What cymbals are included in this specific Meinl box set?

The set includes 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, a 20" ride, and a 'free' bonus 18" crash cymbal.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal set?

This Meinl Classics Custom Dark bundle typically retails for approximately £629 in the UK market.

Is a carrying case included with the purchase?

Yes, this specific box set comes with a Meinl cymbal bag to facilitate transport and protection for the instruments.

What skill level is this cymbal set designed for?

Meinl recommends this set for beginner to intermediate drummers who are looking for a step up in sound quality and volume.

How does the 'Dark' series differ from the regular Classics Custom series?

The Dark series features widely spaced deep hammering and additional lathing, resulting in a darker, more complex tone compared to the brighter standard series.

Are these cymbals suitable for loud music like rock or metal?

Yes, they are specifically designed to cut through the roar of guitars, allowing drummers to be heard without having to play with excessive force.

What material are these cymbals made from?

The cymbals in this set are manufactured using B10 bronze alloy, known for its balance of durability and tonal range.

What is the tonal character of the crashes in this set?

The 16" and 18" crashes provide powerful accents with a dark, complex tone and crisp clarity.

How is the stick response on the ride and hi-hats?

The ride and hi-hats are designed to provide great stick response, which is helpful for maintaining a groove in high-volume settings.

Why do these cymbals have a dark, unique appearance?

The unique look is a result of a special finish combined with deep hammering and specific lathing techniques used during production.

Is this set a good value for a traveling drummer?

Yes, because it includes a complete range of essential cymbals plus a bonus crash and a transport bag, it serves as a comprehensive travel solution.

Does the 18" crash come standard in all Classics Custom Dark sets?

No, the 18" crash is typically offered as a 'free' or bonus inclusion in this specific box set configuration.

Gear article

Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Box Set with 18" Crash & Bag

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Box Set is a comprehensive percussion bundle designed for beginner-intermediate drummers seeking high volume and dark, complex tones. The set features B10 bronze cymbals with a unique black finish, deep hammering, and additional lathing to provide a powerful cut suitable for high-decibel musical environments.

See live prices

Overview

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Box Set is a curated collection of percussion instruments tailored for drummers who require projection without sacrificing tonal character. This specific configuration includes 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride, supplemented by a bonus 18" crash and a protective transport bag. The series is distinguished by its unique manufacturing process, which involves widely spaced deep hammering and specific lathing techniques to achieve a balance between brightness and dark complexity.

Design and Construction

Constructed from B10 bronze alloy, these cymbals are engineered for durability and volume. The 'Dark' designation refers to a specialised heat treatment and lathing process that gives the cymbals their signature black appearance. The deep hammering across the surface helps to round out the tonal quality, ensuring that while the cymbals are loud enough to cut through heavy guitar amplification, they retain a sophisticated, musical frequency response rather than becoming overly shrill.

Performance Characteristics

The primary performance goal of this set is to provide 'cut' above the roar of loud instruments. The cymbals are designed to do the heavy lifting for the player, meaning drummers do not need to exert excessive force to be heard in a mix. Key characteristics include:

Stick Response: The ride and hi-hats offer a defined ping and crisp 'chick' sound, allowing for clear articulation during fast grooves.
Crash Dynamics: Both the 16" and 18" crashes deliver powerful accents with a quick explosive burst followed by a complex, dark decay.
Volume: The set maintains the high-decibel output the Classics Custom series is known for, while the lathing adds a layer of warmth and clarity.

Target User and Applications

This box set is positioned primarily for beginner to intermediate players who have outgrown entry-level brass cymbals and require a professional aesthetic and sound. Because of their volume and aggressive cut, they are particularly well-suited for rock, metal, and heavy fusion genres. The inclusion of a dedicated cymbal bag makes this an ideal solution for travelling drummers who need a complete setup for rehearsals and live performances.

Comparisons

Compared to the standard Meinl Classics Custom series, the Dark version offers a shorter sustain and a lower fundamental pitch due to the additional hammering. While standard models focus on sheer brightness, the Dark set provides a more 'trashy' and complex overtone profile. In the wider market of percussion accessories, this set competes by offering a complete 'out-of-the-box' solution that includes both high-quality B10 bronze and professional transport gear, unlike basic starter packs that often lack a bag or a second crash cymbal.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in this specific Meinl box set?: The set includes 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, a 20" ride, and a 'free' bonus 18" crash cymbal.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal set?: This Meinl Classics Custom Dark bundle typically retails for approximately £629 in the UK market.
Is a carrying case included with the purchase?: Yes, this specific box set comes with a Meinl cymbal bag to facilitate transport and protection for the instruments.
What skill level is this cymbal set designed for?: Meinl recommends this set for beginner to intermediate drummers who are looking for a step up in sound quality and volume.
How does the 'Dark' series differ from the regular Classics Custom series?: The Dark series features widely spaced deep hammering and additional lathing, resulting in a darker, more complex tone compared to the brighter standard series.
Are these cymbals suitable for loud music like rock or metal?: Yes, they are specifically designed to cut through the roar of guitars, allowing drummers to be heard without having to play with excessive force.
What material are these cymbals made from?: The cymbals in this set are manufactured using B10 bronze alloy, known for its balance of durability and tonal range.
What is the tonal character of the crashes in this set?: The 16" and 18" crashes provide powerful accents with a dark, complex tone and crisp clarity.
How is the stick response on the ride and hi-hats?: The ride and hi-hats are designed to provide great stick response, which is helpful for maintaining a groove in high-volume settings.
Why do these cymbals have a dark, unique appearance?: The unique look is a result of a special finish combined with deep hammering and specific lathing techniques used during production.
Is this set a good value for a traveling drummer?: Yes, because it includes a complete range of essential cymbals plus a bonus crash and a transport bag, it serves as a comprehensive travel solution.
Does the 18" crash come standard in all Classics Custom Dark sets?: No, the 18" crash is typically offered as a 'free' or bonus inclusion in this specific box set configuration.