What is the primary sound character of the Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat?

The primary sound character is dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy'. It features a short sustain that allows for high articulation and controlled rhythmic patterns.

How is the surface of these hi-hats finished?

The surface features a unique combination of a raw, hand-hammered centre and a lathed, buffed edge. The edge is polished to a brilliant finish to provide a contrasting aesthetic and tone.

What is the typical price for the Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat?

The typical price for this cymbal pair is approximately £503. This reflects its position as a professional-grade, hand-crafted instrument.

What size are these hi-hats?

These hi-hats are 14 inches in diameter, which is a standard size that balances volume, weight, and versatility.

Does the Meinl Dual Hi-Hat have a long sustain?

No, it is specifically designed to have a short sustain. This makes the sound die away quickly, which is ideal for fast, intricate stick work.

What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?

Due to its dry and complex tone, it is highly suited for jazz, funk, fusion, and studio recording where controlled overtones are desired. However, its unique look and sound make it adaptable for modern rock and pop setups.

How does the 'Dual' design affect the sound?

The raw inner part keeps the sound dark and dry, while the brilliant outer edge adds a slight shimmer and crispness. This allows the player to access different tones depending on where the stick strikes the cymbal.

Are these cymbals hand-hammered?

Yes, they feature a raw hand-hammered surface as part of the Meinl Byzance production process. This ensures that every cymbal has a unique, complex sonic signature.

How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Byzance Dual Hi-Hats are professional B20 bronze cymbals with a complex, dark sound. The HCS series is an entry-level brass line that is much brighter and less complex in comparison.

What other Meinl cymbals complement the 14" Dual Hi-Hats?

They pair well with other dry or dark cymbals, such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. The shared tonal characteristics ensure a cohesive sound across the drum kit.

Is the brilliant edge purely for looks?

While the brilliant edge is visually striking, it also serves a functional purpose by adding a bit of brightness and clarity to the shoulder and edge hits. This prevents the cymbal from sounding overly muted.

Are these hi-hats considered low-volume cymbals?

While they have a short sustain and controlled sound, they are full-volume professional cymbals. They should not be confused with dedicated practice products like the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat

The Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat is a professional-tier cymbal pair known for its hybrid surface treatment and distinctive trashy tonal character. Part of the acclaimed Byzance series, these hi-hats provide a dry, low-pitched response with a short sustain, suitable for diverse musical applications.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat is a premium cymbal set that sits within the company's high-end Byzance range. These cymbals are manufactured through traditional hand-hammering techniques, resulting in a complex and bespoke sound profile. The most striking visual and functional element of the Dual series is its multi-zone finish, which integrates different sonic properties into a single 14-inch diameter footprint.

Design and Construction

The construction of the Dual Hi-Hat involves a sophisticated two-step finishing process. The central area of the cymbal retains its raw, hand-hammered surface, which contributes to its dark and dry fundamental tone. In contrast, the outer edge is precision-lathed and buffed to a brilliant finish. This combination is not merely aesthetic; the raw centre controls the sustain and enhances the 'trashy' character, while the lathed edge provides a touch of shimmer and brightness when played on the shoulder of the cymbal.

Sound Profile

True to its name, the Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat delivers a dualistic sound. It is characterised by a low pitch and a 'trashy' quality that is often associated with effect cymbals or thinner jazz cymbals. The sustain is purposefully short, providing a crisp, articulate 'chick' sound and a fast decay when played open. This makes it an excellent choice for players who require precision and control without overwhelming overtone wash.

Comparison and Market Context

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Dual series serves as a middle ground between the extreme dryness of the Extra Dry range (such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash) and the brightness of the Traditional Byzance models. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS 13 Hi-Hats, the Dual series offers significantly more complexity and dynamic range. In the wider market, it competes with other boutique cymbals such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch models, though the Meinl's specific hybrid finish gives it a unique dryness that sets it apart from more traditional lathing patterns.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound character of the Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat?: The primary sound character is dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy'. It features a short sustain that allows for high articulation and controlled rhythmic patterns.
How is the surface of these hi-hats finished?: The surface features a unique combination of a raw, hand-hammered centre and a lathed, buffed edge. The edge is polished to a brilliant finish to provide a contrasting aesthetic and tone.
What is the typical price for the Meinl Byzance 14" Dual Hi-Hat?: The typical price for this cymbal pair is approximately £503. This reflects its position as a professional-grade, hand-crafted instrument.
What size are these hi-hats?: These hi-hats are 14 inches in diameter, which is a standard size that balances volume, weight, and versatility.
Does the Meinl Dual Hi-Hat have a long sustain?: No, it is specifically designed to have a short sustain. This makes the sound die away quickly, which is ideal for fast, intricate stick work.
What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?: Due to its dry and complex tone, it is highly suited for jazz, funk, fusion, and studio recording where controlled overtones are desired. However, its unique look and sound make it adaptable for modern rock and pop setups.
How does the 'Dual' design affect the sound?: The raw inner part keeps the sound dark and dry, while the brilliant outer edge adds a slight shimmer and crispness. This allows the player to access different tones depending on where the stick strikes the cymbal.
Are these cymbals hand-hammered?: Yes, they feature a raw hand-hammered surface as part of the Meinl Byzance production process. This ensures that every cymbal has a unique, complex sonic signature.
How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Byzance Dual Hi-Hats are professional B20 bronze cymbals with a complex, dark sound. The HCS series is an entry-level brass line that is much brighter and less complex in comparison.
What other Meinl cymbals complement the 14" Dual Hi-Hats?: They pair well with other dry or dark cymbals, such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. The shared tonal characteristics ensure a cohesive sound across the drum kit.
Is the brilliant edge purely for looks?: While the brilliant edge is visually striking, it also serves a functional purpose by adding a bit of brightness and clarity to the shoulder and edge hits. This prevents the cymbal from sounding overly muted.
Are these hi-hats considered low-volume cymbals?: While they have a short sustain and controlled sound, they are full-volume professional cymbals. They should not be confused with dedicated practice products like the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack.