What material is the Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China made from?

It is crafted from B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is industry-standard for professional cymbals due to its durability and rich harmonic range.

Is this cymbal machine-made or hand-crafted?

Every Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China is completely hand-hammered into shape. This process ensures that every cymbal has its own unique, non-duplicable sound characteristics.

What kind of sustain does this China cymbal have?

It features a long sustain, allowing the trashy wash to linger after the initial strike. This makes it suitable for big accents in rock and metal music.

Which musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?

While versatile, its aggressive attack and explosive response make it perfect for rock and metal drummers. It is designed to cut through dense, high-volume arrangements.

What is the finish on this specific Byzance model?

This model features the 'Traditional' finish. This involves fine lathing that contributes to its classic look and balanced tonal spread.

How does the sound of the 20" Traditional China differ from other Byzance cymbals?

The Traditional China is more aggressive and brash compared to the 'Extra Dry' or 'Jazz' series. It provides a louder, more complex spread intended for high-intensity playing.

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

The typical price range for the Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China is approximately £485. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Does the 20" size affect the sound compared to smaller chinas?

Yes, the 20" diameter provides a deeper pitch and a larger volume of sound compared to smaller models. It offers a more expansive spread and longer decay than 16" or 18" versions.

Is the Byzance 20" Traditional China durable?

Yes, the B20 bronze alloy used by Meinl provides exceptional durability. The hand-hammering process also helps toughen the metal for long-term professional use.

Can the sound of two Byzance 20" Traditional Chinas be identical?

No, because they are completely hand-hammered, every cymbal is a unique piece of art. While they share the same general character, each has distinct nuances.

How would you describe the attack of this cymbal?

The attack is described as aggressive and brash. It reacts explosively the moment it is struck, providing an immediate 'trashy' sound.

How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Byzance is a professional-grade B20 cymbal, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level brass line. The Byzance offers significantly more complexity, volume, and durability.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China

The Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China is a professional-grade effects cymbal hand-hammered from B20 bronze in Turkey and finished in Germany. Known for its aggressive attack and complex spread, it is designed to meet the high performance demands of rock and metal drummers.

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Overview and Manufacturing

The Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China is a flagship effects cymbal within the Byzance series, representing the brand's commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Each cymbal is completely hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths, ensuring that every individual unit functions as a unique piece of art with sound characteristics that cannot be exactly duplicated. The use of B20 bronze alloy—consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin—provides the foundation for its exceptional durability and professional-grade tonal response.

Tonal Character and Sound Profile

This cymbal is defined by a 'trashy' sound profile that combines an explosive response with a long sustain. Upon striking, the 20" Traditional China delivers an aggressive, brash attack that immediately cuts through high-volume stage environments. This is followed by a complex tonal spread that fills the frequency spectrum, making it a versatile tool for accents and high-energy transitions.

Applications and Suitability

While Byzance cymbals are found in many genres, the 20" Traditional China is specifically marketed toward rock and metal drummers who require maximum projection and a commanding presence. Its large diameter and B20 construction allow it to withstand the heavy hitting associated with these genres while maintaining musicality. It serves as a primary effects cymbal for those who need a louder, more sustained 'bark' than smaller chinas can provide.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl catalogue, the 20" Traditional China offers more sustain and a brighter, more classic 'wash' compared to the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which focuses on shorter, darker decays. When compared to entry-level options like the HCS series, the Byzance model provides a significantly more complex harmonic structure due to its hand-hammered B20 construction. In the wider market, it competes with other high-end boutique offerings such as the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch series or UFIP Bionic series, standing out for its specific blend of traditional finish and aggressive metal-oriented voicing.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China made from?: It is crafted from B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is industry-standard for professional cymbals due to its durability and rich harmonic range.
Is this cymbal machine-made or hand-crafted?: Every Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China is completely hand-hammered into shape. This process ensures that every cymbal has its own unique, non-duplicable sound characteristics.
What kind of sustain does this China cymbal have?: It features a long sustain, allowing the trashy wash to linger after the initial strike. This makes it suitable for big accents in rock and metal music.
Which musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?: While versatile, its aggressive attack and explosive response make it perfect for rock and metal drummers. It is designed to cut through dense, high-volume arrangements.
What is the finish on this specific Byzance model?: This model features the 'Traditional' finish. This involves fine lathing that contributes to its classic look and balanced tonal spread.
How does the sound of the 20" Traditional China differ from other Byzance cymbals?: The Traditional China is more aggressive and brash compared to the 'Extra Dry' or 'Jazz' series. It provides a louder, more complex spread intended for high-intensity playing.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Meinl Byzance 20" Traditional China is approximately £485. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Does the 20" size affect the sound compared to smaller chinas?: Yes, the 20" diameter provides a deeper pitch and a larger volume of sound compared to smaller models. It offers a more expansive spread and longer decay than 16" or 18" versions.
Is the Byzance 20" Traditional China durable?: Yes, the B20 bronze alloy used by Meinl provides exceptional durability. The hand-hammering process also helps toughen the metal for long-term professional use.
Can the sound of two Byzance 20" Traditional Chinas be identical?: No, because they are completely hand-hammered, every cymbal is a unique piece of art. While they share the same general character, each has distinct nuances.
How would you describe the attack of this cymbal?: The attack is described as aggressive and brash. It reacts explosively the moment it is struck, providing an immediate 'trashy' sound.
How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Byzance is a professional-grade B20 cymbal, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level brass line. The Byzance offers significantly more complexity, volume, and durability.