What material is the Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China made from?

It is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is standard for high-end, professional cymbals due to its rich harmonic range.

How does hand-hammering affect the sound of this china?

The hand-hammering process creates an irregular surface that scatters sound waves. This results in a more complex, darker tone and unique sonic fingerprints for every individual cymbal.

Is this cymbal suitable for heavy metal music?

While it can be used in any genre, its thin weight and dry character mean it lacks the high-end 'cut' and volume associated with heavy metal. It is better suited for jazz-funk, R&B, and studio recordings.

What is meant by a 'trashy' sound?

A 'trashy' sound refers to a complex, distorted tonal quality that resembles a gong or a crash with significant white noise. It is a desirable trait in china cymbals for providing sharp, distinctive accents.

What is the weight class of this cymbal?

The Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China is classified as a thin weight cymbal. This allows for lower pitch and greater resonance at lower striking velocities.

Does this cymbal have a traditional or brilliant finish?

It features a unique combination of an Extra Dry finish on the surface with traditional manufacturing techniques. This creates its characteristic matte, weathered appearance and fast, dry response.

How much does the Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China typically cost?

The typical price for this model is approximately £396. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted professional instrument.

What size is this particular china cymbal?

This model has a diameter of 18 inches. This is a versatile mid-size that provides more body than a small effects cymbal but remains faster than a larger 20-inch model.

Can this cymbal be used in a stack?

Yes, its thin weight and dry character make it an excellent candidate for stacking with other cymbals, such as a thin crash, to create short, staccato effect sounds.

How does the sustain of the Extra Dry China compare to other Byzance models?

The sustain is relatively short. Because the surface is unlathed and 'extra dry,' the vibrations are dampened more quickly than on a polished or 'brilliant' finish cymbal.

Why is the surface of the cymbal dark and spotted?

The dark appearance is a result of the 'Extra Dry' manufacturing process, where the cymbal is not polished or lathed in the traditional way, leaving the oven-scale and hammer marks visible.

Is the Byzance 18" Extra Dry China a good choice for recording?

Yes, it is often preferred by recording engineers because its dry sound and short sustain prevent it from washing out other frequencies in a mix. Its low, subtle sound is easy to control with microphones.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China

The Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China is a specialist percussion instrument crafted from B20 bronze, known for its distinctive raw visual appearance and dark tonal character. It is hand-hammered and designed to deliver a dry, 'trashy' sound suitable for low-to-medium volume musical settings.

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Construction and Design

The Byzance 18" Extra Dry China is manufactured using B20 bronze alloy, a premium metal blend consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. Each cymbal undergoes an extensive hand-hammering process, which creates the irregular surface texture responsible for its complex sound profile. The 'Extra Dry' designation refers to the specific treatment of the surface, leaving it largely unlathed to retain a raw, dark aesthetic and a short sustain.

Sonic Characteristics

This cymbal is defined by a 'trashy' and low-pitched sound. Because of its thin weight, it offers a high degree of resonance but with a quick decay, meaning the sound does not linger excessively. The combination of the hand-hammered surface and traditional finish results in a dark tonal character that sits lower in the frequency spectrum compared to brilliant-finish chinas. It is described as subtle rather than aggressive, making it distinct within the china cymbal category.

Musical Applications

While china cymbals are often associated with high-decibel rock or metal, the 18" Extra Dry China is specifically voiced for nuanced genres. Its versatility allows it to be used effectively in:

Jazz-Funk: Where quick accents and complex textures are required.
R&B: Providing a dark, atmospheric backbeat or transition sound.
Creative Percussion: The unique look and sound make it a popular choice for drummers looking to add a 'found-sound' or industrial texture to their kit.

Comparison and Market Context

Within the Meinl catalogue, the 18" Extra Dry China is often compared to the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash for those seeking a unified 'dry' setup. Unlike entry-level brass options like the Meinl HCS series, the Byzance is a professional-grade instrument. In the wider market, it competes with other boutique-style cymbals such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat series, though the Meinl's unlathed surface provides a drier, more 'earthy' response than many competitors.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China made from?: It is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is standard for high-end, professional cymbals due to its rich harmonic range.
How does hand-hammering affect the sound of this china?: The hand-hammering process creates an irregular surface that scatters sound waves. This results in a more complex, darker tone and unique sonic fingerprints for every individual cymbal.
Is this cymbal suitable for heavy metal music?: While it can be used in any genre, its thin weight and dry character mean it lacks the high-end 'cut' and volume associated with heavy metal. It is better suited for jazz-funk, R&B, and studio recordings.
What is meant by a 'trashy' sound?: A 'trashy' sound refers to a complex, distorted tonal quality that resembles a gong or a crash with significant white noise. It is a desirable trait in china cymbals for providing sharp, distinctive accents.
What is the weight class of this cymbal?: The Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China is classified as a thin weight cymbal. This allows for lower pitch and greater resonance at lower striking velocities.
Does this cymbal have a traditional or brilliant finish?: It features a unique combination of an Extra Dry finish on the surface with traditional manufacturing techniques. This creates its characteristic matte, weathered appearance and fast, dry response.
How much does the Meinl Byzance 18" Extra Dry China typically cost?: The typical price for this model is approximately £396. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted professional instrument.
What size is this particular china cymbal?: This model has a diameter of 18 inches. This is a versatile mid-size that provides more body than a small effects cymbal but remains faster than a larger 20-inch model.
Can this cymbal be used in a stack?: Yes, its thin weight and dry character make it an excellent candidate for stacking with other cymbals, such as a thin crash, to create short, staccato effect sounds.
How does the sustain of the Extra Dry China compare to other Byzance models?: The sustain is relatively short. Because the surface is unlathed and 'extra dry,' the vibrations are dampened more quickly than on a polished or 'brilliant' finish cymbal.
Why is the surface of the cymbal dark and spotted?: The dark appearance is a result of the 'Extra Dry' manufacturing process, where the cymbal is not polished or lathed in the traditional way, leaving the oven-scale and hammer marks visible.
Is the Byzance 18" Extra Dry China a good choice for recording?: Yes, it is often preferred by recording engineers because its dry sound and short sustain prevent it from washing out other frequencies in a mix. Its low, subtle sound is easy to control with microphones.