What is the primary material used for the Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Thin Ride?

The cymbal is constructed from high-quality B20 bronze alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its wide frequency response and durability.

How does the thickness affect the sound of this ride?

The 'Thin' weight designation means the cymbal is more flexible and vibrates more easily. This results in a lower fundamental pitch, a faster crash response, and a more prominent 'wash' compared to medium or heavy rides.

Can the 22" Thin Ride be used as a crash?

Yes, its thin construction allows it to open up easily when struck on the edge. It produces a deep, dark, and complex crash sound that decays naturally into a warm sustain.

Is this cymbal suitable for high-volume rock music?

Generally, no. It is designed for jazz and acoustic music where subtlety is required; in a loud rock setting, its delicate stick definition would likely be buried by louder instruments.

What kind of finish does the Byzance Jazz 22" Thin Ride have?

It features a traditional finish that has been treated to enhance its warm and vintage-inspired aesthetic. This finish contributes to the darker, more controlled high-end frequencies.

How does the intensive hammering impact the sound?

The hammering creates an uneven surface that breaks up sound waves as they travel through the metal. This results in a complex, 'harmonic colorful' sound with more depth and fewer harsh overtones.

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

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

How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Byzance Jazz series is a professional-tier B20 bronze cymbal, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level line made from brass. The Byzance offers significantly more complexity, warmth, and dynamic range.

What is meant by 'spread and shimmer' in the description?

Spread refers to the wide 'wash' or background roar the cymbal creates when played. Shimmer refers to the pleasant, sparkling high frequencies that sit on top of that wash.

Is each 22" Thin Ride identical?

Because these cymbals are hand-hammered, there are slight variations between individual units. While they all share the same character, no two cymbals sound exactly the same.

Does this cymbal include any accessories?

Typically, the cymbal is sold as a single unit without stands or bags. It is intended to be mounted on standard cymbal stands with felt washers.

How does the 22" size compare to a 20" jazz ride?

The 22" version provides a lower pitch and a larger 'sweet spot' for stick patterns. It also offers a more substantial volume of air displacement, resulting in a deeper, more immersive wash.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Thin Ride

The Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Thin Ride is a professional-grade cymbal designed for traditional jazz contexts, featuring a hand-hammered B20 bronze construction. It is characterised by a harmonic, colourful sound profile that balances a dark wash with shimmering high-frequency overtones.

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Background and Construction

The Byzance Jazz series represents Meinl's commitment to traditional cymbal smithing techniques. Like other premium models in the Byzance line, the 22" Thin Ride is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. The manufacturing process involves intensive hand-hammering, which shapes the cymbal and creates the internal tension necessary for its complex tonal characteristics. This manual labor ensures that each individual cymbal possesses a unique sonic fingerprint while adhering to the series' design specifications.

Tonal Characteristics

The 22" Thin Ride is defined by a sophisticated blend of spread and shimmer. Due to its thin weight and large diameter, the cymbal produces a low-pitched wash that provides a 'dark' foundation, while the intensive hammering introduces a wide spectrum of harmonic colours. The manufacturer describes the sound as having significant depth, offering a 'harmonic colorful sound' that is responsive to different sticking techniques. The stick definition remains present but is integrated into a lush, warm overtone structure.

Performance and Application

This cymbal is primarily engineered for jazz and acoustic settings where nuance and dynamic range are paramount. Because of its thin profile, it is highly sensitive to the touch, allowing the player to draw out a variety of textures at lower volume levels. It can also function as a large, dark crash, though its primary role is providing a rhythmic bed with a complex sustain. It is less suited for high-volume rock or metal settings where high-frequency projection and 'cut' are required.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl catalogue, the 22" Thin Ride offers a more traditional and shimmering voice compared to the 'Extra Dry' series, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which focuses on short sustain and 'trashy' tones. When compared to the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic series, the Meinl Jazz ride is significantly darker and more breathy. It shares more DNA with boutique offerings like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, though the 22" diameter provides a deeper pitch and more substantial spread than smaller jazz-oriented alternatives.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Thin Ride?: The cymbal is constructed from high-quality B20 bronze alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its wide frequency response and durability.
How does the thickness affect the sound of this ride?: The 'Thin' weight designation means the cymbal is more flexible and vibrates more easily. This results in a lower fundamental pitch, a faster crash response, and a more prominent 'wash' compared to medium or heavy rides.
Can the 22" Thin Ride be used as a crash?: Yes, its thin construction allows it to open up easily when struck on the edge. It produces a deep, dark, and complex crash sound that decays naturally into a warm sustain.
Is this cymbal suitable for high-volume rock music?: Generally, no. It is designed for jazz and acoustic music where subtlety is required; in a loud rock setting, its delicate stick definition would likely be buried by louder instruments.
What kind of finish does the Byzance Jazz 22" Thin Ride have?: It features a traditional finish that has been treated to enhance its warm and vintage-inspired aesthetic. This finish contributes to the darker, more controlled high-end frequencies.
How does the intensive hammering impact the sound?: The hammering creates an uneven surface that breaks up sound waves as they travel through the metal. This results in a complex, 'harmonic colorful' sound with more depth and fewer harsh overtones.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Meinl Byzance Jazz 22" Thin Ride is approximately £581. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted instrument.
How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Byzance Jazz series is a professional-tier B20 bronze cymbal, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level line made from brass. The Byzance offers significantly more complexity, warmth, and dynamic range.
What is meant by 'spread and shimmer' in the description?: Spread refers to the wide 'wash' or background roar the cymbal creates when played. Shimmer refers to the pleasant, sparkling high frequencies that sit on top of that wash.
Is each 22" Thin Ride identical?: Because these cymbals are hand-hammered, there are slight variations between individual units. While they all share the same character, no two cymbals sound exactly the same.
Does this cymbal include any accessories?: Typically, the cymbal is sold as a single unit without stands or bags. It is intended to be mounted on standard cymbal stands with felt washers.
How does the 22" size compare to a 20" jazz ride?: The 22" version provides a lower pitch and a larger 'sweet spot' for stick patterns. It also offers a more substantial volume of air displacement, resulting in a deeper, more immersive wash.