cymbala

musical instrument

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

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The term "cymbala" refers to a specific type of ancient musical instrument, distinct from the modern cymbal.

Cymbala: Ancient Instruments

Cymbala are primarily known in two forms:

Ancient Greek and Roman Cymbals: These were small cymbals, often used in religious rituals. They are comparable to antique cymbals.1
Medieval Bell Racks: During medieval religious services, cymbala also referred to a rack of small, diatonically tuned bells that were struck with hammers.1

While the modern cymbal is a percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate struck by a drumstick or clashed together, the cymbala are older, more specific instruments used in ancient rites and medieval services.21

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bell chime
…the bells, was called a cymbala. In the 12th century, cymbala were wired to organ keys, thus forming the first organ chimes. The knowledge of tuning acquired with the cymbala resulted in the design of differently pitched bells placed in towers and struck by jacquemarts, or clock jacks (usually a…
Read More
…the bells, was called a cymbala. In the 12th century, cymbala were wired to organ keys, thus forming the first organ chimes. The knowledge of tuning acquired with the cymbala resulted in the design of differently pitched bells placed in towers and struck by jacquemarts, or clock jacks (usually a…
Read More