page_title: Clash cymbals
section_title: Weights, tones and sizes
hierarchical_section_title: Clash cymbals / Weights, tones and sizes
context_page_description: Clash cymbals are cymbals played in matched pairs by holding one cymbal in each hand and striking the two together.
  They are also called hand cymbals; however, a hand cymbal can also be a suspended cymbal struck by hand rather than with a beater, and western types are often called crash cymbals; however, a crash cymbal is more commonly a medium-sized and strongly tapered suspended cymbal struck with a drum stick.
context_section_description: In the orchestra, clash cymbals are matched pairs. 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.
  Instruments 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 state and religious ceremonies. These range in size from orchestral cymbals all the way down to about 5" in diameter.
caption: The traditional four-cornered strap knot
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