A crash cymbal is a type of cymbal that makes a loud, sharp "crash" sound. It is used mainly for short, loud accents, unlike a ride cymbal. Crash cymbals can be attached to a stand and struck with a drum stick, or they can be hit with both hands together. Most drum kits include one or two crash cymbals. Suspended crash cymbals are also used in bands and orchestras. They may be struck with a drum stick or hit with mallets to create a slower, swelling sound. Sometimes, a drummer may strike two crash cymbals at the same time to make a very loud sound, especially in rock music.
Crash cymbals come in many thicknesses, from very thin to very thick. Their edges are usually thin. They are typically about 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm) in diameter, but sizes as small as 8 inches (20 cm) and as large as 24 inches (61 cm) are made. Some custom crash cymbals as large as 28 inches (71 cm) are used in big bands. Different thicknesses are used for different types of music, and the metal mix used by each manufacturer varies. Thicker cymbals are often used in metal or rock bands, while thinner cymbals are used in lighter rock music. Darker-colored cymbals are best for jazz.
The sound of a crash cymbal depends on how shiny it is. A shiny cymbal makes a clearer, sharper sound. A cymbal that shows signs of oxidation (called a "raw" cymbal) makes a duller sound.
Position
Crash cymbals are usually placed on the left side of the drum set for right-handed drummers because the larger ride cymbal is typically on the right. However, some drummers choose to put their crash cymbal on the right side. Drummers who use more than one crash cymbal may place one or two on each side of the drum set. Less often, a drummer might mount two crash cymbals very close together, with the larger one usually placed above the smaller one.
Cracking
Crash cymbals are often the first parts of a drum set to bend and eventually break because they are hit many times on the edge. Cracks usually form along the edge or across the middle of the cymbal, starting at the edge. These cracks can happen because of poor playing techniques, too much use, or less commonly, because of a problem made during manufacturing or damage not caused by playing, such as dropping the cymbal. If a crack is not fixed, it may spread along the grooves made during manufacturing and could go all the way around the cymbal, causing the outer part to fall off. Lower quality cymbals made from pressed metal are more likely to crack because of stress in certain areas. Thicker cymbals are also more likely to crack because they are more brittle and do not vibrate as freely. Cymbal makers suggest reducing wear by hitting the cymbal with angled strikes, about a quarter of the way from the edge to the center, allowing the drum stick to bounce off naturally instead of hitting the cymbal directly. This helps the cymbal vibrate without causing stress on the edge or center hole, which lowers the chance of a crack. Cracked cymbals are sometimes fixed temporarily or permanently by drilling holes at both ends of the crack (this method may not always work because cracks can spread further than they look) or by removing the broken part or cutting down the edge. However, these methods usually only slow the spread of cracks and may not stop them completely.
Orchestral crash cymbals
A pair of crash cymbals that are struck together to make a loud sound are called clash cymbals. These instruments are part of the standard group of percussion instruments in an orchestra. Major orchestras typically use two types of clash cymbals: Germanic or Wagnerian (which produce a heavier sound) and Viennese (which produce a lighter sound). A third, less common type is called French (which produces an even lighter sound). Clash cymbals are also used in marching bands and wind ensembles.