What material is used to make the Meinl 18" Symphonic Cymbal Medium?

The cymbals are made from B20 bronze alloy. This consists of a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the industry standard for professional-grade orchestral cymbals.

What is the primary application for this cymbal pair?

These cymbals are specifically designed for orchestral and large ensemble use. Their piercing tone and medium volume are intended to cut through the sound of a full symphony orchestra.

How would you describe the pitch of the Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium?

These cymbals are characterized by a higher pitch. This helps them provide a 'cutting edge' and a distinct presence during loud orchestral passages.

What is the typical sustain of this model?

The Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium offers a longer sustain. This is due to the B20 bronze construction and the medium weight, allowing the sound to ring out effectively in large halls.

Are these cymbals sold individually or as a pair?

Based on the manufacturer description, these are typically provided as a pair of thin-profile but medium-weight symphonic cymbals. They are intended to be played together in a concert setting.

How does the volume of these cymbals compare to other models?

They are rated for medium volume. This makes them versatile enough for most orchestral repertoire without being as overpowering as heavy-weight marching cymbals.

What is the weight classification for this 18-inch model?

The manufacturer classifies these cymbals as 'Medium' weight. This provides a balance between the fast response of thin cymbals and the power of heavy cymbals.

What kind of tone can a percussionist expect from these cymbals?

The cymbals produce a piercing and brassy tone. This ensures that the attack is clearly audible even in dense musical textures.

How do these compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

Unlike the Byzance series, which is often used for drum kits and features models like the Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Symphonic series is specifically voiced for orchestral concert use. The Symphonic models lack the 'dry' character of the Byzance Extra Dry line.

Are these cymbals suitable for low-volume practice?

No, these are professional orchestral cymbals designed for medium volume and projection. For quiet practice, a dedicated product like the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.

What is the diameter of these cymbals?

These cymbals have a diameter of 18 inches. This size is a standard choice for orchestral percussionists, offering a good compromise between portability and sonic power.

What is the typical price range for the Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium?

The typical price for this cymbal pair is approximately £815. This reflects their status as a professional-grade instrument made from high-quality B20 bronze.

Gear article

Meinl 18" Symphonic Cymbal Medium

The Meinl 18" Symphonic Cymbal Medium is a professional-grade pair of orchestral cymbals constructed from B20 bronze alloy. Designed for orchestral and ensemble settings, these cymbals are characterised by a piercing, brassy tone and a sustained decay suitable for large acoustic environments.

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Overview

The Meinl 18" Symphonic Cymbal Medium represents a specialized entry in the brand's orchestral catalogue. Sold as a pair, these cymbals are engineered to provide a 'cutting edge' within a symphonic context. They are defined by their medium weight and higher pitch, which allows them to penetrate through the textures of a full wind or string section.

Design and Construction

These cymbals are manufactured using B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material choice is standard for professional orchestral instruments due to its complex harmonic range. The 18-inch diameter combined with a medium weight profile ensures a balanced response, offering more presence than thinner models while maintaining a manageable physical weight for the percussionist.

Sonic Characteristics

The sound of the Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium is described as piercing and brassy. Because of their higher pitch, they are capable of delivering a sharp attack that stands out in large ensembles. The B20 material contributes to a longer sustain and a medium volume level, providing the necessary resonance for concert hall performances where a short decay would be insufficient.

Suitability and Use Cases

While Meinl produces various series for contemporary kits, such as the Byzance or HCS lines, the Symphonic series is strictly aimed at orchestral use. These cymbals are best suited for:

Full symphony orchestras requiring a cutting, brassy sound.
Large concert bands or wind ensembles.
Professional percussionists who need a medium-weight pair for versatile repertoire.
Settings where medium volume and long sustain are preferred over dry or low-volume alternatives.

Market Comparison

Within the Meinl range, these differ significantly from effect-heavy cymbals like the Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash or student-focused models like the HCS Hi-Hats. Compared to boutique offerings like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch or the Paiste Giant Beat, the Symphonic Medium is more traditionally voiced for the concert hall. It offers a more robust sustain than the UFIP Class Series Light Hi-Hats and a more traditional brassy profile than 'Low Volume' practice cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used to make the Meinl 18" Symphonic Cymbal Medium?: The cymbals are made from B20 bronze alloy. This consists of a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the industry standard for professional-grade orchestral cymbals.
What is the primary application for this cymbal pair?: These cymbals are specifically designed for orchestral and large ensemble use. Their piercing tone and medium volume are intended to cut through the sound of a full symphony orchestra.
How would you describe the pitch of the Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium?: These cymbals are characterized by a higher pitch. This helps them provide a 'cutting edge' and a distinct presence during loud orchestral passages.
What is the typical sustain of this model?: The Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium offers a longer sustain. This is due to the B20 bronze construction and the medium weight, allowing the sound to ring out effectively in large halls.
Are these cymbals sold individually or as a pair?: Based on the manufacturer description, these are typically provided as a pair of thin-profile but medium-weight symphonic cymbals. They are intended to be played together in a concert setting.
How does the volume of these cymbals compare to other models?: They are rated for medium volume. This makes them versatile enough for most orchestral repertoire without being as overpowering as heavy-weight marching cymbals.
What is the weight classification for this 18-inch model?: The manufacturer classifies these cymbals as 'Medium' weight. This provides a balance between the fast response of thin cymbals and the power of heavy cymbals.
What kind of tone can a percussionist expect from these cymbals?: The cymbals produce a piercing and brassy tone. This ensures that the attack is clearly audible even in dense musical textures.
How do these compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: Unlike the Byzance series, which is often used for drum kits and features models like the Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Symphonic series is specifically voiced for orchestral concert use. The Symphonic models lack the 'dry' character of the Byzance Extra Dry line.
Are these cymbals suitable for low-volume practice?: No, these are professional orchestral cymbals designed for medium volume and projection. For quiet practice, a dedicated product like the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.
What is the diameter of these cymbals?: These cymbals have a diameter of 18 inches. This size is a standard choice for orchestral percussionists, offering a good compromise between portability and sonic power.
What is the typical price range for the Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium?: The typical price for this cymbal pair is approximately £815. This reflects their status as a professional-grade instrument made from high-quality B20 bronze.