A china boy is a large cymbal whose sound can vary between gong-like and trashcan lid-like, depending on the cymbal's quality. Most are ride cymbal-sized, ranging from 18 inches to over 22 inches across. These cymbals are used for effect and when adding extra bite to a hit. Rarely used in concert music, these cymbals are almost exclusively used in rock and funk/fusion music. Poor musicians tend to overuse their china a great deal. The general nickname for an inverted china boy (placed upside down on the stand, with the bell down) is "china girl". This technique lessens the initial hit of the cymbal, but tends to produce a longer ringing sound.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.