What is the primary sound characteristic of the Meinl Byzance 20" Dual China?

The cymbal is known for its dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy' sound. It provides a fast response with a short sustain, making it ideal for quick accents.

How does the 'Dual' design affect the cymbal's performance?

The dual design combines a raw, hand-hammered centre with a lathed, brilliant edge. This creates a blend of dry, earthy tones and bright, cutting projection.

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

The Meinl Byzance 20" Dual China typically retails for approximately £503. This reflects its position as a premium, hand-hammered professional instrument.

What size is the Byzance Dual China?

This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches. This larger size contributes to its low pitch and significant volume potential despite the short sustain.

Is the Byzance 20" Dual China hand-hammered?

Yes, the cymbal features a raw, hand-hammered surface. This traditional manufacturing process ensures that each cymbal has a unique, complex harmonic profile.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

It features a hybrid finish consisting of a dark, raw inner section and a brilliant-finish, buffed outer edge. This design is intended to be visually striking and 'turn heads'.

For which musical genres is this cymbal most suitable?

It is highly versatile but particularly suits jazz, fusion, and contemporary metal. Its dry character and fast decay are useful in any setting requiring complex effect sounds.

How does the sustain of the 20" Dual China compare to other cymbals?

It features a short sustain. Unlike traditional crashes or larger Chinas that wash out, this model decays quickly to keep the drum mix clean.

Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?

While it can be used for crashing, it is specifically designed as a 'China' effect cymbal. Its 'trashy' sound and specific shape make it better suited for accents than sustained crashing.

How does it differ from the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The Dual China is specifically a China-type cymbal with an inverted edge, whereas the Extra Dry Thin Crash is a standard crash. The Dual China will have more 'bite' and a more aggressive attack.

What materials are used in its construction?

Like most high-end Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its durability and wide frequency range.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

While anyone can play it, it is a professional-grade instrument with a premium price of £503. Beginners might typically start with more affordable options like the Meinl HCS series.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 20" Dual China

The Meinl Byzance 20" Dual China is a high-end effect cymbal known for its distinct visual appearance and complex sonic profile. It combines a raw, hand-hammered centre with a lathed, brilliant-finish edge to produce a dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy' sound with a fast decay.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Meinl Byzance 20" Dual China is an 'aptly named' percussion instrument that characterises the dual-treatment philosophy of the Byzance line. The cymbal's surface is divided into two distinct zones: a raw, unlathed inner area that showcases heavy hand-hammering, and a outer edge that has been lathed and buffed to a brilliant finish. This combination is not merely aesthetic; it integrates the earthy, dry qualities of unrefined bronze with the projection and shimmer of a polished cymbal.

Sound Character and Performance

This cymbal is defined by a dry, low-pitched response that leans heavily into 'trashy' tonal territory. Due to the specific combination of the 20-inch diameter and the dual-surface treatment, it offers a short sustain, allowing for quick accents that do not wash out other instruments in a mix. The hand-hammered surface ensures a complex harmonic spread, while the lathed edge provides enough brightness to cut through high-volume stage environments.

Construction Details

Like other premium cymbals in the Byzance series, the Dual China is crafted using traditional methods. The hand-hammering process creates indentations that vary the thickness and tension across the metal, contributing to its unique voice. The brilliant-finish edge is achieved through high-speed buffing after the lathing process is complete, resulting in a striking visual contrast against the dark, oxidised centre.

Target Audience

The Byzance 20" Dual China is suited for professional drummers and serious enthusiasts who require a sophisticated effect cymbal. Its dry and fast nature makes it particularly effective in genres such as jazz, fusion, and progressive metal, where precise accents and complex textures are valued. Because of its unique appearance, it is also favoured by players who seek a visually distinctive setup on stage.

Market Comparison

Within the Meinl catalogue, the 20" Dual China offers a darker and more complex alternative to the HCS series or standard brilliant Chinas. When compared to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat series, the Byzance Dual provides a more specialised, 'trashy' effect rather than a traditional wash. While it sits at a premium price point of approximately £503, it offers a hand-crafted complexity that differentiates it from mass-produced alternatives.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Meinl Byzance 20" Dual China?: The cymbal is known for its dry, low-pitched, and 'trashy' sound. It provides a fast response with a short sustain, making it ideal for quick accents.
How does the 'Dual' design affect the cymbal's performance?: The dual design combines a raw, hand-hammered centre with a lathed, brilliant edge. This creates a blend of dry, earthy tones and bright, cutting projection.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The Meinl Byzance 20" Dual China typically retails for approximately £503. This reflects its position as a premium, hand-hammered professional instrument.
What size is the Byzance Dual China?: This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches. This larger size contributes to its low pitch and significant volume potential despite the short sustain.
Is the Byzance 20" Dual China hand-hammered?: Yes, the cymbal features a raw, hand-hammered surface. This traditional manufacturing process ensures that each cymbal has a unique, complex harmonic profile.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: It features a hybrid finish consisting of a dark, raw inner section and a brilliant-finish, buffed outer edge. This design is intended to be visually striking and 'turn heads'.
For which musical genres is this cymbal most suitable?: It is highly versatile but particularly suits jazz, fusion, and contemporary metal. Its dry character and fast decay are useful in any setting requiring complex effect sounds.
How does the sustain of the 20" Dual China compare to other cymbals?: It features a short sustain. Unlike traditional crashes or larger Chinas that wash out, this model decays quickly to keep the drum mix clean.
Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?: While it can be used for crashing, it is specifically designed as a 'China' effect cymbal. Its 'trashy' sound and specific shape make it better suited for accents than sustained crashing.
How does it differ from the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Dual China is specifically a China-type cymbal with an inverted edge, whereas the Extra Dry Thin Crash is a standard crash. The Dual China will have more 'bite' and a more aggressive attack.
What materials are used in its construction?: Like most high-end Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its durability and wide frequency range.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: While anyone can play it, it is a professional-grade instrument with a premium price of £503. Beginners might typically start with more affordable options like the Meinl HCS series.