What material is the Meinl Classics Custom 17" Medium Crash made from?

It is constructed from a B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This material choice provides a bright and cutting sound that sits well in modern music mixes.

What type of finish does this cymbal have?

The cymbal features a brilliant finish. This highly polished surface not only provides a striking visual appearance but also contributes to the bright, shimmering high-end frequencies of the cymbal's sound.

How is the hammering process performed on this model?

This cymbal utilizes computerised hammering. This high-tech manufacturing process ensures a unique tonal character and consistency between different units of the same model.

Which music genres best suit this crash cymbal?

It is highly versatile and suitable for metal, rock, pop, and fusion. Its bright and smooth tones allow it to be heard clearly over loud instruments in high-energy musical environments.

How does a 17-inch crash differ from 16-inch or 18-inch models?

A 17-inch crash like this one offers a middle ground, providing more volume and sustain than a 16-inch cymbal while responding faster and feeling less heavy than an 18-inch model.

Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its smooth and bright tones are well-suited for the studio. The precision of the computerised hammering ensures a predictable frequency response that is easy for engineers to capture.

What is the weight classification of this 17-inch cymbal?

It is classified as a 'Medium' crash. This weight offers a balance between durability and sensitivity, providing enough mass for volume without sacrificing the ability to open up quickly when struck.

How does the price of the Classics Custom compare to the Byzance series?

The Classics Custom series is generally more affordable than the premium Byzance series. While the Byzance line uses B20 bronze and hand-hammering, the Classics Custom uses B12 and computerised processes to offer high quality at a lower price point.

Does the brilliant finish affect the sound?

Yes, the brilliant finish typically results in a brighter, more 'glassy' sound compared to traditional or raw finishes. It helps the cymbal cut through the mix with extra high-end sparkle.

Can this cymbal be used for heavy metal music?

Absolutely, it is specifically designed to handle the rigours of metal and rock. The B12 alloy and medium weight provide the durability and volume necessary for high-intensity playing.

What is the benefit of computerised hammering?

Computerised hammering allows for exact precision in the manufacturing process. It ensures that every cymbal in the line meets strict tonal standards and maintains a consistent quality level.

Is this cymbal a good choice for a beginner's first upgrade?

Yes, for drummers moving up from entry-level brass sets like the HCS series, the Classics Custom 17" Medium Crash is an excellent professional-grade upgrade that offers superior tone and longevity.

Gear article

Meinl Classics Custom 17" Medium Crash

The Meinl Classics Custom 17" Medium Crash is a professional-grade crash cymbal manufactured in Germany using a B12 bronze alloy and advanced computerised hammering. Designed for versatile applications ranging from pop to metal, it features a brilliant finish and a bright, smooth tonal character that provides high visibility in a mix.

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Overview and Design

The Meinl Classics Custom 17" Medium Crash is a mid-sized crash cymbal intended for drummers requiring a balance of volume, durability, and tonal clarity. A standout feature of the Classics Custom series is its construction from B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin), which offers a slightly more aggressive and bright response compared to traditional B20 alloys.

The cymbal undergoes a computerised hammering process that ensures consistency across units while creating a unique tonal character. This is complemented by a brilliant finish, which is achieved through high-speed buffing, resulting in a highly reflective surface that enhances the high-frequency response of the instrument.

Sound Character and Performance

In terms of sonic performance, the 17" Medium Crash is defined by its bright and smooth tones. Because it is a medium-weight cymbal, it provides a sufficient amount of wash and sustain without becoming overpowering or dissonant. The 17-inch diameter sits in a 'sweet spot' for many drummers, offering a faster response than an 18-inch crash but more body and volume than a 16-inch model.

The B12 alloy gives the cymbal a shimmering high-end that allows it to cut through dense musical arrangements, particularly in electric guitar-heavy genres like rock and metal. However, its smooth decay also makes it suitable for more nuanced applications in fusion and pop music.

Versatility and Application

The Classics Custom series is engineered to perform in a variety of environments, from the studio to live stages. Its robust construction makes it a reliable choice for heavy hitters in metal and rock, yet its tonal clarity prevents it from sounding 'clunky' in pop or fusion settings. It is designed to be a workhorse addition to a drummer's kit, providing a consistent sound that does not require excessive effort to trigger.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other cymbals in the Meinl catalogue, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Classics Custom is significantly brighter and more polished. While the Byzance series often focuses on dark, earthy tones and hand-hammered irregularities, the Classics Custom series prioritises modern precision and high-frequency projection.

Against entry-level options like the HCS series, the Classics Custom 17" offers a significant upgrade in material and manufacturing quality, moving from brass to B12 bronze. Compared to boutique options like the Masterwork Iris or Istanbul Agop Lenny White models, the Meinl Classics Custom provides a more standardised, high-energy sound suited for modern production styles rather than traditional jazz or 'trashy' aesthetics.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Classics Custom 17" Medium Crash made from?: It is constructed from a B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This material choice provides a bright and cutting sound that sits well in modern music mixes.
What type of finish does this cymbal have?: The cymbal features a brilliant finish. This highly polished surface not only provides a striking visual appearance but also contributes to the bright, shimmering high-end frequencies of the cymbal's sound.
How is the hammering process performed on this model?: This cymbal utilizes computerised hammering. This high-tech manufacturing process ensures a unique tonal character and consistency between different units of the same model.
Which music genres best suit this crash cymbal?: It is highly versatile and suitable for metal, rock, pop, and fusion. Its bright and smooth tones allow it to be heard clearly over loud instruments in high-energy musical environments.
How does a 17-inch crash differ from 16-inch or 18-inch models?: A 17-inch crash like this one offers a middle ground, providing more volume and sustain than a 16-inch cymbal while responding faster and feeling less heavy than an 18-inch model.
Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its smooth and bright tones are well-suited for the studio. The precision of the computerised hammering ensures a predictable frequency response that is easy for engineers to capture.
What is the weight classification of this 17-inch cymbal?: It is classified as a 'Medium' crash. This weight offers a balance between durability and sensitivity, providing enough mass for volume without sacrificing the ability to open up quickly when struck.
How does the price of the Classics Custom compare to the Byzance series?: The Classics Custom series is generally more affordable than the premium Byzance series. While the Byzance line uses B20 bronze and hand-hammering, the Classics Custom uses B12 and computerised processes to offer high quality at a lower price point.
Does the brilliant finish affect the sound?: Yes, the brilliant finish typically results in a brighter, more 'glassy' sound compared to traditional or raw finishes. It helps the cymbal cut through the mix with extra high-end sparkle.
Can this cymbal be used for heavy metal music?: Absolutely, it is specifically designed to handle the rigours of metal and rock. The B12 alloy and medium weight provide the durability and volume necessary for high-intensity playing.
What is the benefit of computerised hammering?: Computerised hammering allows for exact precision in the manufacturing process. It ensures that every cymbal in the line meets strict tonal standards and maintains a consistent quality level.
Is this cymbal a good choice for a beginner's first upgrade?: Yes, for drummers moving up from entry-level brass sets like the HCS series, the Classics Custom 17" Medium Crash is an excellent professional-grade upgrade that offers superior tone and longevity.