What material is used in the Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy?

These cymbals are made from B20 bronze alloy. This consists of a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for high-end professional cymbals.

What is the typical price for this pair of cymbals?

The Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy typically retails for approximately GBP 617. This price reflects the pair of cymbals as they are designed to be played together.

What is the primary musical setting for these cymbals?

They are specifically designed for orchestral and symphonic use. Their tone and projection are tailored to work within large ensembles rather than standard drum kits.

How does the 'Heavy' weight affect the sound?

The heavy weight increases the pitch and the volume of the cymbal. It provides a more piercing, brassy tone that can cut through loud orchestral sections easily.

What kind of sustain can be expected from this model?

Due to the B20 material and heavy construction, these cymbals offer a long sustain. This allows the shimmer of a crash to ring out for an extended period in a concert hall.

Is the pitch of the 16" model high or low?

The 16" Symphonic Heavy is considered higher-pitched. The smaller 16-inch diameter combined with the heavy weight produces a sharp, high-frequency sound.

Can these be used as hi-hats or crashes on a drum kit?

While they are designed as hand cymbals for orchestral use, they are physically made of B20 bronze. However, their weight and lack of a mounting hole for standard stands mean they are not intended for kit use.

What is the advantage of B20 bronze over B8 or brass?

B20 bronze offers a much wider frequency response and more complex overtones than B8 or brass. It also provides better projection and durability for professional applications.

Are these cymbals sold individually or as a pair?

The Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy is typically sold as a pair. This is because they are hand cymbals meant to be struck against one another.

How does the volume compare to other Meinl cymbals?

These are designed for large volume. The combination of heavy weight and B20 material makes them much louder and more resonant than thinner models like the Byzance Extra Dry series.

Does the finish affect the piercing tone described?

The manufacturing process for the Symphonic series is geared toward a brassy and cutting tone. The heavy weight is the primary factor in ensuring the tone remains piercing regardless of the specific aesthetic finish.

Who is the ideal user for these cymbals?

The ideal user is a professional orchestral percussionist or a large concert band looking for a high-quality, durable pair of cymbals that can be heard clearly over a full ensemble.

Gear article

Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy

The Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy is a pair of orchestral hand cymbals crafted from high-grade B20 bronze alloy. Designed for maximum projection and a piercing brassy tone, these cymbals are engineered to provide a cutting edge within large musical ensembles.

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Overview and Materials

The Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy pair represents a professional-grade percussion solution for orchestral environments. These cymbals are constructed using the industry-standard B20 bronze alloy, consisting of 80 percent copper and 20 percent tin. This specific metallurgical composition is renowned for its durability and its ability to produce a wide frequency range with significant projection.

As a 'Heavy' weight model, these 16-inch cymbals are specifically designed to meet the demands of high-volume musical settings where a smaller diameter cymbal might otherwise be lost in the mix. The heavy profile ensures that the physical energy of the player is efficiently converted into acoustic output.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary sonic profile of the Meinl 16" Symphonic Heavy is characterized by a piercing and brassy tone. Because of the heavy weight and the 16-inch diameter, the pitch is notably higher than that of larger symphonic cymbals. This high-frequency emphasis allows the cymbals to 'cut' through the dense textures of a full brass and string section.

Furthermore, the B20 material contributes to a longer sustain and increased volume. When struck together, the pair produces a shimmering decay that remains audible even in large concert halls. The attack is immediate and sharp, providing the precise rhythmic definition required for symphonic repertoire.

Applications and Ideal Users

These cymbals are typically aimed at orchestral percussionists and ensemble directors who require a reliable set of hand cymbals for dynamic highlights. They are particularly well-suited for:

Large Ensembles: The high volume and sustain make them ideal for full symphonic orchestras.
High-Decibel Passages: The piercing tone is designed to reach the back of a performance space during fortissimo sections.
Educational Institutions: Their robust B20 construction makes them a durable choice for music conservatories and professional youth orchestras.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Symphonic Heavy occupies a different niche compared to drum kit cymbals like the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which offers a faster, darker decay suited for jazz or studio work. Compared to entry-level brass cymbals like the Meinl HCS series, the Symphonic Heavy provides a significantly more complex harmonic profile and greater longevity due to its B20 bronze construction.

Against competitors like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic series, the Meinl Symphonic Heavy remains dedicated to the specific tradition of orchestral hand playing, prioritising the 'clash' response and sustained shimmer over the 'stick definition' required by hi-hats or ride cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used in the Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy?: These cymbals are made from B20 bronze alloy. This consists of a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for high-end professional cymbals.
What is the typical price for this pair of cymbals?: The Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy typically retails for approximately GBP 617. This price reflects the pair of cymbals as they are designed to be played together.
What is the primary musical setting for these cymbals?: They are specifically designed for orchestral and symphonic use. Their tone and projection are tailored to work within large ensembles rather than standard drum kits.
How does the 'Heavy' weight affect the sound?: The heavy weight increases the pitch and the volume of the cymbal. It provides a more piercing, brassy tone that can cut through loud orchestral sections easily.
What kind of sustain can be expected from this model?: Due to the B20 material and heavy construction, these cymbals offer a long sustain. This allows the shimmer of a crash to ring out for an extended period in a concert hall.
Is the pitch of the 16" model high or low?: The 16" Symphonic Heavy is considered higher-pitched. The smaller 16-inch diameter combined with the heavy weight produces a sharp, high-frequency sound.
Can these be used as hi-hats or crashes on a drum kit?: While they are designed as hand cymbals for orchestral use, they are physically made of B20 bronze. However, their weight and lack of a mounting hole for standard stands mean they are not intended for kit use.
What is the advantage of B20 bronze over B8 or brass?: B20 bronze offers a much wider frequency response and more complex overtones than B8 or brass. It also provides better projection and durability for professional applications.
Are these cymbals sold individually or as a pair?: The Meinl 16" Symphonic Cymbal Heavy is typically sold as a pair. This is because they are hand cymbals meant to be struck against one another.
How does the volume compare to other Meinl cymbals?: These are designed for large volume. The combination of heavy weight and B20 material makes them much louder and more resonant than thinner models like the Byzance Extra Dry series.
Does the finish affect the piercing tone described?: The manufacturing process for the Symphonic series is geared toward a brassy and cutting tone. The heavy weight is the primary factor in ensuring the tone remains piercing regardless of the specific aesthetic finish.
Who is the ideal user for these cymbals?: The ideal user is a professional orchestral percussionist or a large concert band looking for a high-quality, durable pair of cymbals that can be heard clearly over a full ensemble.