What is the primary material used in the Meinl 22" Sand Crash-Ride?

The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy. This is a high-quality mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is standard for professional-tier cymbals like the Byzance series.

Who designed this cymbal in collaboration with Meinl?

The 22" Sand Crash-Ride was designed in collaboration with the prolific German drummer Benny Greb. His input was instrumental in achieving the specific 'mysterious' and 'earthy' tone associated with the Sand series.

What effect does the sandblasted surface have on the sound?

The sandblasting process dries out the cymbal's sustain and gives it a soft, vintage feel. It helps control the overtones and creates a unique matte appearance.

Can this cymbal be used effectively as a primary ride?

Yes, despite its ability to crash, it is designed with enough stick definition to function as a ride. Its 22" size provides a large playing surface for rhythmic patterns.

How would you describe the pitch of this cymbal?

The cymbal is characterized by a low pitch with significant low-end frequencies. This creates a deep 'roaring' sound when crashed and a warm wash when played as a ride.

What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?

It is highly versatile but excels in jazz, funk, fusion, and indie rock. The dark, earthy character is generally preferred in musical settings that value warmth and nuance.

How does it compare to the Meinl 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The 22" Sand Crash-Ride is larger and produces more low-end roar. While both are dark, the Sand Crash-Ride offers more versatility for riding than the Extra Dry Thin Crash.

Is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Sand Crash-Ride heavy?

No, it is a lightweight cymbal. This thin construction allows it to open up easily for crashing and contributes to its dark, low-pitched frequency response.

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

The typical retail price for the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Sand Crash-Ride is approximately £599. This reflects its status as a premium, artist-designed instrument.

Does the cymbal have a bright or dark character?

It has a dark character. The manufacturer describes it as having an earthy and almost mysterious sonic profile, rather than a bright or piercing tone.

How does the hammering pattern affect its performance?

The unique hammering patterns are specifically applied to create a complex, roaring sound. These patterns work in tandem with the sandblasting to shape the low-end resonance.

Is this cymbal suitable for high-volume metal playing?

While it is a professional cymbal, its lightweight and dark nature may lack the cutting projection needed for very high-volume metal. It is better suited to dynamic, mid-to-low volume applications.

Gear article

Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Sand Crash-Ride Cymbal

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Sand Crash-Ride is a professional-grade percussion instrument developed in collaboration with German drummer Benny Greb. Characterised by its sandblasted surface and lightweight construction, it is designed to function as both a crash and a ride cymbal with a dark, earthy sonic profile.

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Overview

The Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Sand Crash-Ride is a signature model within the broader Byzance line, representing a hybrid approach to cymbal design. It is manufactured using traditional B20 bronze alloy and is distinguished by a sandblasted finish that provides a matte aesthetic and aged feel. The cymbal is engineered to be lightweight, allowing it to be activated easily as a crash while maintaining sufficient definition to serve as a ride cymbal.

Development and History

This specific model was designed in collaboration with Benny Greb, a prolific German drummer known for his technical precision and distinctive sound. The goal of the collaboration was to create a cymbal that captured the 'mysterious' and 'earthy' qualities of vintage instruments but with modern manufacturing consistency. It serves as a larger companion to the original 20" Sand Ride, offering a more pronounced low-end response and a larger surface area for crashing.

Design and Hammering

The Sand Crash-Ride features unique hammering patterns that contribute to its complex overtone structure. The combination of these patterns and the sandblasted surface helps to dry out the sound slightly, preventing the wash from becoming overwhelming. Because it is a lightweight 22" instrument, it possesses significant flexibility, allowing for a wide dynamic range and a 'roaring' sound when struck on the edge.

Sonic Character

The primary sonic profile of the 22" Sand Crash-Ride is dark and low-pitched. It is described as having an 'earthy' character, which refers to the organic, less-refined overtones produced during play. The low end is particularly prominent, providing a deep cushion of sound underneath a band. Despite its dark nature, the sandblasting ensures that the stick definition remains present when used in a ride capacity.

User Suitability

This cymbal is primarily aimed at professional drummers who require versatility in a single piece of gear. It is well-suited for jazz, funk, and indie rock settings where a warm, vintage-inspired sound is preferred. Because of its dark and 'mysterious' character, it is often selected by players looking for a more nuanced and less aggressive alternative to traditional brilliant-finish cymbals.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other Meinl models, such as the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the 22" Sand Crash-Ride offers significantly more low-end and a broader wash due to its larger diameter. In contrast to entry-level options like the HCS series, the Byzance Vintage uses superior B20 bronze for a more professional frequency response. Other high-end alternatives include the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, though the latter focuses on a different frequency spectrum and purpose. The Sand Crash-Ride remains distinct due to its specific sandblasted texture and Benny Greb's design influence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Meinl 22" Sand Crash-Ride?: The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy. This is a high-quality mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is standard for professional-tier cymbals like the Byzance series.
Who designed this cymbal in collaboration with Meinl?: The 22" Sand Crash-Ride was designed in collaboration with the prolific German drummer Benny Greb. His input was instrumental in achieving the specific 'mysterious' and 'earthy' tone associated with the Sand series.
What effect does the sandblasted surface have on the sound?: The sandblasting process dries out the cymbal's sustain and gives it a soft, vintage feel. It helps control the overtones and creates a unique matte appearance.
Can this cymbal be used effectively as a primary ride?: Yes, despite its ability to crash, it is designed with enough stick definition to function as a ride. Its 22" size provides a large playing surface for rhythmic patterns.
How would you describe the pitch of this cymbal?: The cymbal is characterized by a low pitch with significant low-end frequencies. This creates a deep 'roaring' sound when crashed and a warm wash when played as a ride.
What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?: It is highly versatile but excels in jazz, funk, fusion, and indie rock. The dark, earthy character is generally preferred in musical settings that value warmth and nuance.
How does it compare to the Meinl 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The 22" Sand Crash-Ride is larger and produces more low-end roar. While both are dark, the Sand Crash-Ride offers more versatility for riding than the Extra Dry Thin Crash.
Is the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Sand Crash-Ride heavy?: No, it is a lightweight cymbal. This thin construction allows it to open up easily for crashing and contributes to its dark, low-pitched frequency response.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Meinl Byzance Vintage 22" Sand Crash-Ride is approximately £599. This reflects its status as a premium, artist-designed instrument.
Does the cymbal have a bright or dark character?: It has a dark character. The manufacturer describes it as having an earthy and almost mysterious sonic profile, rather than a bright or piercing tone.
How does the hammering pattern affect its performance?: The unique hammering patterns are specifically applied to create a complex, roaring sound. These patterns work in tandem with the sandblasting to shape the low-end resonance.
Is this cymbal suitable for high-volume metal playing?: While it is a professional cymbal, its lightweight and dark nature may lack the cutting projection needed for very high-volume metal. It is better suited to dynamic, mid-to-low volume applications.