What material is the Meinl Byzance Traditional 18" Trash Crash made from?

It is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is widely regarded for its durability and rich tonal qualities in professional cymbal making.

What is the purpose of the holes in the cymbal?

The various-sized cutouts are designed to shorten the decay and create a 'trashy' sound. By removing mass and interrupting vibrations, the holes ensure the cymbal responds quickly and dies away fast.

What genres of music best suit this cymbal?

This cymbal is highly versatile and fits most genres, including Pop, Funk, and Rock. Its mid-bright timbre and warm character allow it to sit well in both loud and moderate volume settings.

How does the 'Traditional' finish affect the sound?

The traditional finish involves a fully lathed surface that is hand-hammered. This results in a warm, smooth character with a balanced spread of frequencies compared to unlathed or brilliant finishes.

Is this cymbal suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the B20 bronze construction provides the necessary durability for 'hard hits time and time again'. However, as with all thin cymbals with cutouts, proper technique is recommended to ensure longevity.

What is the volume level of the 18" Trash Crash?

It is rated as having a medium volume. This makes it loud enough to cut through a rock mix without being overbearingly dominant like some larger or thicker crashes.

How long is the sustain on this model?

The sustain is rated as medium. The holes specifically help to facilitate a fast decay, meaning the sound does not linger as long as a standard 18" Byzance Traditional crash.

What is the timbre of this cymbal?

The timbre is described as mid-bright. It occupies a central frequency range that is neither overly dark nor excessively piercing, making it easy to record and mix.

How does it compare to the Meinl Extra Dry series?

Compared to the Extra Dry series, such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Traditional Trash Crash is brighter and has a smoother, more 'classic' feel due to its fully lathed surface.

Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?

Yes, it is marketed as an excellent way for beginner to intermediate drummers to expand their kit. It provides a professional-grade effects sound that adds variety to standard cymbal setups.

Does the cymbal have a unique appearance?

Yes, the combination of the traditional lathed finish, visible hand-hammering marks, and the specific hole pattern gives it a distinct aesthetic that stands out on any drum kit.

Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?

While it can be used for primary crashing, it is typically used as an effects cymbal. Its fast decay and trashy tone are usually paired with a standard crash to provide contrasting sounds during a performance.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Traditional 18" Trash Crash

The Meinl Byzance Traditional 18" Trash Crash is a high-performance effects cymbal manufactured in Turkey and finished in Germany using B20 bronze. It is distinguished by its unique pattern of multi-sized cutouts, which produce a signature trashy attack and a rapid decay suitable for various musical genres.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Byzance Traditional 18" Trash Crash is an effects-oriented cymbal crafted from B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin). Unlike standard crashes, this model features several various-sized holes cut directly into the bow. These perforations reduce the mass of the cymbal and interrupt the vibration of the metal, resulting in a specific sonic profile often described as 'trashy'.

The manufacturing process involves extensive hand-hammering and full lathing on both the top and bottom surfaces. This 'Traditional' finish gives the cymbal a classic look and contributes to its warm, smooth tonal character.

Sound Profile and Performance

In terms of acoustics, the 18" Trash Crash offers a mid-bright timbre. The primary characteristic of the cymbal is its immediate, explosive attack followed by a fast decay. This makes it highly effective for quick accents and punctuations that do not linger or wash over other instruments.

While it provides a medium volume level and medium sustain, the B20 bronze construction ensures it remains durable enough to withstand heavy hitting. Its versatile tones allow it to blend into various acoustic environments, from studio recording to live performances.

Musical Applications

Due to its balanced frequency response and responsive feel, this cymbal is suited for a wide range of musical styles. Notable applications include:

Pop and Funk: Where crisp, fast accents are required for syncopated rhythms.
Rock: For providing a unique alternative to standard crash sounds during heavy transitions.
Fusion and Jazz: Where the warm, hand-hammered character can be utilised for more nuanced play.

It is marketed as an ideal expansion for beginner to intermediate drummers looking to diversify the sound palette of a standard kit.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl catalogue, the 18" Traditional Trash Crash sits between the darker, more industrial sounds of the Extra Dry series (such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash) and the brighter, more focused sounds of the Brilliant series. Compared to entry-level cymbals like the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats, which use brass alloys, the Byzance Trash Crash offers significantly more complexity and professional-grade durability due to its B20 bronze composition.

When compared to other boutique options like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat series, the Byzance Trash Crash stands out for its specific 'perforated' sound, which offers a shorter sustain than a solid-body crash of the same size.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Byzance Traditional 18" Trash Crash made from?: It is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is widely regarded for its durability and rich tonal qualities in professional cymbal making.
What is the purpose of the holes in the cymbal?: The various-sized cutouts are designed to shorten the decay and create a 'trashy' sound. By removing mass and interrupting vibrations, the holes ensure the cymbal responds quickly and dies away fast.
What genres of music best suit this cymbal?: This cymbal is highly versatile and fits most genres, including Pop, Funk, and Rock. Its mid-bright timbre and warm character allow it to sit well in both loud and moderate volume settings.
How does the 'Traditional' finish affect the sound?: The traditional finish involves a fully lathed surface that is hand-hammered. This results in a warm, smooth character with a balanced spread of frequencies compared to unlathed or brilliant finishes.
Is this cymbal suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the B20 bronze construction provides the necessary durability for 'hard hits time and time again'. However, as with all thin cymbals with cutouts, proper technique is recommended to ensure longevity.
What is the volume level of the 18" Trash Crash?: It is rated as having a medium volume. This makes it loud enough to cut through a rock mix without being overbearingly dominant like some larger or thicker crashes.
How long is the sustain on this model?: The sustain is rated as medium. The holes specifically help to facilitate a fast decay, meaning the sound does not linger as long as a standard 18" Byzance Traditional crash.
What is the timbre of this cymbal?: The timbre is described as mid-bright. It occupies a central frequency range that is neither overly dark nor excessively piercing, making it easy to record and mix.
How does it compare to the Meinl Extra Dry series?: Compared to the Extra Dry series, such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Traditional Trash Crash is brighter and has a smoother, more 'classic' feel due to its fully lathed surface.
Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?: Yes, it is marketed as an excellent way for beginner to intermediate drummers to expand their kit. It provides a professional-grade effects sound that adds variety to standard cymbal setups.
Does the cymbal have a unique appearance?: Yes, the combination of the traditional lathed finish, visible hand-hammering marks, and the specific hole pattern gives it a distinct aesthetic that stands out on any drum kit.
Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?: While it can be used for primary crashing, it is typically used as an effects cymbal. Its fast decay and trashy tone are usually paired with a standard crash to provide contrasting sounds during a performance.