What is the typical price for a Meinl Byzance Jazz 18" Extra Thin Crash?

The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 387. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Is this cymbal suitable for use as a ride?

Yes, its design allows it to function effectively as a light ride. It provides a washy, vintage ride sound suitable for low-volume or acoustic settings.

What kind of attack does this cymbal have?

The cymbal features a washy dark attack. Because it is extra thin, the response is fast and full-bodied upon impact.

How would you describe the overall sound profile?

The sound is described as warm, natural, and vintage. It emphasises dark frequencies and a complex, washy sustain rather than a bright, piercing tone.

Can this cymbal be used for heavy rock music?

It is generally not recommended for heavy rock. The extra thin weight and dark voicing are designed for subtlety and jazz contexts, and it may lack the volume and durability needed for high-impact playing.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

While both are dark, the Jazz series is more 'natural' and fluid. The Extra Dry Thin Crash models usually have a shorter decay and a more distinct, 'trashy' bite.

What is the construction material of the Byzance Jazz series?

Like other cymbals in the Byzance range, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its wide frequency range and professional-grade tonal characteristics.

Is the finish on this cymbal brilliant or traditional?

The Byzance Jazz series typically features a traditional-style finish that contributes to its warm and natural vintage sound. It does not have the high-gloss 'brilliant' finish found on other models.

How does the 18" size affect its performance compared to larger crashes?

The 18" size offers a balance between a fast response and enough surface area to sustain a wash. It opens up more quickly than a 20" crash but offers more body than a 16" model.

Are these cymbals machine-made or handcrafted?

Meinl Byzance cymbals are handcrafted in Turkey and finished in Germany. This hand-hammering process ensures that each cymbal has a unique, complex character.

Does this cymbal pair well with Paiste Giant Beat hi-hats?

While they come from different manufacturers, both the Byzance Jazz and Giant Beat series share a 'vintage' philosophy. However, the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats may be slightly brighter than the dark Meinl Jazz crash.

What should I use to clean this cymbal?

Because of its specific vintage voicing and traditional finish, it is recommended to use a mild cymbal cleaner or simply a dry cloth. Avoid harsh abrasives that could alter the delicate surface texture.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Jazz 18" Extra Thin Crash

The Meinl Byzance Jazz 18" Extra Thin Crash is a professional-grade cymbal designed to deliver a warm, natural vintage sound. Characterised by its lightweight construction and fast, full-bodied response, it is a versatile instrument that functions both as a dark crash and a light ride.

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History and Background

The Byzance Jazz series represents Meinl's commitment to traditional cymbal manufacturing techniques, designed to meet the requirements of jazz drummers seeking authentic, low-volume tonal characteristics. The 18" Extra Thin Crash was developed to offer a vintage-inspired palette, focusing on a softer feel and a more complex harmonic range than standard modern crashes. As part of the Byzance line, these cymbals are handcrafted to ensure a unique tonal identity for each piece.

Design and Key Features

The defining feature of this model is its 'Extra Thin' weight. This physical profile allows the cymbal to flex and vibrate with minimal striking force, resulting in a fast attack. The surface treatment and hammering patterns are specific to the Jazz series, intended to produce a 'washy' texture.

Key features include: * Extra Thin Profile: Enhances sensitivity and reduces the threshold required for the cymbal to open up. * Warm Vintage Voicing: Engineered to sit lower in the frequency spectrum. * Dual Utility: The weight and diameter allow it to be used as a crash or a delicate ride cymbal.

Tonal Character

The sound of the Meinl Byzance Jazz 18" Extra Thin Crash is described as dark and washy. Upon being struck, it produces a full-bodied response that decays relatively quickly, preventing the sound from becoming overwhelming in intimate settings. When used as a light ride, it offers a soft stick definition accompanied by a prominent, dark overtone 'wash' that provides a lush bed of sound for acoustic ensembles.

Suitability and Comparisons

This cymbal is primarily suited for jazz, fusion, and acoustic music where nuance and dynamic control are prioritised over raw volume. It is not intended for heavy rock or metal contexts where a high-decibel cutting power is required.

Compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Jazz model offers a more 'natural' and fluid sustain, whereas the Extra Dry version provides a shorter, trashier bark. In contrast to entry-level cymbals like the Meinl HCS series, the Byzance Jazz 18" is a professional B20 bronze instrument with significantly more harmonic complexity. Other boutique alternatives in this size category include the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, which similarly focuses on dark, vintage textures, and the Paiste Giant Beat series, though the latter tends to have a brighter, glassier character.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for a Meinl Byzance Jazz 18" Extra Thin Crash?: The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 387. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Is this cymbal suitable for use as a ride?: Yes, its design allows it to function effectively as a light ride. It provides a washy, vintage ride sound suitable for low-volume or acoustic settings.
What kind of attack does this cymbal have?: The cymbal features a washy dark attack. Because it is extra thin, the response is fast and full-bodied upon impact.
How would you describe the overall sound profile?: The sound is described as warm, natural, and vintage. It emphasises dark frequencies and a complex, washy sustain rather than a bright, piercing tone.
Can this cymbal be used for heavy rock music?: It is generally not recommended for heavy rock. The extra thin weight and dark voicing are designed for subtlety and jazz contexts, and it may lack the volume and durability needed for high-impact playing.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both are dark, the Jazz series is more 'natural' and fluid. The Extra Dry Thin Crash models usually have a shorter decay and a more distinct, 'trashy' bite.
What is the construction material of the Byzance Jazz series?: Like other cymbals in the Byzance range, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its wide frequency range and professional-grade tonal characteristics.
Is the finish on this cymbal brilliant or traditional?: The Byzance Jazz series typically features a traditional-style finish that contributes to its warm and natural vintage sound. It does not have the high-gloss 'brilliant' finish found on other models.
How does the 18" size affect its performance compared to larger crashes?: The 18" size offers a balance between a fast response and enough surface area to sustain a wash. It opens up more quickly than a 20" crash but offers more body than a 16" model.
Are these cymbals machine-made or handcrafted?: Meinl Byzance cymbals are handcrafted in Turkey and finished in Germany. This hand-hammering process ensures that each cymbal has a unique, complex character.
Does this cymbal pair well with Paiste Giant Beat hi-hats?: While they come from different manufacturers, both the Byzance Jazz and Giant Beat series share a 'vintage' philosophy. However, the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats may be slightly brighter than the dark Meinl Jazz crash.
What should I use to clean this cymbal?: Because of its specific vintage voicing and traditional finish, it is recommended to use a mild cymbal cleaner or simply a dry cloth. Avoid harsh abrasives that could alter the delicate surface texture.