China cymbal

In Latin and some other music styles, China cymbals are usually played in conjunction with other percussion instruments instead of a drum kit, such as timbales, octobans, or the surdo.

On the other hand, the Sabian rocktagon cymbals, and some Ufip models, are considered china types while having none of the physical characteristics of the normal china type, while the Paiste crystal crash is considered a European cymbal despite its squarish bell.

The most universally acclaimed cymbal alloy, bell bronze, appears to have been independently developed in China.

Today in China a wide range of cymbals are manufactured of both traditional and imported patterns.

Those of 12 inches (30 cm) or smaller are normally referred to in Western music as china splash cymbals.

The Rocktagon, a Sabian exclusive, is an octagonal cymbal with a sound midway between a crash and a china.

For example, in modern metal music, players generally tend to play using the shoulder of the stick rather than the tip for a more "trashy" sound.

In other genres, such as jazz (which can use less hammered cymbals for a lighter and less distorted effect), the drummer often plays with the tip for more of a "sizzle" sound.