What is the primary finish of the Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Ride?

The cymbal features an untreated, raw finish. It is not lathed, which contributes to its dark appearance and focused sound character.

How would you describe the sustain of this cymbal?

The sustain is described as short. The lack of lathing helps to control the vibrations, ensuring the sound does not ring out for an extended period.

What kind of stick definition does this ride offer?

It offers a very defined 'ping'. The untreated surface ensures that each stick hit is clear and articulated rather than being lost in a wash of overtones.

Is the bell sound distinct on the 22" Dark Ride?

Yes, the manufacturer describes the bell as defined. It provides a clear, earthy tone that stands out from the rest of the cymbal's low-frequency profile.

What frequency range does this cymbal occupy?

It occupies a low frequency range. This gives it a deep, dark tonal character compared to standard brilliant-finish cymbals.

What does 'esoteric character' mean in relation to this cymbal?

It refers to the unique, non-traditional tonal qualities produced by the raw finish. It results in a sound that is complex, earthy, and distinct from mainstream ride cymbals.

How does the size affect its sound?

The 22-inch diameter contributes to its lower pitch and provides a large surface for varied stick placements, though the lack of lathing keeps the 22-inch 'wash' under control.

Is this cymbal suitable for heavy metal music?

While usable, it is generally better suited for styles requiring articulation, like jazz or fusion. Its dark, short sustain may not cut through high-gain guitar stacks as easily as a bright, heavy ride.

How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Byzance Dark is a professional-grade, hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbal. The HCS series is an entry-level line, offering a much simpler, brighter, and less complex sound profile.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price range for the Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Ride is approximately GBP 599.

Can this ride be used as a crash?

Due to its untreated finish and short sustain, it does not 'open up' like a traditional crash. It is primarily designed for ride patterns, though it offers a unique, dark 'bark' when struck on the edge.

How does it differ from the UFIP Class Series?

The UFIP Class Series, such as the 14" Light Hi-Hats, generally features traditional lathing and a brighter, more versatile frequency response compared to the specific, dark focus of the Byzance Dark.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Ride

The Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Ride is a professional-grade cymbal known for its untreated finish and low-frequency sonic profile. It is characterised by a short sustain, a defined 'ping' response, and a distinctively earthy, esoteric tonal character.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Ride is a central component of the Byzance series, representing a departure from traditional brilliant or traditional-finish cymbals. It is designed for drummers seeking a controlled, dark sound with significant articulation. The cymbal sits in the high-end price bracket, typically retailing around £599 in the UK market.

Unlike many standard rides, this model undergoes a specific manufacturing process that leaves the surface untreated. This raw aesthetic is directly linked to its acoustic properties, dampening high-frequency overtones and resulting in a more focused, earthy resonance.

Design and Construction

The Byzance Dark 22" Ride is hand-hammered into shape, a process that gives each individual cymbal a unique tonal fingerprint. The most striking feature is its dark, unlathed surface. By omitting the lathing process, Meinl ensures that the cymbal retains its natural, raw harmonic content.

Key physical features include: * Large Surface Area: The 22-inch diameter provides a broad playing surface and contributes to the low-pitched wash. * Defined Bell: Despite the dark nature of the cymbal, the bell is designed to be clear and penetrating. * Untreated Finish: The surface remains in its natural state, which significantly affects the decay and frequency response.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Byzance Dark 22" Ride is described as esoteric and low-frequency. Because the cymbal is not lathed, it produces a very defined 'ping' sound with minimal build-up of wash. This makes it an exceptionally articulated ride cymbal where every stick hit remains distinct.

The sustain is notably short, preventing the cymbal from becoming overwhelming in intimate or studio settings. The overall tone is 'earthy,' leaning towards the darker end of the spectrum rather than the bright, cutting tones found in more common alloy treatments.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, the Byzance Dark 22" Ride offers more control and a lower pitch than the standard Byzance Traditional series. For players seeking even less sustain and a more textured 'dry' sound, the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offers a similar aesthetic in a crash format.

When compared to other manufacturers, the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash shares an affinity for dark, complex tones, while the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride offers a different take on the dark ride concept. In contrast, those looking for high-volume, bright responses might consider the Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats or the UFIP Bionic Series, which sit at the opposite end of the frequency spectrum.

Ideal Applications

This ride cymbal is best suited for genres where articulation and nuance are prioritised over raw volume. It is highly effective in jazz, fusion, and studio recording environments where a drummer needs to maintain stick definition without the wash bleeding into other microphones. Because of its dark and esoteric character, it is also popular in contemporary and experimental music styles.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish of the Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Ride?: The cymbal features an untreated, raw finish. It is not lathed, which contributes to its dark appearance and focused sound character.
How would you describe the sustain of this cymbal?: The sustain is described as short. The lack of lathing helps to control the vibrations, ensuring the sound does not ring out for an extended period.
What kind of stick definition does this ride offer?: It offers a very defined 'ping'. The untreated surface ensures that each stick hit is clear and articulated rather than being lost in a wash of overtones.
Is the bell sound distinct on the 22" Dark Ride?: Yes, the manufacturer describes the bell as defined. It provides a clear, earthy tone that stands out from the rest of the cymbal's low-frequency profile.
What frequency range does this cymbal occupy?: It occupies a low frequency range. This gives it a deep, dark tonal character compared to standard brilliant-finish cymbals.
What does 'esoteric character' mean in relation to this cymbal?: It refers to the unique, non-traditional tonal qualities produced by the raw finish. It results in a sound that is complex, earthy, and distinct from mainstream ride cymbals.
How does the size affect its sound?: The 22-inch diameter contributes to its lower pitch and provides a large surface for varied stick placements, though the lack of lathing keeps the 22-inch 'wash' under control.
Is this cymbal suitable for heavy metal music?: While usable, it is generally better suited for styles requiring articulation, like jazz or fusion. Its dark, short sustain may not cut through high-gain guitar stacks as easily as a bright, heavy ride.
How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Byzance Dark is a professional-grade, hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbal. The HCS series is an entry-level line, offering a much simpler, brighter, and less complex sound profile.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for the Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Ride is approximately GBP 599.
Can this ride be used as a crash?: Due to its untreated finish and short sustain, it does not 'open up' like a traditional crash. It is primarily designed for ride patterns, though it offers a unique, dark 'bark' when struck on the edge.
How does it differ from the UFIP Class Series?: The UFIP Class Series, such as the 14" Light Hi-Hats, generally features traditional lathing and a brighter, more versatile frequency response compared to the specific, dark focus of the Byzance Dark.