What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Dual set?

The set provides every cymbal needed for a basic professional setup, including the 14-inch Dual Multi-Trash and the Extra Dry Dual Crash Ride. These are designed to be versatile enough to cover crash, ride, and effects roles.

What is the primary sound character of these cymbals?

The sound is characterised as being dark, dry, and low in pitch. This produces a professional, earthy tone that is complex and musically rich rather than bright and cutting.

How does the 'Dual' finish affect the sound?

The combination of lathing and hand-hammered, unlathed surfaces creates a smooth feel and a short sustain. The outer lathed portion allows for some shimmer, while the dry centre controls overtones and decay.

Can the 14-inch Dual Multi-Trash be used in a stack?

Yes, the 14-inch Dual Multi-Trash is specifically designed to be adapted into a cymbal stack. This allows drummers to customise their setup for short, white-noise effects.

Is the Extra Dry Dual Crash Ride better as a crash or a ride?

It is designed to double up effectively as both. It provides a clear enough stick definition for riding while maintaining a thin enough profile to wash out into a dark, low-pitched crash.

Who is the Meinl Byzance Dual set best suited for?

It is ideal for the 'gigging drummer' who needs a high-quality, professional sound. It suits players who prefer dark, dry tones and require a versatile, compact setup.

What is the sustain like on these cymbals?

These cymbals feature a short sustain. This makes them highly controllable in live and studio environments, as the sound does not ring out excessively and clutter the mix.

Are these cymbals hand-hammered?

Yes, the Byzance range is known for its extensive hand-hammering. This process contributes to the low pitch and the complex, unique tonal character of each individual cymbal.

How does the pitch of the Byzance Dual compare to other Meinl cymbals?

The Byzance Dual is notably low-pitched. Compared to lines like the HCS series, these cymbals sit much lower in the frequency spectrum, providing a more mature, dark sound.

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

The typical price for this professional-grade cymbal set is approximately £1,469. This reflects its status as a high-end, hand-crafted product.

How does the feel of these cymbals compare to traditional ones?

Thanks to the specific lathing and hammering techniques, these cymbals have a notably 'smooth feel'. They are designed to be a pleasure to play, providing a soft, responsive touch under the sticks.

Can these cymbals be used for low-volume playing?

While they are full-volume professional cymbals, their short sustain and dry character make them easier to control than bright, long-sustaining cymbals. However, they are not 'low volume' cymbals like the Gear4Music Silver series.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Dual Cymbal Set

The Meinl Byzance Dual Cymbal Set is a premium collection of Turkish-made B20 bronze cymbals designed for versatile professional use. Characterised by their distinctive dark, dry tonal qualities and unique lathed-and-unlathed appearance, these cymbals are engineered to provide a low-pitched, complex sound with short sustain.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Dual Cymbal Set is a comprehensive professional bundle designed for the gigging drummer. It focuses on versatility, providing the fundamental components for a complete drum kit setup. The set is notable for its 'Dual' finish, which combines traditional lathing on the edges with a raw, hand-hammered, extra-dry centre. This combination is intended to offer a 'magical' quality to the player's performance, blending high-end craftsmanship with modern sonic textures.

Design and Construction

Like all Byzance series instruments, these cymbals are hand-hammered into shape. The defining feature of the Dual range is the contrast in surface treatment. By mixing lathing with raw areas, Meinl achieves a specific tactile response. This results in a smooth feel under the stick and a controlled, short sustain. The manufacturing process ensures that despite the complex tonal profile, the cymbals maintain a professional level of clarity and projection suitable for various musical environments.

Sonic Character

The Byzance Dual series is defined by dark and dry characteristics. Because of the heavy hand-hammering and the unlathed sections, the pitch remains low, producing a sophisticated, earthy sound. The cymbals are designed to be responsive to the drummer's touch; the 14" Dual Multi-Trash, for instance, provides a quick, trashy accent that can be adapted into a stack. The Extra Dry Dual Crash Ride is engineered to perform two roles, offering a distinct ride ping while remaining thin enough to open up into a full, dark crash.

Versatility and Application

This set is particularly suited for drummers who require multiple functions from a minimal number of stands. The inclusion of a multi-purpose crash ride and a trash cymbal that doubles as a stack component allows for significant customisation. It is ideal for genres where nuance and controlled decay are required, such as jazz, funk, or modern studio recording, yet it possesses enough character for live 'gigging' scenarios.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, the Byzance Duals offer a drier, more complex alternative to the HCS series, which is entry-level and brighter. Compared to competitors like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series, the Meinl Duals provide a much darker, lower-pitched response with significantly less shimmer. While the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch crash shares some dark characteristics, the Meinl Dual set is distinct for its specific hybrid finish and the inclusion of 'multi-trash' utility cymbals which are not standard in more traditional sets like the UFIP Bionic series.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Dual set?: The set provides every cymbal needed for a basic professional setup, including the 14-inch Dual Multi-Trash and the Extra Dry Dual Crash Ride. These are designed to be versatile enough to cover crash, ride, and effects roles.
What is the primary sound character of these cymbals?: The sound is characterised as being dark, dry, and low in pitch. This produces a professional, earthy tone that is complex and musically rich rather than bright and cutting.
How does the 'Dual' finish affect the sound?: The combination of lathing and hand-hammered, unlathed surfaces creates a smooth feel and a short sustain. The outer lathed portion allows for some shimmer, while the dry centre controls overtones and decay.
Can the 14-inch Dual Multi-Trash be used in a stack?: Yes, the 14-inch Dual Multi-Trash is specifically designed to be adapted into a cymbal stack. This allows drummers to customise their setup for short, white-noise effects.
Is the Extra Dry Dual Crash Ride better as a crash or a ride?: It is designed to double up effectively as both. It provides a clear enough stick definition for riding while maintaining a thin enough profile to wash out into a dark, low-pitched crash.
Who is the Meinl Byzance Dual set best suited for?: It is ideal for the 'gigging drummer' who needs a high-quality, professional sound. It suits players who prefer dark, dry tones and require a versatile, compact setup.
What is the sustain like on these cymbals?: These cymbals feature a short sustain. This makes them highly controllable in live and studio environments, as the sound does not ring out excessively and clutter the mix.
Are these cymbals hand-hammered?: Yes, the Byzance range is known for its extensive hand-hammering. This process contributes to the low pitch and the complex, unique tonal character of each individual cymbal.
How does the pitch of the Byzance Dual compare to other Meinl cymbals?: The Byzance Dual is notably low-pitched. Compared to lines like the HCS series, these cymbals sit much lower in the frequency spectrum, providing a more mature, dark sound.
What is the typical price for this set in the UK?: The typical price for this professional-grade cymbal set is approximately £1,469. This reflects its status as a high-end, hand-crafted product.
How does the feel of these cymbals compare to traditional ones?: Thanks to the specific lathing and hammering techniques, these cymbals have a notably 'smooth feel'. They are designed to be a pleasure to play, providing a soft, responsive touch under the sticks.
Can these cymbals be used for low-volume playing?: While they are full-volume professional cymbals, their short sustain and dry character make them easier to control than bright, long-sustaining cymbals. However, they are not 'low volume' cymbals like the Gear4Music Silver series.