What is the primary finish of the Meinl Byzance Vintage 20 Pure Crash?

The cymbal features a raw, unlathed surface. This unfinished look is a result of the intense hand-hammering process and contributes to its dry sound.

Can this cymbal be used as a ride?

Yes, due to its raw defined bell and 20-inch diameter, it is designed to double effectively as a ride cymbal. It provides excellent stick definition alongside its crashing capabilities.

How would you describe the sustain of this cymbal?

The sustain is very short, described as a smooth fading release. This makes the cymbal sound 'dry' and prevents it from washing out other instruments.

Is the Byzance Vintage 20 Pure Crash durable?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having solid durability. The unlathed bronze remains robust even under heavier playing styles.

What kind of sound does the bell produce?

The bell produces a raw and defined sound. Unlike lathed bells, it has a more earthy, direct 'ping' that cuts through a mix without excessive ring.

What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?

It is ideal for jazz, funk, and R&B, or any setting where quick-biting accents and a dark, controlled tone are required. Its dry character is also highly valued in studio recording.

How does it respond to different playing dynamics?

The cymbal has a wide dynamic range. It produces choppy accents at lower volumes but opens up significantly when struck with more force for a larger sound.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

Yes, it is intensely hand-hammered. This process gives the cymbal its complex musical character and unique surface indentations.

How does the price compare to other Meinl cymbals?

With a typical price of approximately £476, it is positioned as a professional-grade instrument within the premium Byzance range.

How does it differ from the Byzance Extra Dry series?

While both are dry, the Pure Crash is generally even more focused and raw due to its specific 'Pure' unlathed treatment. It often has a shorter decay than the Extra Dry Thin crashes.

What material is used in its construction?

Like most professional Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its rich harmonic content and longevity.

Does the 20-inch size make it too heavy for a crash?

No, despite the large diameter, the unlathed construction and hammering ensure it responds quickly as a crash while maintaining the body needed for riding.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Vintage 20 Pure Crash

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 20 Pure Crash is an unfinished, intensely hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbal known for its dark, raw aesthetic and incredibly dry tonal profile. It is designed to offer a complex musical character that functions both as a fast-decaying crash and a defined ride cymbal.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 20 Pure Crash is a specialised percussion instrument characterised by its distinct manufacturing process. Unlike traditional brilliant or traditional finish cymbals, the Pure Crash features an unlathed surface, retaining the raw oxidised crust from the oven and the intense marks of hand-hammering. This construction method results in a cymbal with significant durability and a unique visual appearance.

Technically, the 20-inch diameter provides a large surface area for sound resonance, while the lack of lathing restricts the overtones, leading to a controlled and focused sonic output. The hand-hammering process ensures that each individual cymbal possesses a slightly different harmonic complexity, consistent with the high-end Byzance manufacturing philosophy.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of the 20-inch Pure Crash is its extreme dryness. It produces a dark, raw sound with a smooth, fading release that lacks the shimmering high frequencies found in lathed cymbals. This makes it particularly effective for producing 'choppy' accents and quick-biting responses that do not linger or wash out a mix.

Despite its dry nature, the cymbal possesses a wide dynamic range. When played with light touch, it remains articulate and quiet; when struck with more force, it opens up to deliver a much larger, more authoritative sound. The bell is noted for being raw and defined, providing a clear 'ping' that is often missing from thinner, more traditional crashes.

Versatility and Application

One of the standout features of this 20-inch model is its ability to function as a multi-purpose cymbal. While categorized as a crash, its raw surface and defined bell allow it to double effectively as a ride cymbal. In this role, it offers excellent stick definition without the runaway wash typical of large, thin crashes.

It is best suited for drummers playing in genres where control and vintage aesthetics are paramount, such as jazz, funk, R&B, or studio sessions where a long sustain might interfere with other instruments. Its quick decay makes it an ideal choice for technical grooves that require precise punctuation.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Vintage 20 Pure Crash is significantly drier than the *Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash*, which, while also dark, typically offers more spread. Compared to standard beginner cymbals like the *Meinl HCS* series, the Pure Crash represents a massive leap in harmonic complexity and material quality.

When compared to other boutique offerings such as the *Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash* or the *Masterwork Iris 21 Ride*, the Meinl Pure Crash stands out for its specific lack of lathing and 'earthy' response. While brands like *Paiste* (specifically the *Giant Beat* series) focus on a bright, glassy shimmer, the Byzance Pure Crash occupies the opposite end of the spectrum, focusing on low-frequency darkness and immediate decay.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish of the Meinl Byzance Vintage 20 Pure Crash?: The cymbal features a raw, unlathed surface. This unfinished look is a result of the intense hand-hammering process and contributes to its dry sound.
Can this cymbal be used as a ride?: Yes, due to its raw defined bell and 20-inch diameter, it is designed to double effectively as a ride cymbal. It provides excellent stick definition alongside its crashing capabilities.
How would you describe the sustain of this cymbal?: The sustain is very short, described as a smooth fading release. This makes the cymbal sound 'dry' and prevents it from washing out other instruments.
Is the Byzance Vintage 20 Pure Crash durable?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having solid durability. The unlathed bronze remains robust even under heavier playing styles.
What kind of sound does the bell produce?: The bell produces a raw and defined sound. Unlike lathed bells, it has a more earthy, direct 'ping' that cuts through a mix without excessive ring.
What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?: It is ideal for jazz, funk, and R&B, or any setting where quick-biting accents and a dark, controlled tone are required. Its dry character is also highly valued in studio recording.
How does it respond to different playing dynamics?: The cymbal has a wide dynamic range. It produces choppy accents at lower volumes but opens up significantly when struck with more force for a larger sound.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: Yes, it is intensely hand-hammered. This process gives the cymbal its complex musical character and unique surface indentations.
How does the price compare to other Meinl cymbals?: With a typical price of approximately £476, it is positioned as a professional-grade instrument within the premium Byzance range.
How does it differ from the Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both are dry, the Pure Crash is generally even more focused and raw due to its specific 'Pure' unlathed treatment. It often has a shorter decay than the Extra Dry Thin crashes.
What material is used in its construction?: Like most professional Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its rich harmonic content and longevity.
Does the 20-inch size make it too heavy for a crash?: No, despite the large diameter, the unlathed construction and hammering ensure it responds quickly as a crash while maintaining the body needed for riding.