Hitting cymbals with hands

gyutae · #1 (**permalink**) 06-28-2006, 07:06 PM

Does anyone do this for maybe light soft songs? I would assume that you could only do this with thin cymbals to get a decent sound. Is there any technique to use when doing this?

AvengedDrummer · #2 (**permalink**) 06-28-2006, 07:27 PM

Hmm... theres actually a cymbal out there made by Zildjian thats supposed to be hit with your hands... Its for latin percussionists and such, when your playng congas with your hands. Ive never heard it.

**skinslapper** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 01:24 AM

I've tried to emmulate a bit of Bonham on the skins with my hands. You lose most of the attack with your hands, but it can sound kinda cool. It's like everything else. Try it out see what you like and try to include it somehow.

DrummerMom · #4 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 08:54 AM

I use tympani mallets for a softer sound rather that my hands.

mind_drummer · #5 (**permalink**) 07-12-2006, 02:40 PM

Not only Zildjian had made hand slapping cymbals, Sabian too... It's the El Sabor series which can be use with hands or sticks

BERZERKER · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 03:57 PM

I think its cool in the right situation. Same with drums...whether its with sticks, mallets or hands, it can really set the mood for a song.

malletjazz · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 08:55 PM

I do a lot of steel pan gigs in a pan/keyboard/percussionist instrumentation, and our conga player has a couple of thin Sabian crashes - the "Evolution" line, IIRC, but don't quote me on that. I think the largest one I've seen him use is 14" or 15" (probably 14"), and the smaller ones are 10" or 12". I've never discussed it with him, but judging from his choices, it seems as though small and thin are the way to go, so you don't have to hit as hard with your hands to get the cymbals to "speak." In our trio, it really helps to bridge the gap having a hand drummer instead of a drum set player, having cymbals as a part of the percussionist's setup.