the zimbelstern (meaning "cymbal star" in german, also spelled cymbelstern, zymbelstern, or cimbalstern) is a "toy" organ stop consisting of a metal or wooden star or wheel on which several small bells are mounted. when engaged, the star rotates, producing a continuous tinkling sound. it was common in northern europe, germany in particular, throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. after about 1700, the bells were tuned to particular notes.