What is included in the Meinl Benny Greb Artists Choice set?

The set includes a 14" Byzance Vintage Sand Hihat and an 18" Byzance Vintage Sand Ride. These were hand-picked by Benny Greb to provide a specific vintage sonic palette.

What kind of finish do these cymbals have?

These cymbals feature a unique sandblasted finish. This gives them a matte, vintage look and contributes to their mellow, dry sound by controlling the sustain.

Which musical genres are best suited for this cymbal set?

The set is particularly well-suited for Pop, R&B, Fusion, Alternative, Jazz, and Acoustic music. Its articulate and mellow tones are designed for musicality rather than high-volume projection.

Is this set appropriate for live use or studio use?

It is designed for both environments. The articulate stick definition is excellent for studio recording, while the mellow tones ensure they sound great on stage in live settings.

How does the 14" Sand Hihat sound?

The 14" Byzance Vintage Sand Hihat is known for being crisp and articulate. It provides a distinct sound that allows complex rhythms to remain clear.

What are the characteristics of the 18" Sand Ride?

The 18" Sand Ride offers a balanced mix of stick definition and a shimmering wash. This balance makes it versatile enough for various playing styles and dynamic levels.

Benny Greb is a world-renowned drummer and Meinl artist known for his technical proficiency and unique musical voice. He curated this specific set to match his signature 'Sand' sound.

How does the price of this set compare to entry-level cymbals?

This is a professional-grade set typically priced around £1579, which is significantly higher than entry-level series like the Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats. The price reflects the B20 bronze material and artisan manufacturing.

Are these cymbals louder than standard cymbals?

No, they are generally quieter and more mellow than standard polished cymbals. They are designed for control and 'vintage' warmth rather than piercing volume.

How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?

While both offer vintage vibes, the Meinl Benny Greb set is typically drier and more articulate due to the sandblasting. The Paiste Giant Beats often have a broader, more 'glassy' wash.

Can I use the 18" Sand Ride as a crash cymbal?

Yes, because of its balanced wash and 18" size, it is very effective when used as a large, dark crash. It opens up quickly with a shimmering decay.

Does this set include a cymbal bag or stands?

Based on the standard manufacturer description, this product refers to the cymbals themselves. Stands and bags are typically sold separately unless specified in a specific retailer bundle.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Artists Choice Cymbal Set: Benny Greb

The Meinl Byzance Artists Choice Cymbal Set: Benny Greb is a professional-grade percussion collection curated by the acclaimed German drummer Benny Greb. Part of Meinl's prestigious Byzance line, the set is designed to provide drummers with a vintage aesthetic and a mellow, articulate sonic profile suitable for both studio and live applications.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Artists Choice Cymbal Set: Benny Greb represents a collaborative effort between the German manufacturer and one of the most influential drummers of the modern era. This curated selection focuses on the 'Sand' series within the Byzance range, characterized by sandblasted surfaces that provide a unique visual texture and a controlled, vintage sound. The set is intended for players who require nuanced expression rather than aggressive volume.

Key Components

The set is built around two primary foundational cymbals:

14" Byzance Vintage Sand Hihats: These are known for their crisp, articulate response and a distinct 'chick' sound. The sandblasted finish helps to dry out the sustain, allowing for complex stick patterns to be heard clearly.
18" Byzance Vintage Sand Ride: This cymbal offers a specific balance between clear stick definition and a shimmering wash. It is designed to be versatile enough to act as a secondary crash while maintaining its integrity as a ride for low-to-medium volume settings.

Sonic Characteristics

The tonal character of the Benny Greb set is described as mellow and 'timeless'. Unlike standard polished cymbals, the sandblasted Byzance Vintage models exhibit a darker, earthier frequency response with reduced overtones. This makes them particularly effective for genres that demand subtlety, such as acoustic music, jazz, and alternative pop. The decay is generally shorter than traditional bright cymbals, providing a 'pre-aged' sound that sits comfortably in a mix without overpowering other instruments.

Applications and Target Audience

This cymbal set is engineered for professional performance across several musical landscapes. It is highly recommended for:

Studio Recording: The controlled sustain and mellow tones prevent microphone bleed and harsh high-frequency buildup.
Live Performance: The set excels in intimate venues or settings where musicality and dynamic range are prioritized over raw volume.
Genre Versatility: While rooted in jazz and fusion, its articulation makes it an excellent choice for modern R&B and pop session work.

Market Comparison

Within the Meinl catalogue, this set offers a more focused, vintage-specific alternative to the raw, aggressive nature of the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. When compared to industry standards like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, the Meinl Benny Greb set provides a drier, more 'textured' sound due to the sandblasting process. It also stands apart from budget-oriented options like the Meinl HCS series, utilizing superior B20 bronze alloys and hand-hammering techniques for greater tonal depth.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Meinl Benny Greb Artists Choice set?: The set includes a 14" Byzance Vintage Sand Hihat and an 18" Byzance Vintage Sand Ride. These were hand-picked by Benny Greb to provide a specific vintage sonic palette.
What kind of finish do these cymbals have?: These cymbals feature a unique sandblasted finish. This gives them a matte, vintage look and contributes to their mellow, dry sound by controlling the sustain.
Which musical genres are best suited for this cymbal set?: The set is particularly well-suited for Pop, R&B, Fusion, Alternative, Jazz, and Acoustic music. Its articulate and mellow tones are designed for musicality rather than high-volume projection.
Is this set appropriate for live use or studio use?: It is designed for both environments. The articulate stick definition is excellent for studio recording, while the mellow tones ensure they sound great on stage in live settings.
How does the 14" Sand Hihat sound?: The 14" Byzance Vintage Sand Hihat is known for being crisp and articulate. It provides a distinct sound that allows complex rhythms to remain clear.
What are the characteristics of the 18" Sand Ride?: The 18" Sand Ride offers a balanced mix of stick definition and a shimmering wash. This balance makes it versatile enough for various playing styles and dynamic levels.
Who is Benny Greb?: Benny Greb is a world-renowned drummer and Meinl artist known for his technical proficiency and unique musical voice. He curated this specific set to match his signature 'Sand' sound.
How does the price of this set compare to entry-level cymbals?: This is a professional-grade set typically priced around £1579, which is significantly higher than entry-level series like the Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats. The price reflects the B20 bronze material and artisan manufacturing.
Are these cymbals louder than standard cymbals?: No, they are generally quieter and more mellow than standard polished cymbals. They are designed for control and 'vintage' warmth rather than piercing volume.
How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?: While both offer vintage vibes, the Meinl Benny Greb set is typically drier and more articulate due to the sandblasting. The Paiste Giant Beats often have a broader, more 'glassy' wash.
Can I use the 18" Sand Ride as a crash cymbal?: Yes, because of its balanced wash and 18" size, it is very effective when used as a large, dark crash. It opens up quickly with a shimmering decay.
Does this set include a cymbal bag or stands?: Based on the standard manufacturer description, this product refers to the cymbals themselves. Stands and bags are typically sold separately unless specified in a specific retailer bundle.