What material is the Meinl Byzance Dark 20" Trash Crash made from?

It is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin.

What is the primary function of the cut-outs in this cymbal?

The different-sized and shaped cut-outs are designed to give the cymbal a unique look and produce a short, 'trashy' sound with rapid decay.

How does the finish affect the sound of this cymbal?

The cymbal is completely unlathed and features a tarnished surface, which produces a deeper, more complex tone with fewer bright overtones.

Is this cymbal suitable for recording?

Yes, its short decay and unique character make it a quality choice for drum recordings, as it adds excitement without cluttering the mix.

What is the typical price for the 20" Dark Trash Crash?

The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 389.

How does the pitch of this cymbal compare to others?

It features a lower pitch than many standard crashes, providing a perfect contrast to a brighter set of cymbals.

What kind of sustain does this cymbal have?

It has a very short decay, meaning the sound dissipates quickly after being struck.

Does this cymbal have a traditional look?

No, it has an earthy, tarnished, and unlathed appearance that differs significantly from traditional polished or lathed cymbals.

Who is the manufacturer of this product?

The cymbal is manufactured by Meinl as part of their famous Byzance Dark range.

Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?

While it can be used however a drummer prefers, it is often used as an effects crash to add variety and character alongside standard cymbals.

What is the diameter of this model?

This specific model has a 20-inch diameter.

Is the Byzance Dark range known for bright sounds?

No, the Byzance Dark range is specifically known for delivering deeper tones and a more complex, earthy sound profile.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Dark 20" Trash Crash

The Meinl Byzance Dark 20" Trash Crash is a professional-grade effects cymbal crafted from B20 bronze alloy, featuring an unlathed surface and irregular cut-outs. It is designed to produce a short, trashy sound with a deep, earthy tone that serves as a high-character alternative to traditional crashes.

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Background and Design

Part of the renowned Byzance Dark series, the 20" Trash Crash is built for drummers seeking a distinctive, unconventional aesthetic and sonic profile. The cymbal is notable for its 'tarnished' look, achieved through a process that leaves the bronze unlathed. This raw finish contributes to its dark visual appeal and complex harmonic structure.

The most striking design feature is the inclusion of several different-sized and shaped cut-outs across the bow. These perforations are engineered to manipulate the airflow and vibration of the metal, resulting in the 'trashy' tonal quality for which the model is named.

Technical Specifications

The cymbal is constructed from a B20 bronze alloy, a standard for high-end professional instruments consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. At 20 inches in diameter, it provides a significant surface area that contributes to its lower pitch. Because it lacks lathing, the cymbal retains more of its natural, earthy weight, which dampens high-frequency overtones and focuses the energy into a deeper frequency range.

Sound Character and Performance

The sound of the Meinl Byzance Dark 20" Trash Crash is characterised by a complex, deep tone with a very short decay. The cut-outs ensure that the cymbal speaks quickly and disappears just as fast, preventing it from overwhelming a mix with excessive sustain. Its tarnished surface provides a 'dry' response, meaning there is less 'wash' than a traditional brilliant-finish cymbal. This makes it an excellent choice for adding excitement and texture to specific accents within a song without the lingering ring of a standard 20-inch crash.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl catalogue, this cymbal offers a stark contrast to more traditional options like the Meinl HCS series, which is entry-level and brighter. Compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the 20" Dark Trash Crash provides a more aggressive, 'white noise' effect due to the cut-outs.

When viewed against competitors such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, the Byzance Dark Trash Crash stands out for its lower fundamental pitch and faster explosive response. It occupies a similar boutique space to the UFIP Bionic or Class series but focuses more on 'trashy' effects than pure melodic resonance.

Applications

This cymbal is particularly suited for studio recording environments where controlled decay is essential. It serves as an ideal secondary crash for live shows, providing a tonal contrast to a primary set of brighter cymbals. Its earthy look and deep tone make it a popular choice for genres that benefit from grit and character, such as jazz, fusion, and experimental rock.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Byzance Dark 20" Trash Crash made from?: It is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin.
What is the primary function of the cut-outs in this cymbal?: The different-sized and shaped cut-outs are designed to give the cymbal a unique look and produce a short, 'trashy' sound with rapid decay.
How does the finish affect the sound of this cymbal?: The cymbal is completely unlathed and features a tarnished surface, which produces a deeper, more complex tone with fewer bright overtones.
Is this cymbal suitable for recording?: Yes, its short decay and unique character make it a quality choice for drum recordings, as it adds excitement without cluttering the mix.
What is the typical price for the 20" Dark Trash Crash?: The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 389.
How does the pitch of this cymbal compare to others?: It features a lower pitch than many standard crashes, providing a perfect contrast to a brighter set of cymbals.
What kind of sustain does this cymbal have?: It has a very short decay, meaning the sound dissipates quickly after being struck.
Does this cymbal have a traditional look?: No, it has an earthy, tarnished, and unlathed appearance that differs significantly from traditional polished or lathed cymbals.
Who is the manufacturer of this product?: The cymbal is manufactured by Meinl as part of their famous Byzance Dark range.
Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?: While it can be used however a drummer prefers, it is often used as an effects crash to add variety and character alongside standard cymbals.
What is the diameter of this model?: This specific model has a 20-inch diameter.
Is the Byzance Dark range known for bright sounds?: No, the Byzance Dark range is specifically known for delivering deeper tones and a more complex, earthy sound profile.