What is the main material used in the 22" Heavy Hammered Crash?

This cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze. This alloy is the industry standard for professional cymbals, providing a wide frequency range and excellent durability.

How does the brilliant finish affect the sound compared to the Traditional series?

The buffing process used to create the brilliant finish actually limits the high-end frequencies. This results in a darker, warmer tone with a smoother spread compared to the more abrasive sparkle of the Byzance Traditional series.

Is a 22-inch crash too large for standard drum kits?

While larger than the common 16" or 18" crashes, a 22" crash provides a massive sound and can often double as a secondary ride cymbal. It is popular among drummers who want a deep, powerful wash that occupies a larger sonic space.

What does 'Heavy Hammered' mean in the context of this cymbal?

Heavy hammering refers to the deep, visible indentations made by the smith's hammer. This technique lowers the pitch and introduces more complex, dark overtones into the cymbal's sound profile.

Can this cymbal be used for music styles other than rock?

Yes, its warm spread and dark tonality make it highly versatile. It is suitable for a wide variety of musical styles, including fusion, pop, and modern worship music, where projection and warmth are needed.

Does the brilliant finish require special cleaning?

To maintain the mirror-like shine, it is recommended to use specialized cymbal cleaners designed for brilliant finishes. Avoiding finger oils will also help prevent oxidation and dulling of the surface over time.

How does the volume of this crash compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?

The Brilliant Heavy Hammered Crash is generally louder and more explosive than the Extra Dry series. While the Extra Dry models are known for their short decay and 'trashy' bite, this model offers more sustain and cutting power.

Is this cymbal hand-made?

Yes, Meinl Byzance cymbals are hand-hammered into shape in Turkey before being sent to Germany for finishing. This ensures that every cymbal has a unique tonal character.

Will this cymbal cut through loud guitar amplifiers?

Absolutely. The 22-inch size and 'Heavy' hammering provide the explosive power and projection necessary to cut through dense, high-volume stage mixes without sounding shrill.

What is the tonal difference between this and a Paiste Giant Beat?

The Byzance Brilliant is typically darker and more complex due to the B20 bronze and heavy hammering. The Paiste Giant Beat series is known for a more shimmering, vintage 'multi-purpose' sound that is generally brighter.

Can the 22" Heavy Hammered Crash be used as a ride cymbal?

Because of its large 22" diameter and heavy hammering, it has enough stick definition to be used as a 'crash-ride' in certain settings. However, it is primarily designed to open up easily for crashing.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Brilliant 22" Heavy Hammered Crash

The Meinl Byzance Brilliant 22" Heavy Hammered Crash is a professional-grade cymbal known for its blend of explosive power and dark, complex tonality. Hand-hammered and buffed to a high-gloss finish, it is designed for drummers who require cutting projection without harsh high-end frequencies.

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Background and Design

The Byzance Brilliant series represents a specific branch of Meinl's Turkish-made, German-finished cymbal line. While many professional cymbals are left in a traditional or raw state to preserve high-frequency shimmer, the Brilliant series undergoes a rigorous buffing process. This 22-inch Heavy Hammered model is distinguished by its extensive hand-hammering, which creates deep indentations in the bronze to shape its complex sonic profile. The combination of heavy weight and the 22-inch diameter places it at the larger end of the crash cymbal spectrum, often blurring the line between a crash and a light ride.

Construction and Mechanics

Manufactured from B20 bronze alloy, this cymbal is subjected to intensive hand-hammering. This process displaces the metal to create a dark, low-pitched fundamental tone. The 'Brilliant' aspect refers to the high-pressure buffing process used to achieve a mirror-like shine. Mechanically, this finish serves a dual purpose: it enhances the aesthetic appeal and physically smooths the surface, which slightly dampens the highest frequencies to produce a smoother, warmer spread than the Byzance Traditional series.

Sonic Characteristics

The Meinl Byzance Brilliant 22" Heavy Hammered Crash is characterised by its explosive power and cutting projection. Despite its aggressive name, it produces a darker tone than many smaller or thinner crashes. Key sonic attributes include:

Warmth: A rich, warm spread that fills the mid-to-low frequency range.
Darkness: A lower fundamental pitch due to the hammering and finishing process.
Projection: Significant volume potential suitable for loud stage environments.
Controlled Highs: The buffed finish limits 'trashy' or overly bright high-end overtones.

Suitability and Comparison

This cymbal is an excellent choice for a wide variety of musical styles, particularly those requiring volume and presence, such as rock, metal, and fusion. However, its dark tonality also makes it viable for modern jazz or studio sessions where a 'washy' but controlled sound is desired.

Compared to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, the Brilliant Heavy Hammered Crash offers more sustain and a cleaner wash. In contrast to smaller alternatives like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, this 22" model provides significantly more mass and volume. It sits in a different category than entry-level brass cymbals such as the HCS series, offering the complexity and durability expected of professional B20 bronze instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main material used in the 22" Heavy Hammered Crash?: This cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze. This alloy is the industry standard for professional cymbals, providing a wide frequency range and excellent durability.
How does the brilliant finish affect the sound compared to the Traditional series?: The buffing process used to create the brilliant finish actually limits the high-end frequencies. This results in a darker, warmer tone with a smoother spread compared to the more abrasive sparkle of the Byzance Traditional series.
Is a 22-inch crash too large for standard drum kits?: While larger than the common 16" or 18" crashes, a 22" crash provides a massive sound and can often double as a secondary ride cymbal. It is popular among drummers who want a deep, powerful wash that occupies a larger sonic space.
What does 'Heavy Hammered' mean in the context of this cymbal?: Heavy hammering refers to the deep, visible indentations made by the smith's hammer. This technique lowers the pitch and introduces more complex, dark overtones into the cymbal's sound profile.
Can this cymbal be used for music styles other than rock?: Yes, its warm spread and dark tonality make it highly versatile. It is suitable for a wide variety of musical styles, including fusion, pop, and modern worship music, where projection and warmth are needed.
How much does the Meinl Byzance Brilliant 22" Heavy Hammered Crash typically cost?: The typical price for this professional-grade cymbal is approximately £374. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument within the Meinl lineup.
Does the brilliant finish require special cleaning?: To maintain the mirror-like shine, it is recommended to use specialized cymbal cleaners designed for brilliant finishes. Avoiding finger oils will also help prevent oxidation and dulling of the surface over time.
How does the volume of this crash compare to the Byzance Extra Dry series?: The Brilliant Heavy Hammered Crash is generally louder and more explosive than the Extra Dry series. While the Extra Dry models are known for their short decay and 'trashy' bite, this model offers more sustain and cutting power.
Is this cymbal hand-made?: Yes, Meinl Byzance cymbals are hand-hammered into shape in Turkey before being sent to Germany for finishing. This ensures that every cymbal has a unique tonal character.
Will this cymbal cut through loud guitar amplifiers?: Absolutely. The 22-inch size and 'Heavy' hammering provide the explosive power and projection necessary to cut through dense, high-volume stage mixes without sounding shrill.
What is the tonal difference between this and a Paiste Giant Beat?: The Byzance Brilliant is typically darker and more complex due to the B20 bronze and heavy hammering. The Paiste Giant Beat series is known for a more shimmering, vintage 'multi-purpose' sound that is generally brighter.
Can the 22" Heavy Hammered Crash be used as a ride cymbal?: Because of its large 22" diameter and heavy hammering, it has enough stick definition to be used as a 'crash-ride' in certain settings. However, it is primarily designed to open up easily for crashing.