What is the primary material used in the Double Down cymbal?

The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is known for its wide frequency range and professional-grade durability.

Who is the signature artist for this cymbal?

The Double Down was designed for Matt Halpern, the drummer for the American progressive metal band Periphery. He required a cymbal that could match his high-energy playing style.

How does the 'Dark' finish affect the sound?

The dark, traditional finish helps produce more earthy and natural tones. It focuses the sound on lower frequencies and contributes to the cymbal's ability to decay quickly rather than sustaining indefinitely.

Is this cymbal better as a crash or a ride?

It is designed as a hybrid 'Double Down' crash/ride. It offers the stick definition required for ride patterns and the explosive power needed for loud crash accents.

How does the decay of this cymbal behave?

The cymbal is engineered to decay quickly. This specific feature ensures that the sound does not bleed into vocal microphones or drown out other instruments in a live or studio mix.

What manufacturing technique is used for this model?

The cymbal undergoes extensive hand-hammering by skilled artisans. This process ensures a unique sound for every unit and creates the complex overtones characteristic of the Byzance series.

What is the diameter of the Matt Halpern Double Down?

The cymbal has a 21-inch diameter. This size provides a balanced surface for playing ride rhythms while maintaining enough mass for a powerful crash sound.

Is the Double Down suitable for quiet musical genres?

While highly dynamic, it was specifically designed for the 'loud demands' of progressive metal. It may be too robust for very low-volume settings compared to something like a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash.

How does it cut through a mix?

It produces shimmering resonance and powerful accents that are designed to penetrate dense arrangements. The specific B20 alloy and hammering pattern help it remain audible alongside distorted guitars.

Can this cymbal be used in the studio?

Yes, Matt Halpern has stated that the cymbal performs confidently in multiple studio settings. Its controlled decay is particularly beneficial for recording as it reduces unwanted 'wash' on the drum overheads.

How does the Double Down compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?

The Double Down is generally darker and more complex due to its B20 alloy and hand-hammering. The Paiste Giant Beat series typically offers a brighter, more 'glassy' vintage character.

What is the price range for this cymbal?

The typical price for this signature model is approximately GBP 495. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted professional instrument.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Dark 21" Double Down Crash/Ride

The Meinl Byzance Dark 21" Double Down is a signature crash/ride cymbal designed in collaboration with Matt Halpern of the progressive metal band Periphery. Crafted from B20 bronze, it is engineered to deliver a powerful, earthy tone with a controlled decay suitable for high-energy musical environments.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Dark 21" Double Down Crash/Ride is a robust, hand-hammered instrument that bridges the gap between a primary ride cymbal and a heavy crash. It was developed to meet the specific technical demands of modern heavy music, specifically focusing on the needs of Matt Halpern. The cymbal is distinguished by its dark aesthetic and unique surface texture, resulting from meticulous hand-hammering manufacturing processes.

Design and Construction

Constructed from B20 bronze alloy, the Double Down features a combination of manufacturing techniques that define its character. The hand-hammered surface ensures that each individual cymbal possesses a unique sonic profile while maintaining the series' standard for quality. Its 21-inch diameter provides enough surface area for ride patterns while retaining the explosive response required for crashing. The dark, traditional finish contributes to its 'earthy' appearance and specific harmonic content.

Performance and Sound Character

The primary sonic objective for this signature model was dynamics. It produces natural, earthy tones accompanied by a shimmering resonance that allows single-note accents to penetrate dense musical mixes. A defining feature of the Double Down is its decay rate; despite its power, it is designed to decay quickly. This prevents the cymbal's wash from overpowering vocal frequencies or other melodic instruments during live performances and studio sessions.

Artist Association and Suitability

Designed for Matt Halpern of Periphery, the cymbal is intended for drummers who require a versatile tool that can handle extreme volume and technical complexity. Halpern has noted that the cymbal performs consistently across various studio environments and live stages. It is particularly well-suited for progressive metal, rock, and any genre where a drummer needs a ride that can be crashed aggressively without creating excessive sustain.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, the Double Down offers more volume and robustness than the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which focuses on trashier, shorter sounds. Compared to traditional ride cymbals like the Masterwork Iris 21, the Meinl model emphasizes the 'crashable' aspect and a darker frequency response. While it shares some DNA with other dark cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch, the Double Down's 21-inch size and specific alloy weighting make it better suited for the high-decibel demands of modern metal.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Double Down cymbal?: The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is known for its wide frequency range and professional-grade durability.
Who is the signature artist for this cymbal?: The Double Down was designed for Matt Halpern, the drummer for the American progressive metal band Periphery. He required a cymbal that could match his high-energy playing style.
How does the 'Dark' finish affect the sound?: The dark, traditional finish helps produce more earthy and natural tones. It focuses the sound on lower frequencies and contributes to the cymbal's ability to decay quickly rather than sustaining indefinitely.
Is this cymbal better as a crash or a ride?: It is designed as a hybrid 'Double Down' crash/ride. It offers the stick definition required for ride patterns and the explosive power needed for loud crash accents.
How does the decay of this cymbal behave?: The cymbal is engineered to decay quickly. This specific feature ensures that the sound does not bleed into vocal microphones or drown out other instruments in a live or studio mix.
What manufacturing technique is used for this model?: The cymbal undergoes extensive hand-hammering by skilled artisans. This process ensures a unique sound for every unit and creates the complex overtones characteristic of the Byzance series.
What is the diameter of the Matt Halpern Double Down?: The cymbal has a 21-inch diameter. This size provides a balanced surface for playing ride rhythms while maintaining enough mass for a powerful crash sound.
Is the Double Down suitable for quiet musical genres?: While highly dynamic, it was specifically designed for the 'loud demands' of progressive metal. It may be too robust for very low-volume settings compared to something like a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash.
How does it cut through a mix?: It produces shimmering resonance and powerful accents that are designed to penetrate dense arrangements. The specific B20 alloy and hammering pattern help it remain audible alongside distorted guitars.
Can this cymbal be used in the studio?: Yes, Matt Halpern has stated that the cymbal performs confidently in multiple studio settings. Its controlled decay is particularly beneficial for recording as it reduces unwanted 'wash' on the drum overheads.
How does the Double Down compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?: The Double Down is generally darker and more complex due to its B20 alloy and hand-hammering. The Paiste Giant Beat series typically offers a brighter, more 'glassy' vintage character.
What is the price range for this cymbal?: The typical price for this signature model is approximately GBP 495. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted professional instrument.