What is the primary finish on the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash?

The cymbal features a unique sandblasted surface. This finish is designed to dry out the sound and provide a vintage, aged aesthetic.

How does the thickness of this cymbal affect its playability?

The cymbal is made from thin material, which results in a 'buttery' and soft attack. This makes it more responsive to lighter touches and gives it a flexible feel under the stick.

What kind of hammer marks are present on this model?

The cymbal features big, visible hammer marks across its surface. These marks help create the low-frequency range and contribute to the complex, dry wash.

Is the 22" Vintage Crash suitable for heavy metal?

Generally, no, as it is designed for a dry wash and low frequencies. Heavy metal typically requires brighter, more cutting cymbals with more high-end projection.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price for the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash is approximately GBP 665. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.

How does it compare to the Meinl Extra Dry Thin Crash?

While both are dry, the 22" Vintage model has a sandblasted finish and a larger diameter, resulting in a deeper pitch and a softer attack compared to the 19" Extra Dry model.

What alloy is used in the construction of this cymbal?

Like most professional Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, providing a rich and musical frequency response.

Does the sandblasting affect the sustain?

Yes, the sandblasting process dries out the overtones and naturally shortens the sustain. This results in a 'vintage' sound that does not ring out excessively.

Can the 22" Vintage Crash be used as a ride cymbal?

Due to its 22-inch size and dry character, some drummers may use it as a light crash-ride. However, its thin construction means it will wash out quickly if played with a heavy ride pattern.

How does this compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?

The Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats and larger crashes generally have a brighter, more shimmering 'glassy' tone. The Meinl Byzance Vintage is significantly drier and darker by comparison.

Where is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash made?

The cymbals are hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths in Turkey. They are then transported to Meinl’s facility in Germany for the final sandblasting and finishing processes.

What is meant by a 'buttery soft attack' in the product description?

This refers to the physical sensation of the stick hitting the cymbal. The thin metal flexes easily, creating a cushioned feel rather than a sharp, rigid rebound.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash is a professional-grade cymbal manufactured in Turkey and finished in Germany, known for its distinct sandblasted surface and low-frequency response. It is designed to provide a dry wash and a soft, 'buttery' feel, positioning it as a premium choice for drummers seeking vintage-inspired aesthetics and controlled tonal characteristics.

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Background and Design

The Byzance Vintage series represents Meinl's approach to merging traditional Turkish cymbal making with modern finishing techniques. The 22-inch Crash is a significant component of this line, utilising B20 bronze alloy. The manufacturing process involves extensive hand-hammering to create large surface indentations, which contribute to the cymbal's specific resonance and structural complexity.

Technical Features

The most notable feature of the 22" Crash is its sandblasted surface. This process ages the appearance of the cymbal and dries out the overtones, resulting in a shorter sustain compared to traditional polished cymbals. The material is purposefully thin, which, when combined with the 22-inch diameter, allows the cymbal to speak at lower frequencies while maintaining a soft, 'buttery' physical response under the stick.

Sonic Character

Sonically, the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash is characterised by an outstanding dry wash. Because of its large size and thin profile, the attack is not harsh or abrasive; rather, it provides a mellow, dark explosion that settles quickly. The low-frequency range is prominent, making it suitable for musical environments where a standard high-pitched crash might be too intrusive.

User Profile and Suitability

This cymbal is primarily aimed at professional drummers working in genres such as jazz, funk, fusion, and studio recording. Its dry character and lack of piercing high-end frequencies make it ideal for controlled environments where overtones need to be naturally suppressed. It suits players who prefer a 'mushy' or soft feel rather than a rigid, high-tension response.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to other Meinl products like the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the 22" Vintage offers a deeper pitch and a more spread-out wash due to its larger surface area. While it shares some dry characteristics with the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the Meinl's sandblasted finish provides a unique tactile feel and a different harmonic profile. It stands in stark contrast to budget-oriented options like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume series or the Meinl HCS 13 Hi-Hats, which are designed for practice or entry-level use rather than professional tonal depth.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish on the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash?: The cymbal features a unique sandblasted surface. This finish is designed to dry out the sound and provide a vintage, aged aesthetic.
How does the thickness of this cymbal affect its playability?: The cymbal is made from thin material, which results in a 'buttery' and soft attack. This makes it more responsive to lighter touches and gives it a flexible feel under the stick.
What kind of hammer marks are present on this model?: The cymbal features big, visible hammer marks across its surface. These marks help create the low-frequency range and contribute to the complex, dry wash.
Is the 22" Vintage Crash suitable for heavy metal?: Generally, no, as it is designed for a dry wash and low frequencies. Heavy metal typically requires brighter, more cutting cymbals with more high-end projection.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash is approximately GBP 665. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.
How does it compare to the Meinl Extra Dry Thin Crash?: While both are dry, the 22" Vintage model has a sandblasted finish and a larger diameter, resulting in a deeper pitch and a softer attack compared to the 19" Extra Dry model.
What alloy is used in the construction of this cymbal?: Like most professional Meinl Byzance cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, providing a rich and musical frequency response.
Does the sandblasting affect the sustain?: Yes, the sandblasting process dries out the overtones and naturally shortens the sustain. This results in a 'vintage' sound that does not ring out excessively.
Can the 22" Vintage Crash be used as a ride cymbal?: Due to its 22-inch size and dry character, some drummers may use it as a light crash-ride. However, its thin construction means it will wash out quickly if played with a heavy ride pattern.
How does this compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?: The Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats and larger crashes generally have a brighter, more shimmering 'glassy' tone. The Meinl Byzance Vintage is significantly drier and darker by comparison.
Where is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Crash made?: The cymbals are hand-hammered into shape by skilled smiths in Turkey. They are then transported to Meinl’s facility in Germany for the final sandblasting and finishing processes.
What is meant by a 'buttery soft attack' in the product description?: This refers to the physical sensation of the stick hitting the cymbal. The thin metal flexes easily, creating a cushioned feel rather than a sharp, rigid rebound.