Finger cymbals, or Zils, have a long and storied music-making tradition throughout the ancient Ottoman Empire and in many Arabic-speaking parts of the world. They are most often associated with belly dancing and cabaret performers, but are beginning to go more mainstream, finding their way into Western orchestras and bands.
The traditional playing technique preferred by dancers is complicated, but today’s percussionists opt for a simplified method and use the finger cymbals more for spelling occasional flourishes and special effects rather than complex rhythms and sounds. Zils are a cool way to weave in classic Middle Eastern influences along with a creative touch of the unexpected to any music genre.
Zildjian finger cymbals feature an authentic Middle Eastern sound and can be played with one or two in each hand. Just strap them around your thumb and middle finger and you’re good to go. Depending on how you strike them, Zils can produce a high-pitched ringing tone or a harder “clacking” sound. They are definitely cymbals you want to play around with while giving a listen to all the different sounds they offer.
As part of the Zildjian FX series, the Dancer’s Zils are cast one at a time in a bronze alloy in the USA and refined using centuries-old Turkish crafting techniques to deliver the traditional sounds of genuine Middle Eastern rhythms.
- Model: Zildjian FX Dancer Zils
- Category: FX Series
- SKU: P0770
- Type: Percussion
- Skill level: Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate, Professional
- Genre(s): Alternative, Country, Fusion, Hard Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin, Metal, Other, Percussion, Pop, Punk, Rock, World
