What is the primary sound characteristic of the Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride?

The cymbal is defined by a sparkling stick attack paired with a warm, velvety wash. It offers a clean, polished sound across a full tonal spectrum.

Can this ride cymbal be used for crashing?

Yes, the thin weight allows it to open up easily for bold accents. It delivers a long sustain when crashed, making it a versatile 'crash-ride' option.

What kind of bell sound does it produce?

The bell produces a bright snap. It is designed to be cutting and clear, ensuring it remains audible in various musical contexts.

What is the finish of the Pure Alloy Thin Ride?

The cymbal features fully lathed surfaces. This traditional manufacturing step contributes to its refined look and clean, consistent sonic response.

Is this cymbal suitable for soft playing?

Yes, it is designed with an effortless touch and agile response. It reacts consistently to the stick even at lower dynamic levels.

How does the 'Thin' weight affect the sound compared to a medium ride?

The thin weight makes the cymbal more reactive and crashable. It results in a lower fundamental pitch and a more prominent wash compared to heavier models.

What musical styles best suit this cymbal?

Its versatile nature allows for expressive playing in virtually any style. It is equally at home in pop, rock, jazz, or fusion settings.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride typically retails for approximately £329. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

While the Byzance series is known for dark, dry, and complex tones, the Pure Alloy series is more polished and shimmering. It offers a cleaner, more 'pure' frequency response.

Does the cymbal have a long sustain?

Yes, particularly when crashed, the 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is known for delivering a long, shimmering sustain. The wash is smooth and persists evenly.

What makes the stick definition 'sparkling'?

The 'sparkling' quality comes from the specific alloy and the precision lathing. These elements emphasize higher-frequency harmonics that give the stick hit a bright, clear edge.

Is the 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride a good choice for a one-cymbal setup?

It is an excellent choice for minimalist setups because it functions effectively as both a ride and a crash. Its wide tonal range covers many musical needs.

Gear article

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride

The Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is a professional-grade cymbal designed for versatility, featuring a sparkling stick attack and a warm, velvety wash. Part of the Pure Alloy series, it is characterised by its fully lathed surfaces and reactive touch, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

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Overview

The Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride represents a refined approach to cymbal manufacturing, bridging the gap between high-frequency clarity and low-end warmth. As part of the Pure Alloy line, it is engineered to provide a consistent and agile response, reacting quickly to the drummer's touch across different dynamic levels. Its physical design is defined by a traditional fully lathed surface, which contributes to its clean sound and expressive nature.

Design and Construction

This ride cymbal is crafted using the specific 'Pure Alloy' metallurgy, which is intended to offer a balanced tonal spectrum. The thin weight profile allows the metal to vibrate more freely than heavier models, facilitating an effortless touch. The surface is meticulously lathed on both the top and bottom, a process that helps control the overtones and ensures the 'sparkling' high-end definition that defines the series.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is dualistic. On one side, it provides a crisp, polished stick definition that allows for intricate patterns to remain audible. On the other, it produces a smooth, velvety wash that fills out the frequency range without becoming overpowering. The bell is specifically noted for its bright 'snap', providing a clear, cutting sound that remains distinct even in dense musical mixes.

Versatility and Performance

Due to its thin weight, this cymbal functions effectively as both a ride and a crash. When struck on the edge, it opens up for bold accents with a long, shimmering sustain. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for drummers who require a single cymbal to cover multiple roles. Its reactive nature ensures that it remains consistent whether played softly in a jazz setting or with more force in a pop or rock context.

Market Comparison

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Pure Alloy Thin Ride offers a cleaner, more refined alternative to the darker and more textured Byzance series, such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. While more affordable entry-level options like the HCS series exist for beginners, the Pure Alloy is positioned as a professional-tier instrument. It competes with other high-end cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch, though it maintains a unique focus on 'shimmering' clarity and polished definition.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride?: The cymbal is defined by a sparkling stick attack paired with a warm, velvety wash. It offers a clean, polished sound across a full tonal spectrum.
Can this ride cymbal be used for crashing?: Yes, the thin weight allows it to open up easily for bold accents. It delivers a long sustain when crashed, making it a versatile 'crash-ride' option.
What kind of bell sound does it produce?: The bell produces a bright snap. It is designed to be cutting and clear, ensuring it remains audible in various musical contexts.
What is the finish of the Pure Alloy Thin Ride?: The cymbal features fully lathed surfaces. This traditional manufacturing step contributes to its refined look and clean, consistent sonic response.
Is this cymbal suitable for soft playing?: Yes, it is designed with an effortless touch and agile response. It reacts consistently to the stick even at lower dynamic levels.
How does the 'Thin' weight affect the sound compared to a medium ride?: The thin weight makes the cymbal more reactive and crashable. It results in a lower fundamental pitch and a more prominent wash compared to heavier models.
What musical styles best suit this cymbal?: Its versatile nature allows for expressive playing in virtually any style. It is equally at home in pop, rock, jazz, or fusion settings.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride typically retails for approximately £329. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: While the Byzance series is known for dark, dry, and complex tones, the Pure Alloy series is more polished and shimmering. It offers a cleaner, more 'pure' frequency response.
Does the cymbal have a long sustain?: Yes, particularly when crashed, the 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is known for delivering a long, shimmering sustain. The wash is smooth and persists evenly.
What makes the stick definition 'sparkling'?: The 'sparkling' quality comes from the specific alloy and the precision lathing. These elements emphasize higher-frequency harmonics that give the stick hit a bright, clear edge.
Is the 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride a good choice for a one-cymbal setup?: It is an excellent choice for minimalist setups because it functions effectively as both a ride and a crash. Its wide tonal range covers many musical needs.