What is a flat ride cymbal?

A flat ride is a cymbal that lacks a raised central bell. This design significantly reduces overtone buildup and sustain, providing a very clear and distinct stick definition.

What is the primary material used in the Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride?

It is manufactured from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the gold standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its rich frequency range.

How does the hammering affect the sound of this cymbal?

The big hammer marks across the surface enable the cymbal to sound dark and warm. The physical deformation of the metal through hammering creates complex overtones and a softer playing feel.

Is the Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride suitable for rock music?

Generally, no. Its flat design and dark, soft character are intended for jazz and acoustic settings where volume control is essential. It lacks the cutting power and bell sound required for high-volume rock.

What kind of sustain does this cymbal have?

The manufacturer describes it as having a long sizzling sustain. However, because it is a flat ride, the sustain is controlled and does not wash out the initial stick attack.

Can you play the bell on the Meinl Byzance Jazz Club Ride?

No, this model does not have a bell. The entire surface is flat, meaning you cannot achieve the high-pitched, piercing 'ping' typical of a standard ride cymbal bell.

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

The typical price range for the Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride is approximately £581. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted professional instrument.

Where are Meinl Byzance cymbals manufactured?

The cymbals are hand-hammered by skilled smiths in Turkey using traditional methods. They are then transported to Meinl's facility in Germany for final finishing and quality control.

What is the tonal character of the Byzance Jazz series?

The Jazz series is characterized by a dark, warm, and complex tonal palette. It is designed to blend into a mix rather than sit on top of it, providing a vintage-inspired aesthetic.

How does this cymbal compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

While both are professional bronze rides, the Meinl Club Ride's flat profile gives it a drier, more controlled sound than the Masterwork Iris. The Meinl focuses more on the 'sizzle' and warmth than on projection.

Does the 22" size make it very loud?

Despite its large 22-inch diameter, the flat construction keeps the volume modest. The size contributes more to the depth and darkness of the pitch rather than raw decibel output.

What hi-hats pair well with this ride?

It pairs well with other thin or dark cymbals, such as the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats or Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats. These complement the ride's mellow and sophisticated character.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride

The Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride is a premium flat ride cymbal designed for drummers seeking a sophisticated, controlled sound. Hand-hammered in Turkey and finished in Germany, it is defined by its dark tonal profile and the total absence of a raised bell.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride is a specialised percussion instrument belonging to the prestigious Byzance Jazz series. Unlike standard ride cymbals, this 'Club' model features a flat profile without a protruding bell. This design choice results in a highly controlled sound with minimal build-up, making it a staple for traditional and contemporary jazz settings. Each cymbal is hand-hammered into shape, ensuring a unique character for every individual piece.

Construction and Key Features

The construction of the Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride is defined by large, visible hammer marks across its surface. These deep indentations are instrumental in shaping the cymbal's acoustic properties, allowing it to remain dark and warm while maintaining a soft feel under the stick. The flat profile is the most significant feature, which eliminates the 'wash' typically associated with large-diameter rides, providing a focused stick definition that does not overpower other acoustic instruments.

Sound and Character

Sonically, the 22" Club Ride is described as soft and smooth with a distinct presence. The combination of the B20 bronze and the flat shape results in a long, sizzling sustain that remains low in the mix. Its frequency response is skewed towards the lower end, providing warmth without harsh high-end overtones. The attack is crisp but mellow, offering a 'woody' stick sound that is highly sought after in intimate musical environments.

Market Position and Comparisons

Retailing at approximately £581, the Byzance Jazz Club Ride sits in the professional tier of the cymbal market. When compared to other models such as the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat range, the Club Ride offers a more specialised, dry response. While alternatives like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride provide a different tonal color, the Meinl Byzance remains a primary choice for those needing the specific 'flat' sound profile. For drummers looking for complementary pieces, it is often paired with items like the Meinl Extra Dry Thin Crash or UFIP Class Series Hi-Hats.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a flat ride cymbal?: A flat ride is a cymbal that lacks a raised central bell. This design significantly reduces overtone buildup and sustain, providing a very clear and distinct stick definition.
What is the primary material used in the Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride?: It is manufactured from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the gold standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its rich frequency range.
How does the hammering affect the sound of this cymbal?: The big hammer marks across the surface enable the cymbal to sound dark and warm. The physical deformation of the metal through hammering creates complex overtones and a softer playing feel.
Is the Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride suitable for rock music?: Generally, no. Its flat design and dark, soft character are intended for jazz and acoustic settings where volume control is essential. It lacks the cutting power and bell sound required for high-volume rock.
What kind of sustain does this cymbal have?: The manufacturer describes it as having a long sizzling sustain. However, because it is a flat ride, the sustain is controlled and does not wash out the initial stick attack.
Can you play the bell on the Meinl Byzance Jazz Club Ride?: No, this model does not have a bell. The entire surface is flat, meaning you cannot achieve the high-pitched, piercing 'ping' typical of a standard ride cymbal bell.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Club Ride is approximately £581. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted professional instrument.
Where are Meinl Byzance cymbals manufactured?: The cymbals are hand-hammered by skilled smiths in Turkey using traditional methods. They are then transported to Meinl's facility in Germany for final finishing and quality control.
What is the tonal character of the Byzance Jazz series?: The Jazz series is characterized by a dark, warm, and complex tonal palette. It is designed to blend into a mix rather than sit on top of it, providing a vintage-inspired aesthetic.
How does this cymbal compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: While both are professional bronze rides, the Meinl Club Ride's flat profile gives it a drier, more controlled sound than the Masterwork Iris. The Meinl focuses more on the 'sizzle' and warmth than on projection.
Does the 22" size make it very loud?: Despite its large 22-inch diameter, the flat construction keeps the volume modest. The size contributes more to the depth and darkness of the pitch rather than raw decibel output.
What hi-hats pair well with this ride?: It pairs well with other thin or dark cymbals, such as the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats or Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats. These complement the ride's mellow and sophisticated character.