What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Dual Core set?

The set includes a 10" Extra Dry Splash, 14" Extra Dry Hi-Hats, 16" Extra Dry Trash Crash, and an 18" Extra Dry Crash.

What material is used to make these cymbals?

These cymbals are crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is preferred for its durability and rich tonal characteristics.

How does the dual finish affect the sound?

The raw centre produces dry and articulate tones, while the narrow-blade lathed edges allow the cymbal to sound more open and expressive when hit harder.

What is the general pitch of this cymbal set?

The set is known for its low-pitched, earthy tones, typical of the Meinl Extra Dry philosophy.

Is this set suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its dry character and short sustain make it ideal for the studio, as it prevents excessive wash that can clutter a recording.

How does the sustain of these cymbals compare to other models?

These cymbals have a short sustain, meaning the sound decays quickly after being struck, providing a very controlled performance.

Who is the primary target audience for this set?

This set is intended for professional drummers or serious enthusiasts who need a versatile, musical kit capable of handling various settings.

Can these cymbals cut through a live band mix?

Despite their dry nature, they are designed to drive through any mix effectively, offering enough projection for stage use.

What is the typical price range for this set in the UK?

The set typically retails for approximately £1,049.

How does the trash crash differ from a standard crash?

The 16" Trash Crash in this set is specifically designed to have a faster decay and a more 'broken' or noisy harmonic profile compared to the smoother 18" crash.

Are these cymbals machine-made or hand-crafted?

As part of the Byzance line, these are professional-grade cymbals that involve hand-hammering to achieve their unique musicality.

How do these compare to Meinl HCS cymbals?

The Byzance models are professional B20 bronze cymbals with a darker, more complex sound, whereas HCS cymbals are entry-level brass cymbals with a brighter, simpler tone.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Dual Core Cymbal Set

The Meinl Byzance Dual Core Cymbal Set is a professional-grade collection of B20 bronze cymbals engineered for versatility and expressive performance. This specific bundle features Extra Dry series components including a 10" splash, 14" hi-hats, a 16" trash crash, and an 18" crash, all characterised by their raw centres and lathed edges.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Dual Core Cymbal Set is designed as a comprehensive solution for drummers seeking the distinct 'Extra Dry' aesthetic associated with the Byzance series. Crafted from B20 bronze, these cymbals are manufactured through meticulous hand-hammering and specialised lathing techniques. The set is positioned as a professional upgrade suitable for both live performance and recording environments.

Design and Construction

The unique characteristic of the Dual Core series lies in the contrasting treatment of its surface. Each cymbal features a raw, unlathed centre that transitions into narrow-blade lathed edges. This hybrid construction allows the cymbal to offer two distinct response zones. The B20 bronze ensures high durability and a complex harmonic profile, which is a hallmark of high-end Meinl manufacturing.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of this set is defined by its low-pitched, earthy tones and remarkably short sustain. The raw centres provide dry, articulate sounds with high precision, while the lathed edges allow the cymbals to open up into a more thunderous and expressive texture when struck with greater force. This combination ensures that the cymbals can cut through a mix while maintaining musicality without overstaying their presence in the frequency range.

Kit Components

This specific configuration includes:

10-inch Extra Dry Splash: For quick, biting accents.
14-inch Extra Dry Hi-Hats: Offering a crisp 'chick' and a controlled wash.
16-inch Extra Dry Trash Crash: Featuring a rapid decay and complex, trashy overtones.
18-inch Extra Dry Crash: A larger crash that balances low-end warmth with an explosive response.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to traditional entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Byzance Dual Core offers significantly more harmonic complexity due to the B20 bronze and hand-hammered origins. While the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series focus on more brilliant or shimmering tones, the Byzance Extra Dry components prioritised here are much darker and drier. For those seeking even larger or thinner crashes, the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash serves as a complementary expansion to this set.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Dual Core set?: The set includes a 10" Extra Dry Splash, 14" Extra Dry Hi-Hats, 16" Extra Dry Trash Crash, and an 18" Extra Dry Crash.
What material is used to make these cymbals?: These cymbals are crafted from high-quality B20 bronze, which is preferred for its durability and rich tonal characteristics.
How does the dual finish affect the sound?: The raw centre produces dry and articulate tones, while the narrow-blade lathed edges allow the cymbal to sound more open and expressive when hit harder.
What is the general pitch of this cymbal set?: The set is known for its low-pitched, earthy tones, typical of the Meinl Extra Dry philosophy.
Is this set suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its dry character and short sustain make it ideal for the studio, as it prevents excessive wash that can clutter a recording.
How does the sustain of these cymbals compare to other models?: These cymbals have a short sustain, meaning the sound decays quickly after being struck, providing a very controlled performance.
Who is the primary target audience for this set?: This set is intended for professional drummers or serious enthusiasts who need a versatile, musical kit capable of handling various settings.
Can these cymbals cut through a live band mix?: Despite their dry nature, they are designed to drive through any mix effectively, offering enough projection for stage use.
What is the typical price range for this set in the UK?: The set typically retails for approximately £1,049.
How does the trash crash differ from a standard crash?: The 16" Trash Crash in this set is specifically designed to have a faster decay and a more 'broken' or noisy harmonic profile compared to the smoother 18" crash.
Are these cymbals machine-made or hand-crafted?: As part of the Byzance line, these are professional-grade cymbals that involve hand-hammering to achieve their unique musicality.
How do these compare to Meinl HCS cymbals?: The Byzance models are professional B20 bronze cymbals with a darker, more complex sound, whereas HCS cymbals are entry-level brass cymbals with a brighter, simpler tone.