Clash Cymbals - Weights, Tones and Sizes

Weights, Tones and Sizes

In the orchestra, clash cymbals are normally matched pairs of crash cymbals. They are commonly found in three weights:

• Francese, French, leggero or light, the lightest and thinnest.
• Viennese, medio or medium.
• Germanic, German, Wagnerian, pesante or heavy, the heaviest and thickest.

Pairs in all weights range in size from 14" to 22" diameter. The smallest and thickest tend to have the higher pitch, the thinner ones allow for greater expression, and the largest the greatest volume.

Clash cymbals are also used in military, stage and marching bands, percussion ensembles, theatrical performances, and in state and religious ceremonies. These range in size from those of orchestral cymbals all the way down to about 5" in diameter.