What material is the Meinl Byzance Brilliant 18" Trash Crash made from?

The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the industry standard for high-quality, professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and rich tonal properties.

What does the term 'trashy' mean in relation to this cymbal?

In cymbal terminology, 'trashy' refers to a sound that is gritty, complex, and contains a high amount of white noise, similar to a china cymbal but with the profile of a crash. It results in a sharp, distorted-like attack that cuts through a mix quickly.

How does the finish affect the sound of this cymbal?

This model features a brilliant finish with a lathed edge and a raw hand-hammered surface. The lathed brilliant sections help brighten the tone and increase shimmer, while the raw hammering provides the dark, complex 'trashy' undertones.

Can this cymbal be used for anything other than a crash?

Yes, it is described as an extremely versatile cymbal. While its primary function is a trash crash, its fast decay allows it to be used effectively as a large splash cymbal for quick accents.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is marketed as an excellent expansion for beginner-intermediate drum kits. However, due to its premium B20 construction and professional sound profile, it is equally suitable for advanced and professional drummers.

What is the typical price for the 18" Trash Crash in the UK?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £429. This reflects its position as a premium, hand-hammered instrument within the Meinl Byzance lineup.

How does the decay of this cymbal compare to a standard crash?

The 18" Trash Crash features a significantly faster decay than a standard crash cymbal. This means the sound disappears quickly after the initial strike, preventing it from sustaining too long and muddying the sound of the rest of the kit.

How durable is the Byzance Trash Crash?

The cymbal provides exceptional durability because it is made from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its strength and ability to withstand regular use in both rehearsal and live performance settings.

What visual features distinguish this cymbal?

It features a unique combination of a raw, hand-hammered surface and a polished, brilliant lathed edge. This contrasting look is designed to be visually striking and 'turn heads' on stage.

How does it compare to the Meinl Extra Dry series?

Compared to the Extra Dry 19" Thin Crash, the Brilliant Trash Crash will generally have more high-end shimmer and a brighter 'cut' due to its brilliant finish and lathing, whereas the Extra Dry series is focused on darker, earthier tones.

Is the hammering on this cymbal done by machine or hand?

The Byzance series, including the 18" Trash Crash, features a raw hand-hammered surface. This manual process ensures that every cymbal has a unique tonal character and a complex harmonic structure.

What musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?

Due to its versatile nature and sharp attack, it suits a wide variety of genres including Rock, Metal, Fusion, and Pop. Its ability to act as a large splash also makes it useful for drummers playing intricate or syncopated styles.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Brilliant 18" Trash Crash

The Meinl Byzance Brilliant 18" Trash Crash is a high-end effects cymbal crafted from B20 bronze, designed to produce a sharp, aggressive attack with rapid decay. It features a unique aesthetic combination of raw hand-hammering and a brilliant, lathed edge, making it a versatile tool for both standalone accents and large splash effects.

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Background and Design

The Byzance series represents the premium tier of Meinl's cymbal manufacturing, utilising traditional B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin). The 18" Trash Crash specifically incorporates modern design elements aimed at drummers seeking a 'white noise' texture. Unlike standard crashes, this model is engineered for immediate response and a shortened sustain, commonly referred to as 'trashy' in percussive terms.

The manufacturing process involves extensive hand-hammering to create a complex surface. The visual appearance is distinct, featuring a raw, unlathed centre combined with a lathed, brilliant-finish edge. This hybrid construction is intended to provide a balance between dark, earthy undertones and bright, shimmering high frequencies.

Acoustic Characteristics

The primary sonic characteristic of the 18" Trash Crash is its explosive attack. Due to the B20 bronze construction and specific hammering patterns, the cymbal speaks immediately upon impact. The decay is notably fast, preventing the sound from washing over other elements of the drum kit.

Key features include: * Trashy Attack: A grit-filled, sharp strike that cuts through high-volume mixes. * Fast Decay: The sound dissipates quickly, making it ideal for punctuating quick fills. * Versatility: Though designated as a trash crash, its size and responsiveness allow it to function as an oversized splash or an effects-heavy crash.

Application and Suitability

While marketed as an excellent expansion for beginner-intermediate kits, the high-quality B20 bronze and hand-hammered finish make it suitable for professional recording and live performance. It is particularly effective for drummers who require accent cymbals that do not linger, such as those playing metal, fusion, or experimental pop.

Its durability is a significant selling point, as B20 bronze is known for its structural integrity under heavy playing. The cymbal is also visually striking, with a 'turn heads' aesthetic that complements high-end drum setups.

Market Comparison

Within the Meinl range, the Byzance Brilliant 18" Trash Crash sits alongside other premium options like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, though it offers a brighter, more polished top end than the Extra Dry series. Compared to entry-level brass cymbals like the HCS 13" Hi-Hats, the Trash Crash offers a significantly more complex harmonic profile.

In the wider market, it competes with other professional effects cymbals such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat series. While boutique options like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride offer different utility, the Meinl Trash Crash distinguishes itself through its specific focus on rapid-fire, trashy accents.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Byzance Brilliant 18" Trash Crash made from?: The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the industry standard for high-quality, professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and rich tonal properties.
What does the term 'trashy' mean in relation to this cymbal?: In cymbal terminology, 'trashy' refers to a sound that is gritty, complex, and contains a high amount of white noise, similar to a china cymbal but with the profile of a crash. It results in a sharp, distorted-like attack that cuts through a mix quickly.
How does the finish affect the sound of this cymbal?: This model features a brilliant finish with a lathed edge and a raw hand-hammered surface. The lathed brilliant sections help brighten the tone and increase shimmer, while the raw hammering provides the dark, complex 'trashy' undertones.
Can this cymbal be used for anything other than a crash?: Yes, it is described as an extremely versatile cymbal. While its primary function is a trash crash, its fast decay allows it to be used effectively as a large splash cymbal for quick accents.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is marketed as an excellent expansion for beginner-intermediate drum kits. However, due to its premium B20 construction and professional sound profile, it is equally suitable for advanced and professional drummers.
What is the typical price for the 18" Trash Crash in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £429. This reflects its position as a premium, hand-hammered instrument within the Meinl Byzance lineup.
How does the decay of this cymbal compare to a standard crash?: The 18" Trash Crash features a significantly faster decay than a standard crash cymbal. This means the sound disappears quickly after the initial strike, preventing it from sustaining too long and muddying the sound of the rest of the kit.
How durable is the Byzance Trash Crash?: The cymbal provides exceptional durability because it is made from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its strength and ability to withstand regular use in both rehearsal and live performance settings.
What visual features distinguish this cymbal?: It features a unique combination of a raw, hand-hammered surface and a polished, brilliant lathed edge. This contrasting look is designed to be visually striking and 'turn heads' on stage.
How does it compare to the Meinl Extra Dry series?: Compared to the Extra Dry 19" Thin Crash, the Brilliant Trash Crash will generally have more high-end shimmer and a brighter 'cut' due to its brilliant finish and lathing, whereas the Extra Dry series is focused on darker, earthier tones.
Is the hammering on this cymbal done by machine or hand?: The Byzance series, including the 18" Trash Crash, features a raw hand-hammered surface. This manual process ensures that every cymbal has a unique tonal character and a complex harmonic structure.
What musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?: Due to its versatile nature and sharp attack, it suits a wide variety of genres including Rock, Metal, Fusion, and Pop. Its ability to act as a large splash also makes it useful for drummers playing intricate or syncopated styles.