What is the primary sound characteristic of the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The cymbal is known for its extremely dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy' sound with a very short sustain.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

It features a raw, unlathed finish that is heavily hand-hammered to create its unique earthy appearance and dark tone.

Which musical genres best suit this cymbal?

It is particularly well-suited for Jazz, Funk, R&B, Studio recording, and Electronic music styles.

How does the weight of the cymbal affect its playability?

Being a thin crash, it is highly responsive and opens up easily even at lower volumes, making it ideal for dynamic playing.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used, its short sustain and low volume threshold mean it is better suited for lower-volume settings rather than high-decibel rock environments.

How does the 19-inch 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash differ from smaller crashes in the same series?

The 19-inch model offers a lower pitch and more 'wash' than smaller versions, while still maintaining the series' signature rapid decay.

Does the unlathed surface affect its longevity?

The unlathed surface is a stylistic and sonic choice; provided it is played with correct technique, it is as durable as other professional B20 bronze cymbals.

Can it be used as a light ride cymbal?

Due to its thin weight and dry nature, it can serve as a very dark, trashy 'crash-ride' in low-volume jazz settings, though it lacks a clear bell 'ping'.

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

The typical retail price for the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash is approximately £449.

How does this compare to the Meinl Byzance Dual Core series?

The Extra Dry is completely unlathed and darker, whereas the Dual Core series features lathed edges for increased brightness and sustain.

Is the hammering on this cymbal done by machine or hand?

The Byzance series, including the Extra Dry models, features extensive hand-hammering by skilled smiths.

Why is the sustain described as 'short'?

The combination of the unlathed surface and the thin weight causes the vibrations to dissipate quickly, preventing long-form ringing.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash

The Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash is a high-grade percussion instrument characterized by its unlathed surface and hand-hammered finish. It is renowned for producing dark, earthy tones with a short sustain and a distinctively 'trashy' sonic profile, making it a staple in modern jazz and R&B setups.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Byzance series represents the premium segment of Meinl's cymbal manufacturing, with the Extra Dry range focusing on raw, organic aesthetics and focused sound control. Unlike traditional cymbals that undergo intensive lathing to smooth the surface, the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash retains its raw finish. The surface is heavily hand-hammered, which creates a complex topology that impacts how sound waves travel through the bronze alloy.

Technical Features

The primary technical characteristics of this cymbal include:

Thin Weight: The reduced mass allows the cymbal to open up quickly even with light strikes.
Unlathed Surface: The absence of lathing grooves prevents high-frequency shimmer, resulting in a drier sound.
19-Inch Diameter: This larger size provides a deeper pitch compared to 16 or 17-inch crashes while maintaining the responsiveness of a thin build.
Raw Finish: The 'earthy' appearance is a direct result of the manufacturing process, where the heat-treated metal is left in its natural state.

Sonic Character

The Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash is defined by its low-pitched, 'trashy' sound. It lacks the long, ringing sustain found in polished crashes, instead offering a quick decay that prevents the sound from washing out other instruments. The tonal quality is described as dark and earthy, specifically designed to come to life when played at lower volumes or in intimate settings where subtlety is required.

Primary Applications

This cymbal is ideally suited for genres that demand nuance and controlled dynamics. It is frequently employed in Jazz, Funk, and R&B, where drummers require a crash that does not overpower the ensemble. Additionally, its unique texture makes it a popular choice for studio recording and electronic-influenced styles (Electro), where its short sustain mirrors the 'gated' sounds often found in programmed percussion.

Comparison with Other Cymbals

Compared to traditional alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series, the Byzance Extra Dry is significantly darker and less 'glassy'. While the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash shares some dark characteristics, the Meinl Extra Dry is specifically noted for its extreme dryness. For drummers seeking a hybrid sound, the Meinl Byzance Dual Core series offers a middle ground, combining the raw center of the Extra Dry with lathed edges for more brilliance.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound characteristic of the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The cymbal is known for its extremely dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy' sound with a very short sustain.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: It features a raw, unlathed finish that is heavily hand-hammered to create its unique earthy appearance and dark tone.
Which musical genres best suit this cymbal?: It is particularly well-suited for Jazz, Funk, R&B, Studio recording, and Electronic music styles.
How does the weight of the cymbal affect its playability?: Being a thin crash, it is highly responsive and opens up easily even at lower volumes, making it ideal for dynamic playing.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used, its short sustain and low volume threshold mean it is better suited for lower-volume settings rather than high-decibel rock environments.
How does the 19-inch 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash differ from smaller crashes in the same series?: The 19-inch model offers a lower pitch and more 'wash' than smaller versions, while still maintaining the series' signature rapid decay.
Does the unlathed surface affect its longevity?: The unlathed surface is a stylistic and sonic choice; provided it is played with correct technique, it is as durable as other professional B20 bronze cymbals.
Can it be used as a light ride cymbal?: Due to its thin weight and dry nature, it can serve as a very dark, trashy 'crash-ride' in low-volume jazz settings, though it lacks a clear bell 'ping'.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash is approximately £449.
How does this compare to the Meinl Byzance Dual Core series?: The Extra Dry is completely unlathed and darker, whereas the Dual Core series features lathed edges for increased brightness and sustain.
Is the hammering on this cymbal done by machine or hand?: The Byzance series, including the Extra Dry models, features extensive hand-hammering by skilled smiths.
Why is the sustain described as 'short'?: The combination of the unlathed surface and the thin weight causes the vibrations to dissipate quickly, preventing long-form ringing.

MyGear-o-pedia — factual reference, grounded in the MyGear catalog.