What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Pack?

The pack includes two specific cymbals: one 18-inch Polyphonic Crash and one 20-inch Polyphonic Crash. These sizes are chosen to provide a broad dynamic range for the drummer.

What material is used to manufacture these cymbals?

They are crafted from high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals.

Are these cymbals machine-made or hand-crafted?

These cymbals are hand-made and shaped through traditional hand-hammering techniques. This ensures that each cymbal has a unique character and a smooth, warm sonic profile.

What is the typical price for this cymbal pack?

The typical retail price for the Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Pack is approximately GBP 879. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

What is the sonic character or timbre of this pack?

The timbre is described as mid-dark. This adds depth and richness to the drummer's sound, providing a warmer alternative to bright, glassier cymbals.

What kind of sustain do the Polyphonic crashes provide?

These cymbals offer a medium sustain. This provides enough ring to fill a room while ensuring the sound does not linger long enough to wash out other instruments.

Is this pack suitable for rock music?

Yes, the pack is versatile enough for rock. The B20 bronze and hand-hammered construction provide enough volume and projection to be heard over electric guitars.

Can these cymbals be used for jazz?

Absolutely. Their mid-dark timbre and low-mid pitch make them excellent for jazz and fusion, where a more nuanced and warm cymbal sound is often preferred.

How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Byzance Traditional cymbals are professional-grade B20 bronze instruments, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level brass line. The Byzance cymbals offer significantly more complexity, warmth, and durability.

What pitch range do these cymbals occupy?

The cymbals feature a low-mid pitch. This creates a powerful foundation for the drum kit, avoiding the shrill high-end frequencies found in thinner or smaller crashes.

Are they appropriate for studio recording?

Yes, their balanced volume and controlled sustain make them ideal for studio sessions. They provide a professional 'record-ready' sound that fits easily into a mix.

How does the finish affect the sound?

The 'Traditional' finish means the cymbals are fully lathed. This contributes to their smooth response and helps distribute the overtones evenly compared to raw or unlathed cymbals.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Pack

The Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Pack is a premium two-piece cymbal set featuring 18-inch and 20-inch crashes hand-hammered from B20 bronze. Designed for professional versatility, the pack offers a mid-dark timbre and balanced projection suitable for a wide range of musical genres from jazz to rock.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Pack is a curated selection of high-end cymbals constructed from B20 bronze alloy (80% copper, 20% tin). These cymbals are manufactured through traditional methods, involving extensive hand-hammering to shape the profile and distribute tension across the surface.

The pack consists of two specific diameters: * 18" Polyphonic Crash: Offering a quicker response and higher frequency relative to its counterpart. * 20" Polyphonic Crash: Providing a deeper foundation and increased volume for more intense musical passages.

Sound Character and Performance

Defined by a mid-dark timbre and a low-mid pitch, these crashes provide a warm, smooth character that avoids excessive harshness in the high-frequency range. They are engineered for a medium sustain and volume, allowing them to project clearly in live environments while remaining controlled enough for studio recording. The 'Polyphonic' designation refers to the cymbals' ability to produce a wide dynamic range and multiple layers of sound, making them responsive to both light touches and heavy sticking.

Musical Applications

Due to their balanced frequency response and traditional finish, these cymbals are highly versatile. They are frequently utilised across diverse genres including: * Contemporary: Rock, Pop, and Funk. * Traditional: Jazz, Fusion, and R&B. * Global: Reggae and World music. * Production: Professional studio sessions where nuanced cymbal voices are required.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Polyphonic series sits between the more aggressive, raw sounds of the Extra Dry series (such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash) and the entry-level bright tones of the HCS series. Compared to competitors like the Paiste Giant Beat or Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch series, the Byzance Traditional series offers a more conventional 'warm' B20 sound that lacks the extreme brightness of Paiste or the ultra-dark, dry complexity of Istanbul Agop, positioning it as a highly adaptable middle-ground choice.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Pack?: The pack includes two specific cymbals: one 18-inch Polyphonic Crash and one 20-inch Polyphonic Crash. These sizes are chosen to provide a broad dynamic range for the drummer.
What material is used to manufacture these cymbals?: They are crafted from high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals.
Are these cymbals machine-made or hand-crafted?: These cymbals are hand-made and shaped through traditional hand-hammering techniques. This ensures that each cymbal has a unique character and a smooth, warm sonic profile.
What is the typical price for this cymbal pack?: The typical retail price for the Meinl Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Pack is approximately GBP 879. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
What is the sonic character or timbre of this pack?: The timbre is described as mid-dark. This adds depth and richness to the drummer's sound, providing a warmer alternative to bright, glassier cymbals.
What kind of sustain do the Polyphonic crashes provide?: These cymbals offer a medium sustain. This provides enough ring to fill a room while ensuring the sound does not linger long enough to wash out other instruments.
Is this pack suitable for rock music?: Yes, the pack is versatile enough for rock. The B20 bronze and hand-hammered construction provide enough volume and projection to be heard over electric guitars.
Can these cymbals be used for jazz?: Absolutely. Their mid-dark timbre and low-mid pitch make them excellent for jazz and fusion, where a more nuanced and warm cymbal sound is often preferred.
How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Byzance Traditional cymbals are professional-grade B20 bronze instruments, whereas the HCS series is an entry-level brass line. The Byzance cymbals offer significantly more complexity, warmth, and durability.
What pitch range do these cymbals occupy?: The cymbals feature a low-mid pitch. This creates a powerful foundation for the drum kit, avoiding the shrill high-end frequencies found in thinner or smaller crashes.
Are they appropriate for studio recording?: Yes, their balanced volume and controlled sustain make them ideal for studio sessions. They provide a professional 'record-ready' sound that fits easily into a mix.
How does the finish affect the sound?: The 'Traditional' finish means the cymbals are fully lathed. This contributes to their smooth response and helps distribute the overtones evenly compared to raw or unlathed cymbals.