What cymbals are included in the Meinl Classics Custom Dark Box Set?

The set includes 14-inch Dark Hi-Hats, a 16-inch Dark Crash, a 20-inch Dark Ride, and a free 18-inch Dark Crash.

What material are these cymbals made from?

They are made from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin, offering a balance of durability and tonal richness.

Are these cymbals suitable for quiet practice?

No, these are high-volume cymbals designed to cut through loud music. For quiet practice, options like the Gear4Music Low Volume packs are more appropriate.

What gives the cymbals their dark appearance?

The unique look comes from a specialized finishing process involving deep hammering and additional lathing that alters both the aesthetic and the tone.

Is the 18-inch crash always included?

This specific box set configuration is marketed as including the 18-inch Dark Crash as an added value or 'free' component.

How does the sound differ from the regular Classics Custom series?

The Dark version offers more complex tones and a warmer mix of sound, whereas the regular series is generally brighter and more focused on high frequencies.

What genres are best suited for these cymbals?

They are ideal for Rock, Metal, Punk, and heavy Fusion where high volume and 'cut' are necessary to compete with electric guitars.

Do I need to play these cymbals hard to be heard?

No, the manufacturer specifies that these cymbals are designed to do the work for you, providing enough volume so you do not have to overplay.

How does the stick response feel on the ride and hats?

The set is designed for great stick response, allowing drummers to maintain clarity during fast grooves or intricate patterns.

How do they compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

Classics Custom Dark cymbals are generally louder and more durable for heavy hitting, while Byzance Extra Dry cymbals offer more artisan, nuanced, and shorter-decay sounds.

Are these cymbals handmade?

Meinl Classics Custom cymbals are manufactured using high-tech computerised methods to ensure consistent quality across every individual cymbal.

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

The typical price range for this complete box set with the extra crash is approximately £635.

Gear article

Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Box Set with Free 18 Crash

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Box Set is a comprehensive high-performance cymbal package designed for volume and clarity. Constructed from B12 bronze, the set features deep hammering and additional lathing to deliver a dark, complex tone that cuts through loud guitar-heavy environments.

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Overview

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Box Set is an expanded collection of cymbals tailored for modern rock and metal drummers. This specific bundle includes 14-inch Dark Hi-Hats, a 16-inch Dark Crash, and a 20-inch Dark Ride, with the addition of a complimentary 18-inch Dark Crash. The series is engineered using B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin) and undergoes a computerised manufacturing process to ensure consistency and durability in high-volume settings.

Design and Manufacturing

The distinctive aesthetics and sonic profile of the Classics Custom Dark series result from a specialized treatment process. The cymbals feature widely spaced deep hammering and additional lathing. This process rounds out the tonal quality, providing a warmer mix of sound compared to standard brilliant finishes. The dark coating is not merely visual; it contributes to the complex, 'trashy' overtones that define the series.

Sound Character and Performance

While traditionally dark cymbals are associated with jazz and softer genres, the Classics Custom Dark series is designed for power. The cymbals deliver a crisp clarity and a powerful cut, maintaining the volume characteristics of the regular Classics Custom line but with a lower fundamental pitch.

Hi-Hats: Provide a crisp 'chick' sound and a defined stick response for intricate grooves.
Ride: Offers a clear ping with a controlled wash and a penetrating bell.
Crashes: Deliver a powerful, explosive accent with a complex decay that allows them to be heard over loud amplification.

Target Audience

This set is specifically suited for drummers playing Rock, Metal, and heavy Fusion who require their cymbals to cut through a 'roar' of guitars. Because of their inherent projection, drummers do not need to strike as hard to be heard, potentially increasing the lifespan of the cymbals. They serve as a middle ground for players who find the Meinl HCS series too basic and the Byzance Extra Dry series too specialized or expensive.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch, the Classics Custom Dark set is significantly more aggressive and louder. While the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offers a more organic, shorter decay, the Classics Custom Dark 18" crash provides more sustain and volume. For players looking for reduced volume, such as the Gear4Music Low Volume series, these cymbals are not recommended as they are designed specifically for high-decibel performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl Classics Custom Dark Box Set?: The set includes 14-inch Dark Hi-Hats, a 16-inch Dark Crash, a 20-inch Dark Ride, and a free 18-inch Dark Crash.
What material are these cymbals made from?: They are made from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin, offering a balance of durability and tonal richness.
Are these cymbals suitable for quiet practice?: No, these are high-volume cymbals designed to cut through loud music. For quiet practice, options like the Gear4Music Low Volume packs are more appropriate.
What gives the cymbals their dark appearance?: The unique look comes from a specialized finishing process involving deep hammering and additional lathing that alters both the aesthetic and the tone.
Is the 18-inch crash always included?: This specific box set configuration is marketed as including the 18-inch Dark Crash as an added value or 'free' component.
How does the sound differ from the regular Classics Custom series?: The Dark version offers more complex tones and a warmer mix of sound, whereas the regular series is generally brighter and more focused on high frequencies.
What genres are best suited for these cymbals?: They are ideal for Rock, Metal, Punk, and heavy Fusion where high volume and 'cut' are necessary to compete with electric guitars.
Do I need to play these cymbals hard to be heard?: No, the manufacturer specifies that these cymbals are designed to do the work for you, providing enough volume so you do not have to overplay.
How does the stick response feel on the ride and hats?: The set is designed for great stick response, allowing drummers to maintain clarity during fast grooves or intricate patterns.
How do they compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Classics Custom Dark cymbals are generally louder and more durable for heavy hitting, while Byzance Extra Dry cymbals offer more artisan, nuanced, and shorter-decay sounds.
Are these cymbals handmade?: Meinl Classics Custom cymbals are manufactured using high-tech computerised methods to ensure consistent quality across every individual cymbal.
What is the typical price for this set in the UK?: The typical price range for this complete box set with the extra crash is approximately £635.