, whereas a thinner one has a brighter sound. Heavier cymbals in general also have longer sustain but it depends on the type of metal and the build too.

Not just that... generally, a heavier cymbal will produce more sound per hit. Same with heavier sticks. Hitting it with the same amount of strength will set off more vibrations. But on the flip side, it makes it harder to play sensitive intricate low-volume notes.