What is the primary material used in this cymbal?

The Meinl Byzance 23" Traditional Heavy Ride is made from B20 bronze. This alloy is a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals.

What is the typical price for this model?

The cymbal is typically priced at approximately GBP 665. This reflects its status as a high-end, hand-hammered professional instrument.

How does the size of the 23-inch ride affect its performance?

The 23-inch diameter provides a larger playing surface and more mass compared to standard 20-inch or 22-inch rides. This results in a deeper fundamental tone and increased volume potential.

Is this cymbal suitable for jazz?

While it can be used in various styles, its 'Heavy' weight and focused ping make it more suited for louder genres like rock or fusion. Traditional jazz drummers often prefer thinner, 'washier' cymbals.

What kind of stick response does this ride provide?

It provides a solid, full-bodied stick response. The heavy weight ensures that every strike is met with a clear, defined 'ping' rather than an immediate wash of sound.

How is the bell sound described?

The bell is described as bright and defined. It is designed to be powerful and focused, allowing it to cut through high-volume stage environments.

Where is the Byzance series manufactured?

The Byzance series cymbals are hand-hammered into shape by skilled cymbal smiths in Turkey. They are then sent to the Meinl facility in Germany for final finishing and quality control.

How does this compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?

The Traditional Heavy Ride is brighter and has more sustain than the Extra Dry series. Extra Dry cymbals are known for being very dark and trashy with short sustain, whereas this ride is focused and clear.

Is the finish of this cymbal natural or brilliant?

This cymbal features a 'Traditional' finish. It has a standard lathed surface that is neither raw/unlathed nor polished to a high-gloss 'Brilliant' shine.

Can this cymbal be used as a crash?

Because of its heavy weight and large 23-inch diameter, it is not primarily designed for crashing. It requires significant force to open up and may produce a very loud, slow-decaying crash sound.

How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?

The Paiste Giant Beat series generally offers a more glassy and shimmer-heavy sound. The Meinl Byzance Traditional Heavy Ride has a more complex, hand-hammered character with a darker fundamental tone.

What is the weight classification of this ride?

This cymbal is officially classified as 'Heavy'. This weight is chosen to ensure maximum stick definition and volume for loud musical settings.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 23" Traditional Heavy Ride

The Meinl Byzance 23" Traditional Heavy Ride is a premium, large-diameter cymbal crafted from B20 bronze and hand-hammered in Turkey. It is designed to provide a powerful, focused response with high volume and a distinct, bright bell sound.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance 23" Traditional Heavy Ride occupies a significant position in the Meinl catalogue as a robust, large-format ride cymbal. Part of the widely respected Byzance Traditional series, it is manufactured using traditional methods where the bronze is cast, rolled, and hand-hammered. The 23-inch diameter provides a large surface area for a variety of stick placements, while the heavy weight ensures the cymbal remains controlled even under high-intensity playing.

Design and Construction

The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze, a classic alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. Its surface features the hallmark traditional lathing and hammering marks characteristic of the Byzance line. The 'Heavy' designation refers to the thickness of the plate, which is designed to minimise wash and sustain the integrity of the stick strike. The bell is particularly prominent, both in physical profile and sonic output, providing a clear, cutting tone.

Sound Profile and Character

This ride is characterised by a focused and powerful sound. Unlike thinner cymbals that may bloom or wash out quickly, the 23" Heavy Ride offers a solid, full-bodied stick response. The 'ping' is remarkably clear and articulate, allowing complex rhythmic patterns to remain distinct. The tonal balance leans towards the brighter end of the spectrum for a hand-hammered cymbal, primarily due to its weight and the presence of a bright, defined bell.

Target Audience

Given its volume potential and clarity, this cymbal is best suited for drummers playing in high-energy or loud environments, such as rock, metal, or fusion. The 23-inch size also makes it attractive to players who prefer the feel and gravity of larger cymbals. It serves as a professional-grade instrument for those requiring a ride that can cut through a dense mix without losing its musicality.

Market Comparison

When compared to other offerings in the market, the Byzance 23" Traditional Heavy Ride sits at a premium price point of approximately £665. Within the Meinl range, it contrasts sharply with the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which prioritises fast decay and dark tones. It also offers a significantly more robust and complex sonic profile than entry-level options like the HCS series. When measured against other boutique rides like the Masterwork Iris 21 or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch, the Meinl 23" provides more sheer volume and a sharper stick definition.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in this cymbal?: The Meinl Byzance 23" Traditional Heavy Ride is made from B20 bronze. This alloy is a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals.
What is the typical price for this model?: The cymbal is typically priced at approximately GBP 665. This reflects its status as a high-end, hand-hammered professional instrument.
How does the size of the 23-inch ride affect its performance?: The 23-inch diameter provides a larger playing surface and more mass compared to standard 20-inch or 22-inch rides. This results in a deeper fundamental tone and increased volume potential.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz?: While it can be used in various styles, its 'Heavy' weight and focused ping make it more suited for louder genres like rock or fusion. Traditional jazz drummers often prefer thinner, 'washier' cymbals.
What kind of stick response does this ride provide?: It provides a solid, full-bodied stick response. The heavy weight ensures that every strike is met with a clear, defined 'ping' rather than an immediate wash of sound.
How is the bell sound described?: The bell is described as bright and defined. It is designed to be powerful and focused, allowing it to cut through high-volume stage environments.
Where is the Byzance series manufactured?: The Byzance series cymbals are hand-hammered into shape by skilled cymbal smiths in Turkey. They are then sent to the Meinl facility in Germany for final finishing and quality control.
How does this compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?: The Traditional Heavy Ride is brighter and has more sustain than the Extra Dry series. Extra Dry cymbals are known for being very dark and trashy with short sustain, whereas this ride is focused and clear.
Is the finish of this cymbal natural or brilliant?: This cymbal features a 'Traditional' finish. It has a standard lathed surface that is neither raw/unlathed nor polished to a high-gloss 'Brilliant' shine.
Can this cymbal be used as a crash?: Because of its heavy weight and large 23-inch diameter, it is not primarily designed for crashing. It requires significant force to open up and may produce a very loud, slow-decaying crash sound.
How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?: The Paiste Giant Beat series generally offers a more glassy and shimmer-heavy sound. The Meinl Byzance Traditional Heavy Ride has a more complex, hand-hammered character with a darker fundamental tone.
What is the weight classification of this ride?: This cymbal is officially classified as 'Heavy'. This weight is chosen to ensure maximum stick definition and volume for loud musical settings.