What is the primary sound character of the Meinl 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash?

The cymbal is known for being extremely dry with low-pitched, trashy sounds and a very short sustain. It produces dark, earthy tones rather than bright or shimmering ones.

How does the 'Dual' finish affect the sound?

The dual finish combines an unlathed centre for dryness and 'bark' with a lathed edge that adds a touch of shimmer and improves the crash response. This creates a versatile hybrid sound.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used in many settings, it is designed to come to life at lower volumes and has a short sustain. It may lack the high-end cutting power required for very loud, aggressive rock genres.

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

The typical price range for this specific 20-inch model is approximately £503. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.

Can the 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash be used as a ride cymbal?

Yes, its 20-inch diameter and dry character allow it to function as a light crash/ride. The unlathed center provides enough definition for articulate stick work in lower-volume settings.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The 20" Dual model offers a more complex visual look and slightly different harmonic profile due to the lathed edge. The 19" Extra Dry Thin is generally more consistent in its dryness across the entire bow.

What materials are used in its construction?

Like most premium Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material is standard for professional cymbals due to its rich harmonic range.

Does the hand-hammering make every cymbal sound the same?

No, because these cymbals are extensively hand-hammered, there are slight organic variations between individual units. This gives each cymbal a unique 'fingerprint' within the Extra Dry Dual sound profile.

Is this cymbal recommended for beginners?

While a beginner can use it, it is a professional-grade instrument with a specific 'trashy' sound that might be difficult to use in general-purpose learning. It is also significantly more expensive than entry-level series like Meinl HCS.

How does the sustain of this cymbal compare to a Paiste Giant Beat?

The Meinl Extra Dry Dual has a much shorter, quicker sustain compared to the Paiste Giant Beat. The Paiste model is known for a more traditional, full-bodied wash that lingers longer.

What kind of stick definition should I expect?

Expect a very 'woody' and dark stick definition. The dryness of the unlathed surface prevents the wash from overtaking the individual stick hits, especially when played near the bell.

Is the surface of the cymbal prone to fingerprints?

The raw, unlathed portion is quite resilient, but the lathed and brilliant-finished outer edge will show fingerprints and oxidation more easily. Standard cymbal care is recommended for the outer ring.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash/Ride

The Meinl Byzance 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash is a professional-grade cymbal known for its distinct visual appearance and complex, trashy sonic profile. It features a unique combination of raw, unlathed surfaces and traditional lathed edges to provide a short sustain and dark, earthy tones.

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Background and Design

The Meinl Byzance 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash is part of the broader Byzance series, which represents Meinl’s flagship line of hand-hammered cymbals. This specific model is distinguished by its 'Dual' treatment, where the center of the cymbal remains raw and unlathed, while the outer edge is lathed and polished to a brilliant finish. This combination is designed to balance the aesthetic and functional properties of two different cymbal styles.

Technical Specifications and Mechanics

The cymbal is constructed using extensive hand-hammering techniques. The raw, unlathed inner portion contributes to a low-pitched, 'trashy' character, while the lathed edges allow for more flexibility and a faster response when crashed. Despite its rugged appearance, the cymbal is engineered to react sensitively to dynamics, meaning it does not require significant force to activate its full frequency spectrum.

Sonic Character

Characterised by its dry and earthy tonality, the 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash offers a very short sustain, allowing it to sit neatly within a mix without overwhelming other instruments. While its appearance might suggest a loud or aggressive volume, it is noted for performing exceptionally well at lower volumes. The sound is described as dark and complex, featuring the 'trashy' overtones typically associated with modern jazz and fusion settings.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other cymbals in the Meinl range, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the 20" Dual model offers a larger surface area for riding while maintaining a similar decay speed. It serves as a more complex alternative to standard series like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series, which often provide more traditional, brighter 'wash'. In contrast to entry-level cymbals like the Meinl HCS series, the Byzance Dual represents a professional-tier instrument with significantly more harmonic depth.

Intended Application

Due to its fast decay and dark pitch, this cymbal is particularly well-suited for drummers playing jazz, funk, R&B, and electronic music. It is ideal for players who require a 'crashable' ride that won't build up excessive wash during fast passages. It is less suited for heavy rock or metal environments where high-frequency projection and long-ringing sustain are typically required.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound character of the Meinl 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash?: The cymbal is known for being extremely dry with low-pitched, trashy sounds and a very short sustain. It produces dark, earthy tones rather than bright or shimmering ones.
How does the 'Dual' finish affect the sound?: The dual finish combines an unlathed centre for dryness and 'bark' with a lathed edge that adds a touch of shimmer and improves the crash response. This creates a versatile hybrid sound.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used in many settings, it is designed to come to life at lower volumes and has a short sustain. It may lack the high-end cutting power required for very loud, aggressive rock genres.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific 20-inch model is approximately £503. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.
Can the 20" Extra Dry Dual Crash be used as a ride cymbal?: Yes, its 20-inch diameter and dry character allow it to function as a light crash/ride. The unlathed center provides enough definition for articulate stick work in lower-volume settings.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The 20" Dual model offers a more complex visual look and slightly different harmonic profile due to the lathed edge. The 19" Extra Dry Thin is generally more consistent in its dryness across the entire bow.
What materials are used in its construction?: Like most premium Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material is standard for professional cymbals due to its rich harmonic range.
Does the hand-hammering make every cymbal sound the same?: No, because these cymbals are extensively hand-hammered, there are slight organic variations between individual units. This gives each cymbal a unique 'fingerprint' within the Extra Dry Dual sound profile.
Is this cymbal recommended for beginners?: While a beginner can use it, it is a professional-grade instrument with a specific 'trashy' sound that might be difficult to use in general-purpose learning. It is also significantly more expensive than entry-level series like Meinl HCS.
How does the sustain of this cymbal compare to a Paiste Giant Beat?: The Meinl Extra Dry Dual has a much shorter, quicker sustain compared to the Paiste Giant Beat. The Paiste model is known for a more traditional, full-bodied wash that lingers longer.
What kind of stick definition should I expect?: Expect a very 'woody' and dark stick definition. The dryness of the unlathed surface prevents the wash from overtaking the individual stick hits, especially when played near the bell.
Is the surface of the cymbal prone to fingerprints?: The raw, unlathed portion is quite resilient, but the lathed and brilliant-finished outer edge will show fingerprints and oxidation more easily. Standard cymbal care is recommended for the outer ring.