What material is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 20" Pure Ride made from?

The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy. This material is a standard for high-end professional cymbals, offering a wide frequency range and durable build.

What is the primary sonic characteristic of this ride?

It is defined by an extremely dry sound with almost no sustain. The tone is low and dark, providing an unconventional 'esoteric' quality to the percussion setup.

How does the finish affect the sound?

The distinct matte finish helps dampen the overtones. This contributes to the cymbal's dry, washy sound and reduces the sustain compared to polished or traditional finishes.

Is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 20" Pure Ride hand-hammered?

Yes, this model features hand-hammering. This process creates the unique tonal characteristics and complex 'vintage' sounds associated with the Byzance line.

For which musical genres is this cymbal best suited?

It is highly recommended for jazz, funk, RnB, pop, and fusion. Its dry response makes it ideal for genres that require precision and controlled volume.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The typical retail price is approximately £467. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

How does the physical feel of the cymbal compare to others?

The cymbal is noted for having a soft feel when played. This makes it responsive to delicate stick work and comfortable for long playing sessions.

Does this cymbal produce a lot of wash?

It produces a somewhat dry, low wash. However, because it has practically no sustain, the wash does not linger or build up to the point of covering the stick definition.

How much control does the player have over the sound?

The manufacturer emphasizes that this cymbal allows the player to have total control at all times. The lack of sustain prevents runaway overtones, ensuring every hit is intentional.

Can this ride be used as a crash?

While it can be struck on the edge, its design focuses on dry ride articulation. For those seeking a dedicated crash in a similar style, the Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash is a related alternative.

How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?

The Paiste Giant Beat is generally brighter and has more traditional sustain. The Meinl Pure Ride is significantly darker, drier, and more specialized for low-sustain applications.

What makes the look of the Pure Ride unique?

The combination of its specific hand-hammering patterns and the matte finish gives it a unique, earthy appearance. It lacks the shiny, reflective surface of standard cymbals.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Vintage 20" Pure Ride

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 20" Pure Ride is a professional-grade cymbal crafted from B20 bronze alloy, distinguished by its unique matte finish and hand-hammered construction. It is designed to offer a dry, esoteric sound profile with minimal sustain and a soft physical feel, making it a specialist choice for genres requiring high stick definition.

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Overview and Design

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 20" Pure Ride is a distinctive entry in the Byzance series, known for its unconventional aesthetics and sonic properties. Manufactured from B20 bronze, the cymbal undergoes extensive hand-hammering to shape its complex tonal profile. The most striking visual feature is its matte finish, which contributes to both the look and the specific dry response of the instrument.

Sound Characteristics

This ride cymbal is characterised by a low, dark, and dry wash. Unlike traditional rides that may ring for several seconds, the Pure Ride offers practically no sustain, resulting in an 'esoteric' quality. The stick definition is highly prominent, providing the player with total control over every stroke without the risk of the wash overpowering the articulation. The overall tone is described as a blend of classic vintage warmth and modern dryness.

Playability and Feel

Players typically find the 20" Pure Ride to have a soft feel under the stick. This physical responsiveness allows for nuanced playing techniques, particularly in acoustic or low-to-medium volume settings. The lack of build-up in the wash ensures that even fast, intricate patterns remain clear and distinct.

Applications

Due to its controlled sustain and dark character, the Pure Ride is highly suited for several specific musical environments:

Jazz and Fusion: Where articulate stick work is paramount.
Funk and RnB: Where dry, rhythmic accents are required.
Pop: For situations needing a ride that sits neatly in a mix without lingering overtones.
Studio Recording: Its lack of sustain makes it easier to manage in a microphone mix compared to brighter, ringier cymbals.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl range, the Pure Ride shares tonal DNA with the Byzance Extra Dry series, such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, though it focuses more on ride articulation than crashing. Compared to industry standards like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series, which often offer more shimmer and sustain, the Pure Ride is significantly drier and darker. It sits as a more specialised, 'boutique' sounding alternative to traditional all-purpose rides like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch or Masterwork Iris series.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 20" Pure Ride made from?: The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy. This material is a standard for high-end professional cymbals, offering a wide frequency range and durable build.
What is the primary sonic characteristic of this ride?: It is defined by an extremely dry sound with almost no sustain. The tone is low and dark, providing an unconventional 'esoteric' quality to the percussion setup.
How does the finish affect the sound?: The distinct matte finish helps dampen the overtones. This contributes to the cymbal's dry, washy sound and reduces the sustain compared to polished or traditional finishes.
Is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 20" Pure Ride hand-hammered?: Yes, this model features hand-hammering. This process creates the unique tonal characteristics and complex 'vintage' sounds associated with the Byzance line.
For which musical genres is this cymbal best suited?: It is highly recommended for jazz, funk, RnB, pop, and fusion. Its dry response makes it ideal for genres that require precision and controlled volume.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The typical retail price is approximately £467. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
How does the physical feel of the cymbal compare to others?: The cymbal is noted for having a soft feel when played. This makes it responsive to delicate stick work and comfortable for long playing sessions.
Does this cymbal produce a lot of wash?: It produces a somewhat dry, low wash. However, because it has practically no sustain, the wash does not linger or build up to the point of covering the stick definition.
How much control does the player have over the sound?: The manufacturer emphasizes that this cymbal allows the player to have total control at all times. The lack of sustain prevents runaway overtones, ensuring every hit is intentional.
Can this ride be used as a crash?: While it can be struck on the edge, its design focuses on dry ride articulation. For those seeking a dedicated crash in a similar style, the Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash is a related alternative.
How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?: The Paiste Giant Beat is generally brighter and has more traditional sustain. The Meinl Pure Ride is significantly darker, drier, and more specialized for low-sustain applications.
What makes the look of the Pure Ride unique?: The combination of its specific hand-hammering patterns and the matte finish gives it a unique, earthy appearance. It lacks the shiny, reflective surface of standard cymbals.