What is the size of the Meinl C Squared ride?

The cymbal has a diameter of 21 inches, providing a large surface area for varied playing positions.

Which artist is this cymbal designed for?

It is a signature model designed in collaboration with the professional drummer Chris Coleman.

What is the purpose of the holes around the edge?

The holes are functional design elements intended to control the wash and sustain, ensuring that the cymbal's definition remains clear.

How would you describe the profile of this ride?

The C Squared features a heavy profile, which contributes to its powerful presence and high volume potential.

Is the bell effective for loud music?

Yes, the bell is specifically designed to be thick enough to cut through any musical mix with clarity.

What kind of stick response does it offer?

The cymbal is engineered for sublime stick articulation, meaning every strike is clearly defined even during fast playing.

What series does this cymbal belong to?

It is part of the Meinl Byzance Vintage series, known for its hand-hammered B20 bronze construction.

Does the cymbal have a lot of sustain?

The sustain is intentionally moderated by the holes around the edge to provide more control than a standard 21-inch ride.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

Yes, the cymbal undergoes hand-hammering, which helps shape its individual tonal character and bell response.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The typical price for this signature ride is approximately GBP 553.

How does it handle wash compared to other large rides?

It generates less overwhelming wash than many other large rides because the edge perforations act as a dampening mechanism for vibrations.

What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?

While versatile, it excels in any genre requiring high volume and precise rhythmic clarity, such as funk, fusion, or gospel.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Vintage 21" C Squared Ride

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 21" C Squared Ride is an artist series ride cymbal developed in collaboration with drummer Chris Coleman. It is designed to offer a balance of heavy projection and precise stick articulation through its unique heavy profile and perforated edge design.

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Overview and Development

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 21" Chris Coleman C Squared Signature Ride represents a technical collaboration between Meinl Cymbals and the highly regarded drummer Chris Coleman. The objective of the design was to combine elements from Coleman's preferred cymbals into a single, versatile instrument that can handle high-intensity performance while maintaining clarity.

Design and Key Features

The 'C Squared' designation refers to the squared-off versatility required by Coleman. The cymbal features a heavy profile that provides a significant physical presence on the kit. A defining characteristic of the model is the series of holes dotted around the edge. While these provide a distinct aesthetic, their primary function is acoustic; they are designed to control the wash and sustain typically generated by larger, heavier cymbals. The cymbal is finished with hand-hammering, which contributes to its complex tonal character.

Sound Profile

The primary sonic focus of the C Squared ride is definition. The heavy weight and specific shape ensure that stick articulation remains 'sublime' and audible, even when playing complex patterns. The bell is engineered to be thick, allowing it to cut through dense musical mixes with a clear, piercing tone. The addition of edge perforations helps to shorten the decay, preventing the wash from overpowering the initial stick strike.

Application and Suitability

This cymbal is suited for drummers who require a high degree of control and volume. It is particularly effective in genres where clear ride patterns are essential, such as gospel, fusion, or rock. The design caters to players who find standard 21" rides too prone to excessive sustain or 'runaway' wash, as the C Squared specifically mitigates these issues.

Market Comparisons

Within the Meinl range, the C Squared sits alongside other premium offerings like the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, though it offers significantly more mass and projection. When compared to other signature models, such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat series, the C Squared is distinguished by its specific focus on drying out the sustain of a large-format heavy ride using structural perforations.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the size of the Meinl C Squared ride?: The cymbal has a diameter of 21 inches, providing a large surface area for varied playing positions.
Which artist is this cymbal designed for?: It is a signature model designed in collaboration with the professional drummer Chris Coleman.
What is the purpose of the holes around the edge?: The holes are functional design elements intended to control the wash and sustain, ensuring that the cymbal's definition remains clear.
How would you describe the profile of this ride?: The C Squared features a heavy profile, which contributes to its powerful presence and high volume potential.
Is the bell effective for loud music?: Yes, the bell is specifically designed to be thick enough to cut through any musical mix with clarity.
What kind of stick response does it offer?: The cymbal is engineered for sublime stick articulation, meaning every strike is clearly defined even during fast playing.
What series does this cymbal belong to?: It is part of the Meinl Byzance Vintage series, known for its hand-hammered B20 bronze construction.
Does the cymbal have a lot of sustain?: The sustain is intentionally moderated by the holes around the edge to provide more control than a standard 21-inch ride.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: Yes, the cymbal undergoes hand-hammering, which helps shape its individual tonal character and bell response.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The typical price for this signature ride is approximately GBP 553.
How does it handle wash compared to other large rides?: It generates less overwhelming wash than many other large rides because the edge perforations act as a dampening mechanism for vibrations.
What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?: While versatile, it excels in any genre requiring high volume and precise rhythmic clarity, such as funk, fusion, or gospel.