What material is used for the Meinl 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash?

The cymbal is made from Meinl's proprietary Pure Alloy. This material is designed to offer a balanced frequency range and a shimmering, professional sound.

What is the weight class of this cymbal?

It is categorized as a medium-thin weight crash. This allows it to open up easily with an effortless touch while maintaining enough body for louder dynamics.

How does the 'Extra Hammered' feature affect the sound?

The extensive hammering creates more complexity in the wash and helps control the overtones. This results in a warmer, more 'velvety' sound compared to standard lathed cymbals.

Is this cymbal suitable for recording?

Yes, it is highly recommended for studio music. Its fast decay and clean, refined sound make it easy to manage in a recording environment.

What genres of music does this cymbal suit best?

It is versatile enough for rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and reggae. Its blend of punch and shimmer allows it to adapt to both high-energy and nuanced musical styles.

What is the typical price for this model?

The 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash typically retails for approximately £289. This reflects its status as a high-quality, professional instrument.

Does the cymbal have a fast or slow decay?

It features a fast decay. After the initial punchy attack and complex roar, the sound tapers off quickly, preventing it from overwhelming other instruments.

How is the cymbal hammered during production?

Meinl uses computerized hammering techniques for this model. This ensures precision in the distribution of hammer marks and high levels of consistency between individual cymbals.

Is the surface of the cymbal lathed?

Yes, it features fully lathed surfaces. This helps produce the shimmering, smooth sounds and provides a classic, polished aesthetic.

How does it respond to light playing?

The cymbal responds with an effortless touch. Because it is medium-thin and extra hammered, it reaches its full tonal spectrum even at lower dynamic levels.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

While Byzance cymbals are often more raw and 'dark', the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered series is more shimmering and clean. It offers a more 'timeless' and polished voice.

Can it be used in high-volume rock settings?

Yes, it maintains its clarity even at high dynamics. Its powerful attack ensures it can be heard clearly in loud rock or pop arrangements.

Gear article

Meinl 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash

The Meinl 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is a professional-grade cymbal designed for versatility and expressive performance across various musical genres. Featuring a medium-thin weight and extensive computerized hammering, it delivers a punchy warmth and a shimmering, smooth tonal response.

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Overview

The Meinl 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is an addition to the Pure Alloy series, known for blending traditional tonal characteristics with modern manufacturing precision. This specific model utilizes extensive hammering across the bow and edge to differentiate its sonic profile from standard Pure Alloy crashes, resulting in a more complex and refined voice. It is priced at approximately £289, positioning it as a professional-tier instrument for studio and stage use.

Manufacturing and Design

This cymbal is crafted using high-tech computerized hammering techniques which ensure consistency and durability. The surfaces are fully lathed, contributing to its shimmering appearance and smooth frequency response. The 'Extra Hammered' designation refers to the additional impact points on the cymbal, which serve to control overtones and introduce a 'velvety' wash. The medium-thin weight is specifically chosen to allow the cymbal to open up easily, requiring less force from the drummer to achieve a full sound.

Sonic Character

The sound of the 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is defined by an immediate, punchy warmth. Upon being struck, the attack is followed by a complex roar in the wash that provides depth without becoming muddy. One of its standout features is a fast decay, meaning the sound tapers off quickly after the initial peak. Despite this complexity, the cymbal maintains clean definition and clarity even when played at higher dynamic levels, offering a shimmering and smooth character.

Musical Applications

Due to its balanced nature, this crash cymbal is suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for:

Rock and Pop: Where its punchy attack cuts through a mix.
Fusion and R&B: Where its refined, complex wash adds texture.
Reggae and Studio Work: Where its controlled decay and tonal clarity are highly valued by engineers and performers alike.

Comparisons

When compared to other models in the Meinl catalogue, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash offers a more polished and shimmering tone compared to the raw, earthy grit of the Byzance series. Unlike entry-level options like the HCS series, this model provides a significantly higher level of tonal complexity and sensitivity. It also presents a more modern alternative to vintage-voiced cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch, focusing on a clean, 'timeless' voice with a smooth, computerized finish.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the Meinl 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash?: The cymbal is made from Meinl's proprietary Pure Alloy. This material is designed to offer a balanced frequency range and a shimmering, professional sound.
What is the weight class of this cymbal?: It is categorized as a medium-thin weight crash. This allows it to open up easily with an effortless touch while maintaining enough body for louder dynamics.
How does the 'Extra Hammered' feature affect the sound?: The extensive hammering creates more complexity in the wash and helps control the overtones. This results in a warmer, more 'velvety' sound compared to standard lathed cymbals.
Is this cymbal suitable for recording?: Yes, it is highly recommended for studio music. Its fast decay and clean, refined sound make it easy to manage in a recording environment.
What genres of music does this cymbal suit best?: It is versatile enough for rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and reggae. Its blend of punch and shimmer allows it to adapt to both high-energy and nuanced musical styles.
What is the typical price for this model?: The 16" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash typically retails for approximately £289. This reflects its status as a high-quality, professional instrument.
Does the cymbal have a fast or slow decay?: It features a fast decay. After the initial punchy attack and complex roar, the sound tapers off quickly, preventing it from overwhelming other instruments.
How is the cymbal hammered during production?: Meinl uses computerized hammering techniques for this model. This ensures precision in the distribution of hammer marks and high levels of consistency between individual cymbals.
Is the surface of the cymbal lathed?: Yes, it features fully lathed surfaces. This helps produce the shimmering, smooth sounds and provides a classic, polished aesthetic.
How does it respond to light playing?: The cymbal responds with an effortless touch. Because it is medium-thin and extra hammered, it reaches its full tonal spectrum even at lower dynamic levels.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: While Byzance cymbals are often more raw and 'dark', the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered series is more shimmering and clean. It offers a more 'timeless' and polished voice.
Can it be used in high-volume rock settings?: Yes, it maintains its clarity even at high dynamics. Its powerful attack ensures it can be heard clearly in loud rock or pop arrangements.