What is the primary material used in the 22" Byzance Dark Big Apple Flat Ride?

This cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This high-quality metal is standard for professional-grade cymbals, providing a rich and complex frequency range.

Does this cymbal have a bell?

No, it is a 'flat ride', meaning it is designed without a raised central bell. This absence of a bell helps eliminate excessive overtones and focuses the stick definition.

What kind of finish does the Big Apple Flat Ride have?

It features an unlathed surface. This gives the cymbal its dark, raw aesthetic and contributes to its earthy, dry sound character.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used in many styles, it is a low-volume cymbal with short sustain. It is generally better suited for jazz, acoustic settings, or studio work rather than high-volume rock.

How would you describe the stick definition?

The manufacturer describes the stick definition as 'razor-sharp'. The flat design ensures that every stroke is clearly audible without being buried by sustain.

Can the 22" Big Apple Flat Ride be crashed?

Yes, it can be crashed, though it produces a unique low, breathy response. The crash sound is short-lived and does not linger like a traditional thin crash.

What is the weight category of this cymbal?

The 22" Byzance Dark Big Apple Flat Ride is categorized as a thin weight cymbal. This allows it to be very expressive and responsive to even light touches.

How does the 'bow shape' affect the sound?

The slight bow shape adds a roaring wash to the sound profile. It also introduces a hint of sizzle, providing texture underneath the sharp stick definition.

Is the cymbal machine-made or hand-made?

It is meticulously hand-hammered. This traditional manufacturing process ensures that each cymbal has a truly unique and complex sound.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 665. It is positioned as a high-end, professional percussion instrument.

What is the sustain like on this cymbal?

The sustain is short. The combination of the flat profile and unlathed surface causes the sound to decay quickly after the initial strike.

What musical styles is this cymbal best for?

It is ideal for musical styles requiring depth and complexity without high volume. This includes jazz, fusion, and various acoustic or experimental genres.

Gear article

Meinl 22" Byzance Dark Big Apple Flat Ride

The Meinl 22" Byzance Dark Big Apple Flat Ride is a premium B20 bronze cymbal designed for extreme stick definition and a low-volume profile. Characterised by its lack of a bell and unlathed surface, it offers a distinctively raw, earthy tone with a short sustain suitable for intimate musical settings.

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Overview and Design

The Meinl 22" Byzance Dark Big Apple Flat Ride is a specialised percussion instrument within the Byzance Dark series. It is defined primarily by its 'flat ride' construction, meaning it completely lacks a raised central bell. This design choice, combined with a thin weight and a slight bow shape, focuses the energy of the stick strike into a contained, articulated response rather than a resonant wash.

Constructed from B20 bronze alloy, the cymbal undergoes a meticulous hand-hammering process. The surface remains unlathed, retaining the dark, raw aesthetic and sonic qualities associated with the Byzance Dark line. This finish contributes significantly to the cymbal's 'earthy' character and its ability to maintain clarity even when played with high velocity.

Sound Character and Performance

The sonic profile of the Big Apple Flat Ride is marked by a dark timbre and a low-frequency response. Because there is no bell to generate overtones, the stick definition is described as 'razor-sharp'. Players can expect a low-volume performance that does not overpower other acoustic instruments, making it a controlled choice for jazz, fusion, or studio recordings.

Despite its focus on definition, the slight bow shape allows the cymbal to produce a 'roaring' wash with a hint of sizzle if pushed. When crashed, it responds with a low, breathy quality and a notably short sustain. This makes it an 'expressive' tool across various dynamic levels, from soft feathering to more aggressive patterns.

Target Audience

This cymbal is ideally suited for drummers seeking a 'one-of-a-kind' sound for low-to-medium volume environments. Its sharp definition and raw vibe appeal particularly to jazz drummers who require precise timekeeping without the build-up of excessive wash. It is also a viable option for session musicians looking to add depth and complex textures to a recording without clashing with higher-frequency instruments like hi-hats or bright crashes.

Comparison and Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, the 22" Dark Big Apple Flat Ride offers a more controlled and lower-pitched alternative to traditional rides like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which provides more explosive energy. Compared to budget options like the Meinl HCS series, the Big Apple Flat Ride is a professional-grade instrument with significantly more complexity and a higher price point.

In the broader market, it competes with other specialised cymbals such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride. While those models offer their own unique textures, the Meinl's specific combination of a 22-inch diameter and a flat profile provides a unique balance of 'breathy' crashing and pinpoint stick articulation that is rare in smaller flat rides.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the 22" Byzance Dark Big Apple Flat Ride?: This cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This high-quality metal is standard for professional-grade cymbals, providing a rich and complex frequency range.
Does this cymbal have a bell?: No, it is a 'flat ride', meaning it is designed without a raised central bell. This absence of a bell helps eliminate excessive overtones and focuses the stick definition.
What kind of finish does the Big Apple Flat Ride have?: It features an unlathed surface. This gives the cymbal its dark, raw aesthetic and contributes to its earthy, dry sound character.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used in many styles, it is a low-volume cymbal with short sustain. It is generally better suited for jazz, acoustic settings, or studio work rather than high-volume rock.
How would you describe the stick definition?: The manufacturer describes the stick definition as 'razor-sharp'. The flat design ensures that every stroke is clearly audible without being buried by sustain.
Can the 22" Big Apple Flat Ride be crashed?: Yes, it can be crashed, though it produces a unique low, breathy response. The crash sound is short-lived and does not linger like a traditional thin crash.
What is the weight category of this cymbal?: The 22" Byzance Dark Big Apple Flat Ride is categorized as a thin weight cymbal. This allows it to be very expressive and responsive to even light touches.
How does the 'bow shape' affect the sound?: The slight bow shape adds a roaring wash to the sound profile. It also introduces a hint of sizzle, providing texture underneath the sharp stick definition.
Is the cymbal machine-made or hand-made?: It is meticulously hand-hammered. This traditional manufacturing process ensures that each cymbal has a truly unique and complex sound.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 665. It is positioned as a high-end, professional percussion instrument.
What is the sustain like on this cymbal?: The sustain is short. The combination of the flat profile and unlathed surface causes the sound to decay quickly after the initial strike.
What musical styles is this cymbal best for?: It is ideal for musical styles requiring depth and complexity without high volume. This includes jazz, fusion, and various acoustic or experimental genres.