What material is the Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash made from?

The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze. This alloy is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and musicality.

What is the weight class of this splash cymbal?

This specific model is classified as a thin weight cymbal. This design choice allows for optimum sustain and a faster response when struck, ensuring the cymbal does not sound choked.

How is the surface of the Byzance Traditional Splash finished?

It features a traditional finish, which is achieved through lathing the cymbal surface. This finish elegantly highlights the intricate construction and hand-hammering marks on the metal.

What kind of tones can I expect from this cymbal?

The cymbal primarily emits high-mid tones. Its overall character is described as warm and smooth, making it less aggressive than many other splash cymbals on the market.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

Yes, the Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash features a gentle hand-hammered surface. This manual process gives each cymbal unique playing characteristics and contributes to its smooth sound.

What musical genres is this splash suitable for?

The versatile nature of the B20 bronze and traditional finish makes it suitable for a wide range of genres. It is commonly used in everything from jazz to rock.

How does the size of the 8" splash affect its sound?

Being a medium-sized splash at 8 inches, it provides a quick, high-pitched accent. It is larger and fuller than a 6-inch splash but faster and more focused than a 10-inch or 12-inch model.

What is the typical price for the Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash?

The typical price range for this cymbal is approximately GBP 175. This reflects its status as a professional-level instrument within the Meinl Byzance lineup.

How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The HCS series is an entry-level line made from brass, whereas the Byzance Traditional is a professional line made from B20 bronze. The Byzance offers significantly more warmth, complexity, and durability.

Does the Byzance Traditional Splash have a long sustain?

The cymbal is designed for optimum sustain relative to its size. Because it is thin, the vibrations last long enough to be musical without lingering long enough to clutter the mix.

Is the finish shiny or matte?

It has a traditional lathed finish, which has a natural metallic sheen. It is not a 'brilliant' high-polish finish, nor is it a dry, unlathed 'raw' finish.

Can this cymbal be used by beginners?

While it is a professional-grade cymbal, it is a great addition for any drummer looking to expand their kit. Its high durability and versatile sound make it a long-term investment for players of any level.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash

The Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash is a professional-grade splash cymbal constructed from B20 bronze and finished with a traditional lathed surface. It is characterised by a warm, smooth response and high-mid tones, designed to integrate seamlessly into a wide variety of musical setups including jazz and rock.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash is a compact effects cymbal that sits within the core Byzance series. It is manufactured using B20 bronze, a premium alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. The cymbal is known for its durability and its ability to provide a quick, punchy accent without overpowering a drum kit's primary voices.

Construction and Features

This cymbal features a thin weight profile, which is intentional to ensure optimum sustain despite its small physical footprint. The manufacturing process involves extensive hand-hammering, creating a gentle texture on the surface that contributes to its unique playing characteristics. The traditional finish is applied through lathing, which highlights the intricate construction marks and gives the cymbal a classic aesthetic.

Sound Profile

In terms of sonics, the Byzance 8" Traditional Splash emits high-mid frequencies. Unlike heavier splashes that can sound metallic or harsh, this model is described as incredibly warm and smooth. The thin construction allows the cymbal to speak quickly and decay naturally, providing a wash that is controlled rather than abrasive.

Applications

Due to its smooth character, the cymbal is highly versatile. It is suitable for diverse genres ranging from the subtlety required in jazz to the higher-energy requirements of rock music. It is primarily intended as an expansion piece for drummers looking to add textural variety to their setups.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, the Traditional Splash offers a more classic sound compared to the darker, unlathed character of the Byzance Extra Dry series. While entry-level options like the HCS series are made from brass and offer a more basic sound, the B20 bronze of the Byzance Traditional provides a professional complexity similar to high-end offerings from brands such as UFIP (Bionic or Class series) or Istanbul Agop.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash made from?: The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze. This alloy is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and musicality.
What is the weight class of this splash cymbal?: This specific model is classified as a thin weight cymbal. This design choice allows for optimum sustain and a faster response when struck, ensuring the cymbal does not sound choked.
How is the surface of the Byzance Traditional Splash finished?: It features a traditional finish, which is achieved through lathing the cymbal surface. This finish elegantly highlights the intricate construction and hand-hammering marks on the metal.
What kind of tones can I expect from this cymbal?: The cymbal primarily emits high-mid tones. Its overall character is described as warm and smooth, making it less aggressive than many other splash cymbals on the market.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: Yes, the Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash features a gentle hand-hammered surface. This manual process gives each cymbal unique playing characteristics and contributes to its smooth sound.
What musical genres is this splash suitable for?: The versatile nature of the B20 bronze and traditional finish makes it suitable for a wide range of genres. It is commonly used in everything from jazz to rock.
How does the size of the 8" splash affect its sound?: Being a medium-sized splash at 8 inches, it provides a quick, high-pitched accent. It is larger and fuller than a 6-inch splash but faster and more focused than a 10-inch or 12-inch model.
What is the typical price for the Meinl Byzance 8" Traditional Splash?: The typical price range for this cymbal is approximately GBP 175. This reflects its status as a professional-level instrument within the Meinl Byzance lineup.
How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The HCS series is an entry-level line made from brass, whereas the Byzance Traditional is a professional line made from B20 bronze. The Byzance offers significantly more warmth, complexity, and durability.
Does the Byzance Traditional Splash have a long sustain?: The cymbal is designed for optimum sustain relative to its size. Because it is thin, the vibrations last long enough to be musical without lingering long enough to clutter the mix.
Is the finish shiny or matte?: It has a traditional lathed finish, which has a natural metallic sheen. It is not a 'brilliant' high-polish finish, nor is it a dry, unlathed 'raw' finish.
Can this cymbal be used by beginners?: While it is a professional-grade cymbal, it is a great addition for any drummer looking to expand their kit. Its high durability and versatile sound make it a long-term investment for players of any level.