What is the typical price for the Meinl Byzance 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The cymbal typically retails for approximately GBP 347 in the United Kingdom. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current stock availability.

What kind of sound should I expect from this cymbal?

Expect an extremely dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy' sound. It has a very fast decay, meaning the sound starts and stops quickly without a long ringing sustain.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

Generally, no. Because it is a thin, dry cymbal, it does not have the volume or high-end projection to compete with loud amplified instruments. It is better suited for controlled environments like jazz or studio sessions.

What material is used in its construction?

The cymbal is manufactured from B20 bronze, which is a standard alloy for professional-grade cymbals consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin.

How does the 'Extra Dry' finish affect the sound?

The raw, unlathed surface dries out the sound by suppressing high-frequency overtones. This results in a shorter sustain and a more focused, 'earthy' percussive hit.

How does this compare to the 19" version of the same cymbal?

The 16" version is faster and has a higher relative pitch than the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. The 19" version offers more surface area for a bigger, 'washier' sound while maintaining the signature dryness.

Can I use this as a top cymbal in a stack?

Yes, its thin weight and fast decay make it an excellent candidate for cymbal stacks. It pairs well with other trashy cymbals or small chinas to create unique percussive effects.

Does the cymbal require special cleaning?

Because of its raw 'Extra Dry' finish, traditional cymbal polishes are not recommended as they can alter the appearance and sound. Most users prefer to let the natural patina develop or simply wipe it with a dry cloth.

How sensitive is the response of this crash?

It has a very soft response. This means you do not have to hit it hard to get a full sound, making it ideal for drummers with a dynamic or nuanced playing style.

Is the 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash hand-hammered?

Yes, like all Meinl Byzance series cymbals, it is hand-hammered in Turkey before being finished at Meinl's facility in Germany. This process gives each cymbal a unique character.

How does it differ from the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash?

The Meinl Extra Dry is typically drier and has less sustain than the 19" Lenny White Epoch. The Meinl focuses more on a 'staccato' percussive burst, whereas the Epoch has a more traditional, albeit dark, crash character.

What genres is this cymbal best for?

It is highly recommended for Jazz, Funk, R&B, Neo-Soul, and Studio Recording. Any genre that benefits from a 'lo-fi' or textured cymbal sound will suit this model.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash

The Meinl Byzance 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash is a specialist cymbal designed for drummers seeking a distinctive, low-pitched, and trashy sonic signature. Constructed from B20 bronze, it is defined by its hand-hammered raw finish and exceptionally fast decay, making it a staple in modern jazz, funk, and studio applications.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash represents a departure from traditional bright, polished crash cymbals. As part of the prestigious Byzance series, it is hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths, ensuring each individual cymbal possesses unique tonal characteristics. Its unlathed, raw surface is the primary factor behind its 'extra dry' designation, providing a visual aesthetic that matches its dark, earthy sound.

Design and Construction

This cymbal is crafted from high-grade B20 bronze. The 'Thin' weight classification is critical to its performance, allowing the metal to activate with a soft touch. The surface features heavy, deep hammer marks that remain visible due to the lack of traditional lathing. This construction method restricts the high-frequency vibrations typically associated with brilliant-finish cymbals, resulting in a controlled, low-frequency response.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash is characterised by its 'trashy' overtones and minimal sustain. Upon impact, the cymbal produces a short, explosive burst of sound that disappears almost immediately.

Key acoustic traits include: * Dryness: Virtually no shimmering ring or unwanted wash. * Pitch: Extremely low-pitched for a 16-inch diameter. * Response: Soft and sensitive, responding well to lighter stick work. * Decay: Very fast, preventing the sound from bleeding into other microphones or instruments.

Intended Applications

This cymbal is ideally suited for drummers who play in environments where volume control and articulation are paramount. It excels in recording studios where a long tail or wash might clutter a mix. Stylistically, it is most at home in contemporary jazz, neo-soul, fusion, and electronic-influenced live drumming. It is less suited for high-volume rock or metal environments where a cymbal needs to 'cut' through dense walls of distorted guitars.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, the 16" model offers a more immediate response compared to the larger Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which provides more volume and a deeper roar. When compared to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the Meinl 16" is significantly tighter and drier. Unlike standard professional cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or UFIP Class Series, which offer a more balanced and melodic shimmer, the Extra Dry series prioritises percussive texture over sustain.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for the Meinl Byzance 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The cymbal typically retails for approximately GBP 347 in the United Kingdom. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current stock availability.
What kind of sound should I expect from this cymbal?: Expect an extremely dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy' sound. It has a very fast decay, meaning the sound starts and stops quickly without a long ringing sustain.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: Generally, no. Because it is a thin, dry cymbal, it does not have the volume or high-end projection to compete with loud amplified instruments. It is better suited for controlled environments like jazz or studio sessions.
What material is used in its construction?: The cymbal is manufactured from B20 bronze, which is a standard alloy for professional-grade cymbals consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin.
How does the 'Extra Dry' finish affect the sound?: The raw, unlathed surface dries out the sound by suppressing high-frequency overtones. This results in a shorter sustain and a more focused, 'earthy' percussive hit.
How does this compare to the 19" version of the same cymbal?: The 16" version is faster and has a higher relative pitch than the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. The 19" version offers more surface area for a bigger, 'washier' sound while maintaining the signature dryness.
Can I use this as a top cymbal in a stack?: Yes, its thin weight and fast decay make it an excellent candidate for cymbal stacks. It pairs well with other trashy cymbals or small chinas to create unique percussive effects.
Does the cymbal require special cleaning?: Because of its raw 'Extra Dry' finish, traditional cymbal polishes are not recommended as they can alter the appearance and sound. Most users prefer to let the natural patina develop or simply wipe it with a dry cloth.
How sensitive is the response of this crash?: It has a very soft response. This means you do not have to hit it hard to get a full sound, making it ideal for drummers with a dynamic or nuanced playing style.
Is the 16" Extra Dry Thin Crash hand-hammered?: Yes, like all Meinl Byzance series cymbals, it is hand-hammered in Turkey before being finished at Meinl's facility in Germany. This process gives each cymbal a unique character.
How does it differ from the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash?: The Meinl Extra Dry is typically drier and has less sustain than the 19" Lenny White Epoch. The Meinl focuses more on a 'staccato' percussive burst, whereas the Epoch has a more traditional, albeit dark, crash character.
What genres is this cymbal best for?: It is highly recommended for Jazz, Funk, R&B, Neo-Soul, and Studio Recording. Any genre that benefits from a 'lo-fi' or textured cymbal sound will suit this model.

Sources

Last updated: 2026-10-09