What is the weight of the Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride?

This cymbal is classified as a medium-weight ride. This weight provides a balance between durability and a responsive, musical feel.

What type of hammering is used on this cymbal?

It features computerised hammering technology with additional 'extra hammering' throughout the body. This specific technique is designed to enhance stick definition and control the sustain.

Is the surface of the cymbal lathed?

Yes, the cymbal features a fully lathed surface. This traditional finishing method contributes to its clean sound and effortless touch.

What kind of sustain does this ride cymbal have?

It is designed to deliver a warm, short sustain. This prevents the sound from becoming too cluttered or overwhelming during fast playing.

In which musical genres is this cymbal most effective?

It is highly versatile and suitable for rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and reggae. It is also an excellent choice for studio recording due to its clear articulation.

How would you describe the stick attack of this model?

The stick attack is pronounced and clear. The extra hammering ensures that every stroke is met with a rich and musical articulation.

Does the cymbal have a wash?

Yes, it produces a velvety wash. This wash provides a full tonal spectrum while remaining controlled enough not to mask the stick definition.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

In the UK market, this cymbal typically retails for approximately GBP 365. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

How does the 'Pure Alloy' material affect the sound?

The Pure Alloy series is known for a timeless sound that offers a clear voice and high versatility. It provides a more modern, polished tone compared to some traditional bronze alloys.

Can this cymbal be used for studio recording?

Yes, it is specifically noted for its suitability in studio music. Its clean sound and controlled sustain make it easier for engineers to capture a professional drum sound.

How does this compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?

While the Byzance Extra Dry series is known for its raw, dark, and complex tones, the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride is more polished and versatile with a cleaner finish.

Is this cymbal handmade or machine-made?

It is crafted using computerised hammering technology. This ensures consistency in quality and sound across all cymbals of this specific model.

Gear article

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride

The Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride is a medium-weight cymbal engineered for exceptional clarity and a warm, short sustain. It utilizes computerised hammering and a fully lathed surface to produce a pronounced stick attack with a velvety wash suitable for professional studio and live applications.

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Background and Design

The Pure Alloy series by Meinl represents a modern approach to cymbal making, bridging the gap between traditional tonal qualities and contemporary precision. The 20" Extra Hammered Ride is a specific iteration within this line that focuses on enhancing stick articulation through additional hammering techniques. By employing computerised hammering technology, Meinl ensures high levels of consistency across every unit produced, resulting in a predictable and reliable instrument for working drummers.

Technical Features

Constructed as a medium-weight instrument, the cymbal features a fully lathed surface on both the top and bottom. This lathing allows for an effortless touch, ensuring the cymbal responds dynamically to the player's input. The defining characteristic of this model is the 'extra hammering' applied throughout the bow and edge. This process compacts the metal to produce a more pronounced stick attack and helps to control the sustain, resulting in a cleaner overall sound compared to standard lathed rides.

Sonics and Articulation

The sonic profile of the Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride is described as a full tonal spectrum. It balances a polished, clear definition with a velvety wash that does not overwhelm the primary note. The sustain is purposefully short and warm, providing a rich, musical articulation that allows complex sticking patterns to remain audible. This makes it an effective choice for drummers who require a 'clear voice' that sits well in a mix without excessive ring or unwanted overtones.

Genre Suitability

Due to its versatile nature and balanced frequency response, this ride cymbal is applicable to a vast array of musical environments. Its primary strengths are found in:

Rock and Pop: Where clear stick definition is needed to cut through amplified instruments.
Fusion and R&B: Where subtle articulation and warm tonal colours are preferred.
Reggae: Where a controlled sustain and distinct bell sound are often required.
Studio Recording: The clean, short sustain makes it easier to mix and manage in a controlled environment.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl catalogue, this model offers more control and warmth than the brighter HCS series, and a more polished, versatile sound compared to the raw, complex character of the Byzance Extra Dry series. When compared to external alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch, the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride stands out for its specific blend of modern computerized precision and a classic, velvety wash. It offers a middle ground between the brightness of a Paiste and the dark, hand-hammered complexity of Turkish-style cymbals like the Masterwork Iris.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weight of the Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride?: This cymbal is classified as a medium-weight ride. This weight provides a balance between durability and a responsive, musical feel.
What type of hammering is used on this cymbal?: It features computerised hammering technology with additional 'extra hammering' throughout the body. This specific technique is designed to enhance stick definition and control the sustain.
Is the surface of the cymbal lathed?: Yes, the cymbal features a fully lathed surface. This traditional finishing method contributes to its clean sound and effortless touch.
What kind of sustain does this ride cymbal have?: It is designed to deliver a warm, short sustain. This prevents the sound from becoming too cluttered or overwhelming during fast playing.
In which musical genres is this cymbal most effective?: It is highly versatile and suitable for rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and reggae. It is also an excellent choice for studio recording due to its clear articulation.
How would you describe the stick attack of this model?: The stick attack is pronounced and clear. The extra hammering ensures that every stroke is met with a rich and musical articulation.
Does the cymbal have a wash?: Yes, it produces a velvety wash. This wash provides a full tonal spectrum while remaining controlled enough not to mask the stick definition.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: In the UK market, this cymbal typically retails for approximately GBP 365. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
How does the 'Pure Alloy' material affect the sound?: The Pure Alloy series is known for a timeless sound that offers a clear voice and high versatility. It provides a more modern, polished tone compared to some traditional bronze alloys.
Can this cymbal be used for studio recording?: Yes, it is specifically noted for its suitability in studio music. Its clean sound and controlled sustain make it easier for engineers to capture a professional drum sound.
How does this compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?: While the Byzance Extra Dry series is known for its raw, dark, and complex tones, the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Ride is more polished and versatile with a cleaner finish.
Is this cymbal handmade or machine-made?: It is crafted using computerised hammering technology. This ensures consistency in quality and sound across all cymbals of this specific model.