What alloy is the Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China made from?

It is made from B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is highly regarded for its durability and rich, musical frequency response.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

It features a 'Traditional' finish. This means the surface is fully lathed, providing a bright, shimmering appearance and helping to focus the cymbal's higher frequencies.

Is the Byzance 16" China hand-hammered?

Yes, this cymbal is manufactured using hand-hammering techniques. This process ensures that every individual unit has a slightly unique tonal fingerprint and a complex sound profile.

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

The Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China typically retails for approximately £338. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer or seasonal promotions.

Which musical styles best suit this cymbal?

It is particularly well-suited for super-heavy styles of playing, such as metal, hard rock, and punk. Its aggressive attack and bright tonality help it cut through loud guitar stacks and dense mixes.

How would you describe the sound of this China cymbal?

The sound is described as bright and 'trashy'. It has a brash attack that rises quickly above the mix, providing an aggressive accent for rhythmic patterns.

How does the 16" size affect the sound compared to larger China cymbals?

The 16-inch diameter results in a higher pitch and a faster decay than 18" or 19" models. It is ideal for quick, sharp accents rather than deep, sustained washes.

Does this cymbal include any special coatings?

No, the Traditional series uses standard lathing without extra dry coatings or sandblasting. This allows for a more classic, bright, and open sound compared to the Byzance Dark or Extra Dry series.

Can this cymbal be used for light jazz or low-volume settings?

While it can be played softly, it is designed for aggressive tonality and high volume. Players seeking a subtle sound might prefer the Byzance Extra Dry series or low-volume specific cymbals.

How does the durability of this B20 cymbal compare to budget cymbals?

The B20 bronze used in the Byzance line is significantly more durable and sonically complex than the brass used in entry-level series like Meinl HCS. It is built to withstand heavy professional use.

Where is the Byzance series manufactured?

The Byzance series cymbals are hand-hammered in Turkey to shape their core sound and then transported to Meinl's facility in Germany for final finishing and lathing.

How should I clean the Traditional finish?

Because it is a lathed finish, standard cymbal cleaners designed for 'brilliant' or 'traditional' finishes can be used. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might damage the B20 bronze surface.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China

The Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China is a high-end effects cymbal crafted from B20 bronze and finished with a traditional lathed surface. It is designed to deliver an aggressive, trashy tonality with a brash attack suitable for high-volume musical genres. Hand-hammered in Turkey and finished in Germany, this cymbal is a core part of Meinl's professional-grade Byzance Traditional series.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China is a professional-grade effects cymbal known for its durability and distinct sonic profile. It is manufactured using a B20 bronze alloy, a material favoured by percussionists for its wide frequency range and structural integrity.

The cymbal undergoes extensive hand-hammering, a process that creates a complex surface texture. This manufacturing technique ensures that each individual cymbal possesses a unique tonal character while maintaining the series' signature bright and aggressive response. The 'Traditional' designation refers to the fully lathed finish, which helps regulate the wash and provides a classic aesthetic appearance.

Sound Character

This 16" China cymbal is characterised by a bright, 'trashy' sound. Its primary function is to provide an aggressive accent that can cut through dense musical arrangements, particularly in live settings. The attack is immediate and brash, rising quickly above the mix before decaying. Unlike darker, unlathed alternatives, the Traditional finish on this model provides a shimmering top-end that emphasises the higher frequencies of the B20 alloy.

Application and Versatility

While suitable for a range of styles, the Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China is specifically engineered for 'super-heavy' styles of playing. Its sturdy build allows it to withstand high-impact strikes required in metal, hard rock, and aggressive fusion.

The 16-inch diameter offers a middle ground in terms of pitch and response time; it is faster and higher-pitched than 18" or 20" variants, making it ideal for quick, staccato punctuation rather than sustained roaring washes.

Market Comparison

When compared to other professional offerings, the 16" Traditional China sits alongside high-end B20 alternatives such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the UFIP Bionic Series. However, its specific focus on a bright, lathed sound differentiates it from 'Extra Dry' or 'Dark' lines.

For players on a budget, entry-level series like the Meinl HCS or the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack offer functional alternatives but lack the hand-hammered complexity and B20 alloy richness found in the Byzance Traditional range. The typical retail price of approximately £338 reflects its position as a top-tier instrument for professional recording and touring.

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Frequently asked questions

What alloy is the Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China made from?: It is made from B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is highly regarded for its durability and rich, musical frequency response.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: It features a 'Traditional' finish. This means the surface is fully lathed, providing a bright, shimmering appearance and helping to focus the cymbal's higher frequencies.
Is the Byzance 16" China hand-hammered?: Yes, this cymbal is manufactured using hand-hammering techniques. This process ensures that every individual unit has a slightly unique tonal fingerprint and a complex sound profile.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional China typically retails for approximately £338. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer or seasonal promotions.
Which musical styles best suit this cymbal?: It is particularly well-suited for super-heavy styles of playing, such as metal, hard rock, and punk. Its aggressive attack and bright tonality help it cut through loud guitar stacks and dense mixes.
How would you describe the sound of this China cymbal?: The sound is described as bright and 'trashy'. It has a brash attack that rises quickly above the mix, providing an aggressive accent for rhythmic patterns.
How does the 16" size affect the sound compared to larger China cymbals?: The 16-inch diameter results in a higher pitch and a faster decay than 18" or 19" models. It is ideal for quick, sharp accents rather than deep, sustained washes.
Does this cymbal include any special coatings?: No, the Traditional series uses standard lathing without extra dry coatings or sandblasting. This allows for a more classic, bright, and open sound compared to the Byzance Dark or Extra Dry series.
Can this cymbal be used for light jazz or low-volume settings?: While it can be played softly, it is designed for aggressive tonality and high volume. Players seeking a subtle sound might prefer the Byzance Extra Dry series or low-volume specific cymbals.
How does the durability of this B20 cymbal compare to budget cymbals?: The B20 bronze used in the Byzance line is significantly more durable and sonically complex than the brass used in entry-level series like Meinl HCS. It is built to withstand heavy professional use.
Where is the Byzance series manufactured?: The Byzance series cymbals are hand-hammered in Turkey to shape their core sound and then transported to Meinl's facility in Germany for final finishing and lathing.
How should I clean the Traditional finish?: Because it is a lathed finish, standard cymbal cleaners designed for 'brilliant' or 'traditional' finishes can be used. Avoid abrasive cleaners that might damage the B20 bronze surface.