MUSIC GEAR
AUGUST 10, 2021
History of Wuhan Cymbals
When we speak of cymbal manufacturers, many people would turn their heads to the handmade Turkish and European brands. However, Chinese cymbals like the ones produced by Wuhan company have been around for centuries. The history of Wuhan cymbals have been existed for as long as 1.900 years developing from traditional Chinese cymbals.
Unfortunately, due to its ancient undocumented history, there is not a lot of information about who or how Chinese cymbals came about. Traditional tales only describes that the Chinese managed to create and developed the design and production process for hundred of years to produce high quality and unique sounds of the cymbals.
As a matter of fact, the Chinese have been credited with inventing the cymbal for use as a musical instrument. According to the Universal Percussion Facebook account, Chinese cymbals date back to the Tang dynasty (from 618 – 907). But they were used only in limited performances such as official events for the emperor. Only during the Song (960 – 1297) and Yuan dynasties (1271 – 1368) the use of cymbals became common for all musical performances then.
Such performances included the Jiaguan dance, which would be performed at wedding and birthday parties and other Chinese festivals. The cymbals used for this purpose came to be known as “Jiaguan” cymbals.
By this traditional skill it’s no wonder that Wuhan cymbal is well known for their distinctive china and gong by from their cast, hand-hammered cymbals in China.
Universal Percussion, Inc. who owns Wuhan contributed to the creation of the cymbals including a traditional, rock and bright series.
Since 1949 and the founding of the People’s Republic Of China, the Wuhan factory operation has undergone some various mergers and name changes.
Today, there are a variety Wuhan cymbals line available on the market : the Western Style, S Series, Chinas and Gongs.
The Western Style cymbals are thinner than other types, available in a rock or traditional model. Like it should be, Rock cymbals have better durability and projection due to its heavier weight.
The Chinas Series consistently produce an explosive, trashy and darkly distinct sound while the Wuhan cymbals S Series is hand buffed to bring a superior shine, bright look like its nickname “The Shining S Series.”
Wuhan splashes, rides, crashes and hi hats produce a quick, dark and rich sound. The Gongs range from 7 inches and up to 50 inches. Designed for a variety of applications from the opera to temples.
In 2000, the history of Wuhan cymbals continues when Wang Zhiping succeeded his father as general manager of the Wuhan gong and cymbals. Under his reign the company has continued to grow both domestically and internationally.
Today, Wuhan China cymbals and gongs set the standard of uniquely crafted cymbals. The terms “dark,” “explosive,” and “trashy” would perfectly describe the authentic raw sound of Wuhan China cymbals.
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