What is the primary sound character of the Meinl Byzance Dark 18" Crash?

The cymbal is characterised by an earthy, dark tone with a strong attack and a short sustain. It focuses on low-frequency ranges rather than bright, shimmering overtones.

What finish is used on this cymbal?

This model features an untreated finish. This means the cymbal is not lathed or polished, which contributes to its dry sound and unique visual appearance.

What material is the Byzance Dark 18" Crash made from?

It is manufactured using B20 bronze alloy. This is a high-quality mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, standard for professional-grade cymbals.

How does the sustain of this crash compare to others?

The sustain is specifically designed to be short. The untreated surface dampens vibrations, causing the sound to decay much faster than a standard lathed crash cymbal.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used in any genre, its low volume and short sustain may get lost in very high-decibel environments. It is generally preferred for jazz, fusion, or studio settings where nuance is key.

How much does the Meinl Byzance Dark 18" Crash typically cost?

The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 396. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-hammered professional instrument.

How does it differ from the Meinl Extra Dry series?

While both are dry, the Dark series generally has a slightly lower pitch and a different hammering pattern. The Extra Dry series often feels thinner and more 'trashy' compared to the 'earthy' Dark series.

Does the untreated finish affect the cymbal's durability?

The untreated finish does not inherently make the cymbal less durable, but it will develop a natural patina over time. Users should handle it with care to maintain its specific aesthetic.

Can this 18" crash be used as a light ride?

Because of its short sustain and strong attack, it can function as a secondary light ride for low-volume settings. However, it lacks the defined 'ping' of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.

Is the Byzance Dark 18" Crash hand-hammered?

Yes, like all cymbals in the Byzance line, it is hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths in Turkey before being finished at Meinl's facility in Germany.

How does the 18" size influence the sound compared to a 16" version?

The 18" diameter provides a deeper pitch and slightly more volume than a 16" model. It offers a fuller 'crash' sound while maintaining the series' signature quick decay.

What kind of stick response can I expect?

The stick response is very articulate and 'woody' due to the raw surface. You will hear more of the individual stick hits compared to a cymbal that builds up a large wash of sound.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Dark 18" Crash

The Meinl Byzance Dark 18" Crash is a professional-grade cymbal known for its untreated finish and low-frequency response. Manufactured in Turkey and finished in Germany, it offers a distinct, earthy character with a rapid decay and strong initial attack.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Dark 18" Crash is a specialised cymbal within the Byzance family, designed for drummers seeking a darker, more controlled acoustic profile. Unlike traditional brilliant or traditional finish cymbals, the Dark series undergoes a specific manufacturing process that leaves the surface untreated. This lack of lathing and polishing results in a cymbal that emphasises lower frequencies and provides a distinct aesthetic and sonic footprint.

Design and Construction

Constructed from B20 bronze alloy, the Byzance Dark 18" Crash is hand-hammered into shape. The defining characteristic of this model is its raw, unlathed surface. This physical property serves to dampen high-frequency overtones and restrict the vibration of the metal, leading to the 'short sustain' reported by the manufacturer. The 18-inch diameter provides a balance between the responsiveness of a smaller crash and the volume of a larger model.

Sound and Performance

The sonic profile of the Byzance Dark 18" Crash is described as 'esoteric' and 'earthy.' Because of the untreated finish, the cymbal produces a strong, immediate attack when struck, which quickly subsides. The frequency range is notably low, making it sit differently in a mix compared to standard crashes. It avoids the shimmering, glassy highs associated with polished cymbals, offering instead a 'trashy' and dry response that is highly articulate.

Target Audience

This cymbal is particularly suited for drummers playing genres where control and nuance are preferred over sheer volume and brightness. It is often utilised in jazz, fusion, and studio recording environments where a 'washy' cymbal might bleed into other microphones. Its quick decay makes it ideal for punctuated accents that do not linger or interfere with the following notes.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the 18" Dark Crash typically offers slightly more body while maintaining a similarly short sustain. It stands in stark contrast to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, which uses brass and traditional finishes for a brighter, simpler tone. While professional alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats focus on a classic, clear shimmer, the Byzance Dark 18" Crash prioritises a moody, low-end complexity. Other niche options like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash share a similar artisan philosophy but differ in their specific weight and lathing patterns.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound character of the Meinl Byzance Dark 18" Crash?: The cymbal is characterised by an earthy, dark tone with a strong attack and a short sustain. It focuses on low-frequency ranges rather than bright, shimmering overtones.
What finish is used on this cymbal?: This model features an untreated finish. This means the cymbal is not lathed or polished, which contributes to its dry sound and unique visual appearance.
What material is the Byzance Dark 18" Crash made from?: It is manufactured using B20 bronze alloy. This is a high-quality mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, standard for professional-grade cymbals.
How does the sustain of this crash compare to others?: The sustain is specifically designed to be short. The untreated surface dampens vibrations, causing the sound to decay much faster than a standard lathed crash cymbal.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used in any genre, its low volume and short sustain may get lost in very high-decibel environments. It is generally preferred for jazz, fusion, or studio settings where nuance is key.
How much does the Meinl Byzance Dark 18" Crash typically cost?: The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 396. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-hammered professional instrument.
How does it differ from the Meinl Extra Dry series?: While both are dry, the Dark series generally has a slightly lower pitch and a different hammering pattern. The Extra Dry series often feels thinner and more 'trashy' compared to the 'earthy' Dark series.
Does the untreated finish affect the cymbal's durability?: The untreated finish does not inherently make the cymbal less durable, but it will develop a natural patina over time. Users should handle it with care to maintain its specific aesthetic.
Can this 18" crash be used as a light ride?: Because of its short sustain and strong attack, it can function as a secondary light ride for low-volume settings. However, it lacks the defined 'ping' of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.
Is the Byzance Dark 18" Crash hand-hammered?: Yes, like all cymbals in the Byzance line, it is hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths in Turkey before being finished at Meinl's facility in Germany.
How does the 18" size influence the sound compared to a 16" version?: The 18" diameter provides a deeper pitch and slightly more volume than a 16" model. It offers a fuller 'crash' sound while maintaining the series' signature quick decay.
What kind of stick response can I expect?: The stick response is very articulate and 'woody' due to the raw surface. You will hear more of the individual stick hits compared to a cymbal that builds up a large wash of sound.