What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic set?

The set includes three primary cymbals: a pair of 15-inch Hi-hats, an 18-inch Crash, and a 21-inch Ride. All cymbals feature matching finishes and tonal characteristics.

What material is used to make these cymbals?

The cymbals are crafted from B20 Bronze Alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is industry-standard for high-end professional cymbals due to its rich frequency range.

Are these cymbals machine-made or hand-made?

These cymbals are hand-made in Turkey. They undergo meticulous hand-hammering to shape the metal and determine their final tonal qualities.

What is the sound character of the Byzance Traditional series?

The sound is described as warm and smooth. It provides a balanced blend of frequencies that avoids being too bright or too dark, making it highly versatile.

For which music styles is this cymbal set best suited?

The set is designed for a wide variety of styles including rock, pop, fusion, jazz, funk, R&B, reggae, and world music. Its balanced volume allows it to fit into almost any musical context.

How does the sustain of these cymbals behave?

These cymbals offer a medium sustain. This means the sound lingers long enough to feel full and musical, but decays fast enough to not clutter the overall mix.

Can these cymbals be used for studio recording?

Yes, they are highly recommended for studio use. Their balanced volume and smooth character allow them to be captured accurately by microphones without overpowering other instruments.

How do the 15-inch hi-hats compare to standard 14-inch hats?

The 15-inch size provides a slightly deeper pitch and a broader, more 'sloshy' sound compared to 14-inch models like the UFIP Class Series. They offer a larger surface area for dynamic expression.

What is the typical price range for this complete set?

The typical retail price for this complete professional cymbal collection is approximately £1,469. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted product.

How does this set compare to the Meinl Extra Dry series?

The Traditional Polyphonic set is smoother and more resonant than the Extra Dry series. While products like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash are trashy and short-lived, the Traditional set has a more classic, sustained shimmer.

Is the 21-inch Ride suitable for crashing?

Yes, the 'Polyphonic' designation implies that the Ride is designed to function well both as a rhythmic tool with good stick definition and as a large crash cymbal.

Does the set come with a warranty or protective cases?

While specific retailer offerings vary, Meinl typically provides a manufacturer's warranty against defects. Cases are usually sold separately unless specified by the vendor.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Complete Cymbal Set

The Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Complete Cymbal Set is a premium collection of hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbals manufactured in Turkey. It is designed to provide a versatile, balanced sound profile suitable for a wide range of genres, from jazz to rock and studio recording.

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Background and Construction

The Byzance Traditional series represents Meinl's commitment to classic Turkish cymbal craftsmanship. Each cymbal in the Polyphonic Complete Set is forged from B20 bronze alloy, a mix of 80% copper and 20% tin known for its musicality and durability.

The manufacturing process involves extensive hand hammering, which gives each cymbal a unique structural tension and tonal complexity. The Traditional finish is achieved through lathed surfaces, contributing to a controlled sustain and a classic aesthetic appearance.

Sonic Character and Performance

These cymbals are characterised by a warm, smooth, and 'polyphonic' tonal profile. Unlike dry or overly bright cymbals, the Polyphonic set offers a medium sustain and volume. This ensures they can cut through a live mix or a recording session without becoming harsh or overpowering the rest of the drum kit.

15" Hi-hats: Provide a broad, crisp 'chick' sound with a warm wash when played open.
18" Crash: Delivers a fast response with a smooth decay.
21" Ride: Features a defined stick sound alongside a shimmering wash, making it versatile for both rhythmic definition and crashing.

Applications

Due to their balanced frequency response, these cymbals are highly versatile. They are recommended for professional use in several environments and genres:

Live Performance: The medium volume level is ideal for stages where dynamic control is necessary.
Studio Recording: The smooth character of B20 bronze translates well to microphones without requiring excessive equalization.
Genres: The set is suited for Rock, Pop, Fusion, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Reggae, and World music.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, the Polyphonic set offers a more traditional and all-purpose sound compared to the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which is significantly darker and shorter in sustain. For drummers seeking a lighter touch, the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats provide a different Italian-cast alternative, while the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats offer a distinctively bright, vintage Swiss character.

Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series or the Gear4Music Low Volume packs, the Byzance Traditional set is a professional-grade investment featuring superior B20 alloy and hand-crafted techniques.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic set?: The set includes three primary cymbals: a pair of 15-inch Hi-hats, an 18-inch Crash, and a 21-inch Ride. All cymbals feature matching finishes and tonal characteristics.
What material is used to make these cymbals?: The cymbals are crafted from B20 Bronze Alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is industry-standard for high-end professional cymbals due to its rich frequency range.
Are these cymbals machine-made or hand-made?: These cymbals are hand-made in Turkey. They undergo meticulous hand-hammering to shape the metal and determine their final tonal qualities.
What is the sound character of the Byzance Traditional series?: The sound is described as warm and smooth. It provides a balanced blend of frequencies that avoids being too bright or too dark, making it highly versatile.
For which music styles is this cymbal set best suited?: The set is designed for a wide variety of styles including rock, pop, fusion, jazz, funk, R&B, reggae, and world music. Its balanced volume allows it to fit into almost any musical context.
How does the sustain of these cymbals behave?: These cymbals offer a medium sustain. This means the sound lingers long enough to feel full and musical, but decays fast enough to not clutter the overall mix.
Can these cymbals be used for studio recording?: Yes, they are highly recommended for studio use. Their balanced volume and smooth character allow them to be captured accurately by microphones without overpowering other instruments.
How do the 15-inch hi-hats compare to standard 14-inch hats?: The 15-inch size provides a slightly deeper pitch and a broader, more 'sloshy' sound compared to 14-inch models like the UFIP Class Series. They offer a larger surface area for dynamic expression.
What is the typical price range for this complete set?: The typical retail price for this complete professional cymbal collection is approximately £1,469. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-crafted product.
How does this set compare to the Meinl Extra Dry series?: The Traditional Polyphonic set is smoother and more resonant than the Extra Dry series. While products like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash are trashy and short-lived, the Traditional set has a more classic, sustained shimmer.
Is the 21-inch Ride suitable for crashing?: Yes, the 'Polyphonic' designation implies that the Ride is designed to function well both as a rhythmic tool with good stick definition and as a large crash cymbal.
Does the set come with a warranty or protective cases?: While specific retailer offerings vary, Meinl typically provides a manufacturer's warranty against defects. Cases are usually sold separately unless specified by the vendor.