What material is used for the Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash?

This cymbal is manufactured using B20 bronze, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This alloy is the industry standard for high-end, professional cymbals due to its rich tonal range and durability.

How would you describe the sustain of this cymbal?

The sustain is described as fairly short. This means the sound decays quickly after the initial strike, which is useful for drummers who want to avoid a lingering wash in their mix.

Is the Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash suitable for heavy rock or metal?

Because it is a thin cymbal with a soft attack, it may lack the volume and projection required for high-decibel heavy metal environments. It is generally better suited for jazz, fusion, and moderate pop or rock settings.

What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?

The typical price for the Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash is approximately GBP 338. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

It features the Meinl 'Traditional' finish, which involves traditional lathing on both the top and bottom surfaces. This gives it a classic shiny appearance and a balanced, smooth frequency response.

How does the 'Thin' weight affect the sound?

The thin weight allows the cymbal to open up and speak at lower volumes with a soft attack. It also contributes to the darker pitch and shorter sustain compared to medium or heavy weight crashes.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

Yes, like all cymbals in the Byzance series, the 16" Traditional Thin Crash is hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths in Turkey. This gives each cymbal a unique, complex character.

What is the frequency range of this crash?

This model is noted for having a narrow frequency range. It focuses on darker, lower-mid frequencies rather than providing a wide, bright shimmering spread.

How does it compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?

The Traditional Thin Crash is more versatile and 'washy' compared to the Extra Dry series. While the Extra Dry models are unlathed and very earthy, the Traditional series is lathed for a smoother, more classic tone.

Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?

While its primary function is a crash, its 16-inch diameter and thin weight mean it can be used for very light, quiet riding in jazz contexts, though it will wash out quickly if played with much force.

Is the attack of this cymbal sharp or soft?

The attack is described as soft. This means the initial 'crack' of the cymbal is rounded and mellow rather than biting or aggressive.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model has a diameter of 16 inches, which is a standard size for a primary or secondary crash cymbal.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash

The Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash is a lightweight, professional-grade cymbal known for its dark tonal profile and narrow frequency response. Hand-hammered from B20 bronze, it is designed to provide a soft attack and a controlled, short sustain for versatile musical applications.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash is part of the flagship Byzance series, which is synonymous with high-end craftsmanship and traditional Turkish manufacturing techniques. Each cymbal is hand-hammered into shape, ensuring a unique character for every piece while maintaining the series' specific tonal standards.

Constructed from B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin), the 'Traditional' finish involves extensive lathing. This process results in the classic look of a fully lathed cymbal, which contributes to its responsive feel and balanced frequency output. The thin weight of this specific 16-inch model allows the metal to vibrate more freely with less force, making it highly sensitive to lighter strokes.

Sound Character and Performance

The sonic profile of the Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash is described as fairly washy and dark. Unlike heavier crashes that project across a wide frequency spectrum, this cymbal operates within a narrower frequency range. This focus allows it to sit neatly in a mix without overpowering other instruments.

Key performance characteristics include: * Soft Attack: The initial strike is smooth rather than harsh, making it ideal for subtle accents. * Short Sustain: The sound decays relatively quickly, which prevents the wash from lingering too long and cluttering the rhythmic flow. * Dark Timbre: The hand-hammering process imparts a complex, low-pitched warmth that is characteristic of the Byzance line.

Target Audience

Due to its lightweight nature and soft attack, this crash is particularly well-suited for drummers playing in low-to-medium volume settings. It excels in genres such as jazz, fusion, and studio recording where precision and tonal nuance are valued over sheer volume. The short sustain makes it a favourite for players who need quick, punctuation-like accents that disappear as fast as they arrive.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Traditional Thin Crash serves as a more conservative, versatile alternative to the 'Extra Dry' series. For instance, the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offers a much rawer, unlathed sound with even less sustain and more 'trashy' overtones.

Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats, the Byzance Traditional series represents a significant step up in material quality (B20 vs. Brass/B8) and manufacturing complexity. While other professional alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash offer different tonal signatures, the Byzance 16" Traditional Thin remains a benchmark for those seeking a classic, dark, and controllable B20 crash sound.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash?: This cymbal is manufactured using B20 bronze, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This alloy is the industry standard for high-end, professional cymbals due to its rich tonal range and durability.
How would you describe the sustain of this cymbal?: The sustain is described as fairly short. This means the sound decays quickly after the initial strike, which is useful for drummers who want to avoid a lingering wash in their mix.
Is the Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash suitable for heavy rock or metal?: Because it is a thin cymbal with a soft attack, it may lack the volume and projection required for high-decibel heavy metal environments. It is generally better suited for jazz, fusion, and moderate pop or rock settings.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: The typical price for the Meinl Byzance 16" Traditional Thin Crash is approximately GBP 338. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: It features the Meinl 'Traditional' finish, which involves traditional lathing on both the top and bottom surfaces. This gives it a classic shiny appearance and a balanced, smooth frequency response.
How does the 'Thin' weight affect the sound?: The thin weight allows the cymbal to open up and speak at lower volumes with a soft attack. It also contributes to the darker pitch and shorter sustain compared to medium or heavy weight crashes.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: Yes, like all cymbals in the Byzance series, the 16" Traditional Thin Crash is hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths in Turkey. This gives each cymbal a unique, complex character.
What is the frequency range of this crash?: This model is noted for having a narrow frequency range. It focuses on darker, lower-mid frequencies rather than providing a wide, bright shimmering spread.
How does it compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?: The Traditional Thin Crash is more versatile and 'washy' compared to the Extra Dry series. While the Extra Dry models are unlathed and very earthy, the Traditional series is lathed for a smoother, more classic tone.
Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?: While its primary function is a crash, its 16-inch diameter and thin weight mean it can be used for very light, quiet riding in jazz contexts, though it will wash out quickly if played with much force.
Is the attack of this cymbal sharp or soft?: The attack is described as soft. This means the initial 'crack' of the cymbal is rounded and mellow rather than biting or aggressive.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model has a diameter of 16 inches, which is a standard size for a primary or secondary crash cymbal.