What is the weight of the Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash?

The cymbal is classified as medium-thin weight. This allows it to open up easily for a full sound while maintaining enough mass for a punchy attack.

What genres is this cymbal best suited for?

It is highly versatile and fits rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and reggae. Its refined character also makes it an excellent choice for studio music.

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

The extensive hammering creates a more complex roar in the wash and a warmer tonal profile. It helps bridge the gap between bright clarity and dark, complex textures.

What is the decay like on this 18-inch crash?

The cymbal features a fast decay. After the initial punchy attack and complex wash, the sound tapers off quickly, preventing unwanted sustain in busy mixes.

Is the cymbal lathed or unlathed?

The Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash features fully lathed surfaces. This contributes to its shimmering, smooth sound and effortless stick response.

How does it perform at high volumes?

It maintains its clarity even at high dynamics. The computerized hammering ensures that the sound does not distort or become muddy when played forcefully.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The typical price for this specific Meinl crash model is approximately GBP 302. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Does this cymbal have a bright or dark sound?

It offers a balanced profile described as 'punchy warmth' with shimmering smooth sounds. It is less bright than standard Pure Alloy cymbals but cleaner than the Byzance Extra Dry series.

Is this cymbal recommended for studio use?

Yes, its refined nature and fast decay make it ideal for the studio. It provides a full tonal spectrum that is easily controlled during the recording process.

How does the stick response feel?

The cymbal responds with an effortless touch. Because of its medium-thin weight and lathed surface, it feels sensitive and clean under the stick.

What manufacturing process is used for the hammering?

Meinl utilises computerised hammering techniques for this model. This ensures precision and consistency across every cymbal produced in this specific line.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is more shimmering and polished compared to the Byzance Extra Dry. The Byzance is much darker and produces a 'dirtier' wash with less shimmer.

Gear article

Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash

The Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is a medium-thin weight cymbal designed for versatility across a wide range of musical genres including rock, pop, and R&B. It features extensive computerised hammering and fully lathed surfaces to produce a punchy, warm attack followed by a complex wash and fast decay.

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Overview

The Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is an expressive percussion instrument engineered to balance traditional tonal qualities with modern manufacturing precision. It occupies a distinct space in the Meinl catalogue, sitting between the bright clarity of the standard Pure Alloy line and the darker, more organic textures found in the Byzance series. The cymbal is characterised by its medium-thin profile, which allows it to respond to varying stick pressures with consistent clarity.

Design and Construction

This cymbal is crafted using advanced computerised hammering techniques, which ensure a high level of consistency while creating the 'Extra Hammered' texture that defines its visual and acoustic profile. Both the top and bottom surfaces are fully lathed, a process that refines the grooves to facilitate a shimmering, smooth response. The combination of these techniques results in a cymbal that opens up easily even under light strokes, yet maintains its structural integrity and tonal definition when played at higher dynamics.

Sound Profile

The sonic character of the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is defined by a 'punchy warmth.' Upon impact, the cymbal delivers a crisp attack followed by a complex, roaring wash. This wash is described as velvety, providing a full tonal spectrum that avoids harsh frequencies. One of its most notable characteristics is its fast decay, meaning the sound tapers off quickly after the initial peak, making it an excellent choice for studio recording where tight control over resonance is required.

Musical Applications

Due to its balanced nature, the 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is suitable for a diverse array of musical environments. It is commonly utilised in:

Rock and Pop: For clear, cutting accents that do not overwhelm the mix.
Fusion and R&B: Where the nuanced wash and warm decay complement intricate groove work.
Reggae: Providing sharp, distinctive crashes that fit the rhythmic requirements of the genre.
Studio Recording: Its predictable decay and refined voice make it easy to capture through microphones without excessive bleed or harshness.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other cymbals in the Meinl range, such as the 19" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Pure Alloy model offers a more 'polished' and shimmering sound, whereas the Byzance is significantly darker and drier. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash provides vastly superior tonal complexity and sensitivity. For drummers seeking a traditional 'A-style' sound with modern reliability, it competes with cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch, though it maintains a unique 'velvety' character specific to Meinl's alloy blend.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weight of the Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash?: The cymbal is classified as medium-thin weight. This allows it to open up easily for a full sound while maintaining enough mass for a punchy attack.
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?: It is highly versatile and fits rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and reggae. Its refined character also makes it an excellent choice for studio music.
How does the 'Extra Hammered' feature affect the sound?: The extensive hammering creates a more complex roar in the wash and a warmer tonal profile. It helps bridge the gap between bright clarity and dark, complex textures.
What is the decay like on this 18-inch crash?: The cymbal features a fast decay. After the initial punchy attack and complex wash, the sound tapers off quickly, preventing unwanted sustain in busy mixes.
Is the cymbal lathed or unlathed?: The Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash features fully lathed surfaces. This contributes to its shimmering, smooth sound and effortless stick response.
How does it perform at high volumes?: It maintains its clarity even at high dynamics. The computerized hammering ensures that the sound does not distort or become muddy when played forcefully.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The typical price for this specific Meinl crash model is approximately GBP 302. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Does this cymbal have a bright or dark sound?: It offers a balanced profile described as 'punchy warmth' with shimmering smooth sounds. It is less bright than standard Pure Alloy cymbals but cleaner than the Byzance Extra Dry series.
Is this cymbal recommended for studio use?: Yes, its refined nature and fast decay make it ideal for the studio. It provides a full tonal spectrum that is easily controlled during the recording process.
How does the stick response feel?: The cymbal responds with an effortless touch. Because of its medium-thin weight and lathed surface, it feels sensitive and clean under the stick.
What manufacturing process is used for the hammering?: Meinl utilises computerised hammering techniques for this model. This ensures precision and consistency across every cymbal produced in this specific line.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash is more shimmering and polished compared to the Byzance Extra Dry. The Byzance is much darker and produces a 'dirtier' wash with less shimmer.