Music is a very diverse niche, which means there is an array of musical instruments out there. With this being said, the cymbal has become the most commonly used percussion instrument with the prerequisite to be used in pairs. The cymbals are made from thin and round plates made out of alloys. The cymbals tend to offer an indefinite pitch with notable designs and fine notes.
These cymbals have become an integral part of percussion ensembles, heavy metal bands, orchestra, and even the jazz bands (who can forget about the marching groups!). It wouldn’t be wrong to say that cymbals have a long history associated because they were the first time used back in the 7th century. As for the origin, it was seen in Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Larsa.
Read Also: Professional Cymbal, Cymbals for Kids, Jazz Ride Cymbal, Electronic Cymbal, Finger Cymbal, Budget Cymbal
What are the Best Cymbal Books to Buy?
2) Carolena Nericcio: The Art of Belly Dancing Kit
- Pictures With Comprehensive Instructions
- Arabic Rhythm
- Cymbal Playing Techniques
- Great For Cymbal Beginners
1) Hugo Pinksterboer: The Cymbal Book
- 200 Photos & 16 Pages Color Photo
- History Of Cymbal
- The Art Of Cymbal Playing
- Cymbal Acoustics
3) Leonard DiMuzio: Tales From the Cymbal Bag
- Inculcation Of Memories & Pictures
- Educational, Fun & Entertaining Stories
- Great Reading Experience With Full Of Anecdotes
Well, learning to play such traditional and ancient instruments is no less than an honor but it’s pretty difficult. On the other hand, the cymbalists can read cymbal books to learn the right techniques. With this being said, we have added the review 17 cymbal books in this article to help you learn if you enjoy reading!
Related: Cymbal Stand, Cymbal Case
17 Best Cymbal Book Reviews
1. Hugo Pinksterboer: The Cymbal Book
This book was designed as the first cymbal book and had details dating back to 5000 years. With this book, you will understand how cymbal has improved over time. The readers can access the interviews with leading drummers and the details about major cymbal manufacturing processes. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this book is well-researched and has improved readability.
The book covers crucial cymbal topics, such as testing, cleaning, set-ups, acoustics, maintenance, and repair. All in all, this cymbal book will shed light on every possible topic related to cymbals. You might think that it’s the old book but it has well-researched information with engaging outlay.
2. Carolena Nericcio: The Art of Belly Dancing Kit
Dance and music instruments are fine combinations. So, if you are fond of belly dancing, this book will teach everyone how to learn belly dancing on cymbal notes. This package is designed with metal finger cymbals, books, and DVDs for an in-depth learning experience. This is the complete set that can be used in training sessions.
The book sheds light on easy yet professional techniques for dancing and playing cymbals. With the DVD, the readers will learn about the basic concepts of belly dancing. The book was first launched back in 2004, which states the latest techniques associated with cymbal playing and belly dancing.
3. Leonard DiMuzio: Tales From the Cymbal Bag
For everyone who needs to learn the tales of the cymbal, this book is the optimal choice. This book will offer in-depth information about the drummers, cymbals, and percussionists, along with information about the Sabian cymbal company. The book is designed to share every little detail with the reader, which can be seen by the inculcation of stories, memories, and pictures.
The best part of this book is that Lenni DiMuzio has created a fine combination of wisdom and wit, so you will have an engaging reading experience. Also, we are absolutely in love with the funny stories and anecdotes which will be enjoyed by every drummer and cymbalist out there.
4. Jon Cohan: History of the Legendary Cymbal Makers
If you are the person who likes learning with illustrations and precise images, this book has been integrated with unique photos and the most famous drummers' memories. The book is designed to create a motivational factor because it has real (and exciting) journeys of the popular cymbal companies.
This book has so much to share when it comes down to the premium and top-notch cymbals. The book is pretty detailed, which makes this book a history-rich choice, so you are known to accurate facts. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this book fills the voids in cymbal history that no one knew about.
5. Jenna Woods: The Dancing Cymbalist
Cymbals are the commonly used percussion instruments, and this book is the only guide you need to learn this form of art. That’s to say, because this book is cultivated with insights, bestowing the art of finger cymbals. With this book, the readers can learn different forms and styles of Middle Eastern dance. Also, it’s a fine choice for people who enjoy the meditative sound.
So, if you have been interested in playing the finger cymbals, this book is the ultimate teaching guide. There are charts and pictures in the book, along with inspirational stories and journeys that provide an engaging learning experience. All in all, you will be able to find your edge with this book.
6. Richard E Wolfe: Songs, Cymbals, and Tambourines
Cymbals and songs are the dreams of every music enthusiast or cymbalist. So, if you want to learn the intricacies of both, this book is the ultimate choice. The book is a brainchild of Wolfe, Richard E, which makes it worth your time. With this book, the students will learn the utilization of different musical instruments through the Bible.
With this being said, this book is an interesting choice for people who want to play biblical studies. The book was first launched back in 1998 and focused on the Bible passages, focusing on the instrument part. The bottom line is that this book provides information about the Bible and cymbals!
7. Frank Epstein: Cymbalisms
Some people love reading books, but they cannot manage the hard copies. For all those people, this book is available in the Kindle edition. This is the complete guide, empowering everyone to play the orchestral cymbal and become the master. With this book, you will learn about the musical moments experienced by Frank Epstein during his time in orchestras.
With this book, the readers will learn about the in-depth concepts about balance, sound, precision, color, articulation, and response. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that this book is a fine work of repertoire. All in all, the cymbalists will get to learn about reliable sound development techniques.
8. Al Payson: Techniques of Playing Bass Drum, Cymbals and Accessories
One might think that playing the cymbals and bass drum is easy, but it’s not true at all. That’s to say because you need to learn the right techniques that create a seamless music experience. So, with this book, readers will come across the brief yet precise introduction to castanets, cymbals, bass drums, topped with the music exercises for real-time practice.
The book is integrated with the excerpts designed for the auditions and orchestral performances. The best part is that the excerpts have been nominated for the audition lists, which speaks volumes about the knowledge. The excerpts are available for a triangle, bass drum, tambourine, and obviously cymbals.
9. Nick Petrella: Ultimate Guide to Cymbals
Believe it or not, books are the perfect way to gain in-depth knowledge. So, if you are interested in cymbals, this book will shed light on the history, maintenance, and manufacturing of cymbals. Even more, it shares proper information about the purpose of different types of cymbals. Well, this book comes with the DVD, so you can learn while listening and reading.
With the DVD, the cymbal enthusiasts can learn diverse playing techniques and the utilization standards in different musical settings. The music teachers can use this book and DVD combination to help students during rehearsing. Even more, there are interviews with pro cymbalists, offering just-right motivation.
10. Raynor Carroll: Orchestral Repertoire for Bass Drum & Cymbals
If you always thought that guitars were the only part of orchestral repertoires, this book is here to help you out. That’s to say because readers can learn about the importance of cymbals and bass drum in the orchestral repertoires. This book shares the top-notch work of Claude Debussy and Tchaikovsky, which teaches readers how to play notes and music at the same time.
This book is everything a percussionist needs to learn about the tones and volume. Also, there are some background parts that share information about the history and development. All in all, the book focuses on cymbals as well as bass drums.
11. Bobby Williams: Independent Cymbal Rhythms
For every cymbal enthusiast who wants to learn the basic and advanced rhythms, this book in Kindle Edition is the right choice. The book is a collection of more than 500 exercises, so you can learn about coordination, flexibility, and endurance. Once you complete this book, you will learn how to use cymbals for funk, rock, Latin, jazz, and blues music.
12. Danny Brown: The Ultimate Drums and Cymbals Guide
Before stepping into the drumming and cymbal field, you need proper information. So, this book will work as a guide to teach you the difference between beginner and high-end drums. In addition, you will learn how different heads can directly influence the sound quality. The best part of this book is its ability to share information about clarity, tone, and pitch that are important for creating effective music.
13. Michael Cimicata: A Drummer’s Guide To Cymbals
Cymbals have become an absolute part of every drumming set. So, if you want to progress as a drummer with cymbals' integration, the readers will learn the essential technique. With this book, the students can learn about placement, techniques, and sound techniques, complying with multiple sizes and drums types.
14. Dawn Devine: All About Finger Cymbals
People who are fond of music can understand how having music at the fingertips is the ultimate dream. Well, this book is your guide to develop and learn finger cymbal techniques. This book is basically written for the belly dancers who are trying to increment the skills to the next level by implementing new concepts and ideas.
The book has a well-defined structure. For instance, readers can learn about the history of finger cymbals and how they developed over time. In addition, there is a construction and manufacturing part, along with selection and preparation. This book is an ultimate guide to learn about the right tones and volume.
15. E. Choate, William Woodson: Sounding Brass and Clanging Cymbals
We have already mentioned how cymbals have an ancient history. So, this book is written to provide in-depth details about the significance and history of cymbals. The book focuses on the restoration movement period for the people interested in history. With this book, the readers will learn how cymbals were manufactured and how they developed from 1827 to 1968.
The book focuses on annual changes, and they have considered factors like restoration and unity. This book's most important part is its reflection on the cultural and sectional issues’ division created by cymbals.
16. Morwenna Assaf: Finger Cymbals – Play Them Correctly
This book is the right choice for people who want to learn about the high-end dance form. The book is available in Kindle edition. Through the literature of this book, the students will learn how to progress with finger cymbals and dance forms.
The book comes with a CD to provide in-depth details about the right playing and dancing techniques. All in all, one can easily comply with the middle eastern rhythms with this book.
17. Daniel Melendez: Beginner's Guide to Percussion: Crash Cymbals
This is the ultimate guide for people who want to learn percussion as a beginner. This guide is the ultimate reference for you to learn about bass drums, suspended cymbal, crash cymbal, and triangle.
This book will provide in-depth details about professional percussion. Once you complete this book, you will have knowledge about instruments, along with correct postures and holding techniques.
Choosing The Best Cymbal Books
Learning cymbal tends to be the dream of many drummers and people who are fond of belly dancing. With this being said, these 17 cymbal books from this article are suitable choices to teach the right techniques. All these books will teach history, development, and utilization of cymbals. So, did you find the right book?
2) Carolena Nericcio: The Art of Belly Dancing Kit
- Pictures With Comprehensive Instructions
- Arabic Rhythm
- Cymbal Playing Techniques
- Great For Cymbal Beginners
1) Hugo Pinksterboer: The Cymbal Book
- 200 Photos & 16 Pages Color Photo
- History Of Cymbal
- The Art Of Cymbal Playing
- Cymbal Acoustics
3) Leonard DiMuzio: Tales From the Cymbal Bag
- Inculcation Of Memories & Pictures
- Educational, Fun & Entertaining Stories
- Great Reading Experience With Full Of Anecdotes