What is the primary material used for this cymbal?

The cymbal is made from Meinl's specific 'Pure Alloy', a bronze mixture designed to produce a clean, shimmering, and modern sound.

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

The thin weight allows the cymbal to be crashed more easily and produces a warmer, more prominent wash. It also results in a more sensitive, agile response to lighter stick hits.

Is the 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride suitable for crashing?

Yes, this model is designed to open up for bold accents when crashed. It delivers a long sustain and a full-bodied sound that makes it effective as a crash-ride.

What type of finish does this cymbal have?

It features a fully lathed surface. This traditional lathing contributes to its refined nature, clean stick definition, and smooth, velvety wash.

How does the bell sound on this model?

The bell produces a bright, snapping sound. It is designed to be articulate and cut through the mix in various musical contexts.

In which musical genres is this cymbal most effective?

Its versatile nature makes it suitable for almost any style, particularly jazz, pop, fusion, and studio recording where a balance of definition and warmth is needed.

Does the 22" size make it difficult to control?

Despite its large 22-inch diameter, the 'Thin' designation and refined lathing help maintain a consistent, manageable response that remains agile under the stick.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price for the Meinl 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is approximately £378.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

While Byzance cymbals like the Extra Dry series are often darker and more hammered, the Pure Alloy series is more shimmering, polished, and tonally 'clean'.

What kind of stick definition can I expect?

It offers a sparkling stick attack. This provides clear rhythmic definition even as the warm wash builds up underneath.

Is this cymbal reactive to different playing dynamics?

Yes, it is noted for its effortless touch and reactive nature, maintaining a consistent sound character whether played softly or aggressively.

Does the sustain last a long time?

Yes, especially when crashed, the 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is known for delivering a long, shimmering sustain that covers a full tonal spectrum.

Gear article

Meinl 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride

The Meinl 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is a versatile professional cymbal characterised by its shimmering stick definition and warm wash. Part of the Pure Alloy series, it features a fully lathed surface designed to provide an expressive, reactive touch across a wide tonal spectrum.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Meinl Pure Alloy series was developed to offer drummers a clean, modern sound that bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary clarity. The 22" Thin Ride is a specific weight variation within this line, prioritising a more sensitive touch and a darker, more spreading wash than its Medium-weight counterparts.

The manufacturing process involves precision hammering and full lathing on both the top and bottom surfaces. This classic construction method ensures that the cymbal remains agile under the stick, responding immediately to varying dynamics from subtle ghost notes to heavy crashes.

Sonic Characteristics

This cymbal is defined by a dual-natured sound profile. It produces a sparkling, clear stick attack that sits atop a velvety, warm bed of overtones. The 22-inch diameter provides a broad surface area that generates a full tonal spectrum, while the 'Thin' weight classification allows the metal to vibrate more freely.

The bell is designed for a bright, cutting 'snap', ensuring that rhythmic patterns remain audible in dense musical arrangements. When used as a crash, the cymbal opens up quickly for bold, explosive accents followed by a long, shimmering sustain.

Versatility and Playability

A primary feature of the 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is its reactive touch. The cymbal is engineered to feel effortless to play, offering a consistent response across all dynamic levels.

Because it balances polished definition with a lush wash, it is suitable for a vast range of genres, including: * Jazz and Fusion (where stick articulation and wash are key) * Pop and Studio work (where clean, shimmering tones are required) * Rock and Indie (where its crashing capability adds versatility to a setup)

Market Comparisons

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Pure Alloy Thin Ride offers a cleaner, more refined alternative to the raw, earthy textures of the Byzance Extra Dry series, such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. While brands like Masterwork offer the Iris 21 Ride with unique visual and sonic traits, the Meinl Pure Alloy focuses on a more traditional, 'shimmering' European-style alloy sound.

Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS or budget low-volume packs, the Pure Alloy 22" Thin Ride represents a professional-grade instrument intended for recording and live performance where tonal complexity is required.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for this cymbal?: The cymbal is made from Meinl's specific 'Pure Alloy', a bronze mixture designed to produce a clean, shimmering, and modern sound.
How does the 'Thin' weight affect the sound compared to a 'Medium' ride?: The thin weight allows the cymbal to be crashed more easily and produces a warmer, more prominent wash. It also results in a more sensitive, agile response to lighter stick hits.
Is the 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride suitable for crashing?: Yes, this model is designed to open up for bold accents when crashed. It delivers a long sustain and a full-bodied sound that makes it effective as a crash-ride.
What type of finish does this cymbal have?: It features a fully lathed surface. This traditional lathing contributes to its refined nature, clean stick definition, and smooth, velvety wash.
How does the bell sound on this model?: The bell produces a bright, snapping sound. It is designed to be articulate and cut through the mix in various musical contexts.
In which musical genres is this cymbal most effective?: Its versatile nature makes it suitable for almost any style, particularly jazz, pop, fusion, and studio recording where a balance of definition and warmth is needed.
Does the 22" size make it difficult to control?: Despite its large 22-inch diameter, the 'Thin' designation and refined lathing help maintain a consistent, manageable response that remains agile under the stick.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Meinl 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is approximately £378.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: While Byzance cymbals like the Extra Dry series are often darker and more hammered, the Pure Alloy series is more shimmering, polished, and tonally 'clean'.
What kind of stick definition can I expect?: It offers a sparkling stick attack. This provides clear rhythmic definition even as the warm wash builds up underneath.
Is this cymbal reactive to different playing dynamics?: Yes, it is noted for its effortless touch and reactive nature, maintaining a consistent sound character whether played softly or aggressively.
Does the sustain last a long time?: Yes, especially when crashed, the 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride is known for delivering a long, shimmering sustain that covers a full tonal spectrum.