PHOTO:  Dave-Grohl The suspended cymbal can be found as part of a drum set , in a symphony orchestra , in a middle school band, or even accompanying a conga player's multi-percussion set-up. The percussion player will vary their suspended cymbal technique based on the situation and overall percussion set up. Basically, a suspended cymbal is simply that - a cymbal suspended in the air. The suspended cymbal can be suspended by a suspended cymbal stand or even by a percussion player's hand looped through a hand cymbal strap. A drum set will often have several different types of suspended cymbals, from a crash cymbal to a ride cymbal to high hat cymbals. The drum set player will play the different cymbals with sticks, Hot Rods , brushes, or even yarn mallets . In a conga player or hand drum set up, the suspended cymbal may be struck with a stick or even with the hand, although that is mostly for visual effect. A small crash or splash cymbal is easier on the hands for ...