How the tingsha makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the tingsha belongs to the struck idiophones: the body is struck directly – bells, gongs, xylophones and cymbals.
More broadly it is one of the idiophones, where the solid body of the instrument itself vibrates, without strings or a stretched membrane.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
Tingsha, or ting-sha (Tibetan: ཏིང་ཤགས་, Wylie: ting-shags), are small cymbals used in prayer and rituals by Tibetan Buddhist practitioners. Two cymbals are joined by a leather strap or chain. The cymbals are struck together producing a clear and high pitched tone. Typical sizes range from 2.5 to 4 inches in diameter. Tingsha are very thick and produce a unique long ringing tone. Antique tingsha were made from special bronze alloys that produce harmonic overtones.
Other struck idiophones
Frequently asked questions
What does a tingsha sound like?
As one of the struck idiophones, its sound comes from the way the body is struck directly.
What type of instrument is the tingsha?
It is classified as struck idiophones (Hornbostel–Sachs 111.142).
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q491453 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Tingsha – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by de:User:BambooBeast – GPL