What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Assorted Cymbal Set?

The set includes 15" Extra Dry Hi-Hats, an 18" Extra Dry Crash, a 20" Traditional Extra-Thin Crash, and a 21" Traditional Polyphonic Ride.

What material is used to manufacture these cymbals?

All cymbals in this Byzance set are crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin.

Are there any accessories included with the pack?

Yes, the set includes a pair of Meinl Hybrid 5A Wood Tip Drumsticks in addition to the four cymbals.

How does the sound of the Extra Dry cymbals differ from the Traditional ones?

Extra Dry cymbals have a raw, unlathed surface providing a dark, short, and 'trashy' sound, whereas Traditional cymbals are lathed to produce a brighter, more classic shimmer and sustain.

Is this set suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that these cymbals are designed to hold their own in the studio, at home, or on a live stage due to their superior sound quality.

What is the typical price for this cymbal set?

The typical price for this specific full-range assortment is approximately GBP 1763.

Who is the intended user for this product?

This set is marketed toward 'serious drummers' who require a professional-grade, versatile full-range cymbal pack.

What is the benefit of the 21" Polyphonic Ride?

The Polyphonic Ride is designed to be exceptionally versatile, offering a balance of clear stick definition and a musical wash that works across different genres.

How does the 15" Extra Dry Hi-Hat compare to standard 14" hats?

The 15" diameter provides a lower fundamental pitch and a larger surface area for a fatter sound compared to traditional 14" models like the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hat.

Does this set include a cymbal bag?

Based on the manufacturer's description, the set includes four cymbals and drumsticks, but a cymbal bag is not listed as part of the package.

What makes the 20" Traditional Crash 'Extra-Thin'?

The 'Extra-Thin' designation refers to the weight and thickness of the cymbal, which allows it to open up quickly with a sensitive response even at lower striking forces.

How does this set compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Byzance Assorted Set is a professional B20 bronze collection, whereas the HCS series (like the HCS 13" Hi-Hats) is an entry-level brass series meant for beginners.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Assorted Cymbal Set

The Meinl Byzance Assorted Cymbal Set is a professional-grade collection of cymbals that blends the brand's Traditional and Extra Dry series. Crafted from B20 bronze, this curated pack is designed for versatile applications ranging from studio recording to live performance.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Byzance Assorted Cymbal Set represents a high-end solution for drummers seeking a pre-configured professional setup. The set is distinguished by its use of B20 bronze, an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely regarded as the industry standard for durability and tonal complexity.

Unlike standard uniform packs, this assortment mixes two distinct lines within the Byzance family: the 'Traditional' series and the 'Extra Dry' series. This deliberate pairing is intended to provide a broad sonic spectrum that can integrate into various musical genres, from jazz and fusion to rock and pop.

Included Components

The set is comprised of four specific cymbals and a pair of drumsticks:

15" Byzance Extra Dry Hi-Hats: Larger than standard 14" hats, offering a lower pitch and a crisp, earthy 'chick' sound.
18" Byzance Extra Dry Crash: A thin crash with a raw surface that provides a quick decay and dark, trashy accents.
20" Byzance Traditional Extra-Thin Crash: A larger, shimmering crash that offers a wide dynamic range and a classic wash.
21" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Ride: A versatile ride cymbal designed to provide clear stick definition alongside a controllable wash, suitable for multiple playing styles.
Meinl Hybrid 5A Wood Tip Drumsticks: A pair of sticks included to complete the performance package.

Sonic Character

The primary characteristic of this set is its internal contrast. The Extra Dry components contribute short, dark, and textured tones that do not linger, while the Traditional components provide the brightness and sustain typically expected from high-quality B20 bronze. This results in a 'full-range' sound profile where the cymbals dominate a mix without overwhelming other instruments. The 20" extra-thin crash, in particular, offers a responsive feel that allows for expressive playing even at lower volumes.

Target Audience and Application

Described by the manufacturer as 'no toy,' this set is aimed at serious drummers and professionals. Its versatility makes it suitable for environments where sound quality is paramount, such as professional recording studios or high-profile live stages. The inclusion of larger diameters (15" hats and a 21" ride) caters to modern preferences for fuller, deeper cymbal sounds while maintaining the articulation required for intricate work.

Market Comparisons

Within the Meinl catalogue, this set sits significantly above entry-level series like the HCS 13" Hi-Hats. It competes with other premium B20 offerings such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or the UFIP Class and Bionic series. While brands like Masterwork (e.g., the Iris 21" Ride) and Istanbul Agop (e.g., the 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash) offer similar boutique qualities, the Byzance Assorted Set is unique in its factory-matched combination of dry, unlathed finishes and traditional lathed finishes.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Assorted Cymbal Set?: The set includes 15" Extra Dry Hi-Hats, an 18" Extra Dry Crash, a 20" Traditional Extra-Thin Crash, and a 21" Traditional Polyphonic Ride.
What material is used to manufacture these cymbals?: All cymbals in this Byzance set are crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin.
Are there any accessories included with the pack?: Yes, the set includes a pair of Meinl Hybrid 5A Wood Tip Drumsticks in addition to the four cymbals.
How does the sound of the Extra Dry cymbals differ from the Traditional ones?: Extra Dry cymbals have a raw, unlathed surface providing a dark, short, and 'trashy' sound, whereas Traditional cymbals are lathed to produce a brighter, more classic shimmer and sustain.
Is this set suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that these cymbals are designed to hold their own in the studio, at home, or on a live stage due to their superior sound quality.
What is the typical price for this cymbal set?: The typical price for this specific full-range assortment is approximately GBP 1763.
Who is the intended user for this product?: This set is marketed toward 'serious drummers' who require a professional-grade, versatile full-range cymbal pack.
What is the benefit of the 21" Polyphonic Ride?: The Polyphonic Ride is designed to be exceptionally versatile, offering a balance of clear stick definition and a musical wash that works across different genres.
How does the 15" Extra Dry Hi-Hat compare to standard 14" hats?: The 15" diameter provides a lower fundamental pitch and a larger surface area for a fatter sound compared to traditional 14" models like the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hat.
Does this set include a cymbal bag?: Based on the manufacturer's description, the set includes four cymbals and drumsticks, but a cymbal bag is not listed as part of the package.
What makes the 20" Traditional Crash 'Extra-Thin'?: The 'Extra-Thin' designation refers to the weight and thickness of the cymbal, which allows it to open up quickly with a sensitive response even at lower striking forces.
How does this set compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Byzance Assorted Set is a professional B20 bronze collection, whereas the HCS series (like the HCS 13" Hi-Hats) is an entry-level brass series meant for beginners.