What material is the Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash made from?

It is manufactured using B12 bronze alloy. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to provide an explosive attack and projection in various musical settings.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The typical retail price for the Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash is approximately £229. This places it in a competitive mid-to-high-tier price bracket for professional cymbals.

How does the 'dual' finish affect the sound?

The lathed edge allows for a faster, brighter response when struck. The dark centre produces a more well-balanced and warm character, resulting in a cymbal that combines shimmer with a dark sustain.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud music?

Yes, the B12 alloy and explosive projection make it sit perfectly in high-volume settings. Its quick attack ensures it is heard clearly even in dense musical arrangements.

What kind of sustain does the 18" Dual Crash have?

It features a short sustain. The sound begins with a bright shimmer and quickly resolves into a dark, controlled decay, preventing the sound from washing out other instruments.

How does this model compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

While both offer dark characteristics, the Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash is typically more explosive and brighter on the initial hit than a Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash. The B12 alloy in the Dual series offers a different projection profile than the B20 alloy used in Byzance.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz?

Yes, its versatile nature and dark sustain allow it to be implemented easily into jazz and fusion. The quick response is particularly useful for drummers who play with a wide dynamic range.

What is the primary benefit of the lathed edge?

The lathed edge is specifically designed to provide a faster response. This ensures that the cymbal speaks immediately upon impact, providing that signature explosive attack.

Does this cymbal come in other sizes?

While this specific article focuses on the 18" model, the Classics Custom Dual range typically includes various sizes. The 18" version is considered a standard size for a primary crash cymbal.

Is the Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash durable?

Yes, the B12 bronze alloy is noted for providing great durability. It is built to withstand the rigours of consistent playing and high-impact performance.

How does the attack of this cymbal be described?

The attack is described as quick and explosive. It provides an immediate burst of sound that is both bright and shimmering before the darker sustain takes over.

How does it differ from the Meinl HCS series?

The HCS series is an entry-level line made from brass, whereas the Classics Custom Dual is a professional-grade cymbal made from B12 bronze. The Dual Crash offers significantly more complexity, projection, and tonal balance.

Gear article

Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash

The Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash is a versatile B12 bronze alloy cymbal known for its quick, explosive attack and unique dual-finish construction. It bridges the gap between bright projection and dark warmth, featuring a lathed edge for fast response and a dark-finished centre for tonal balance.

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Background and Material

The Classics Custom Dual series represents Meinl's innovation in B12 bronze metallurgy, offering a durable alternative to standard B8 or B20 cymbals. The 18" Crash is designed to provide professional-grade performance with a distinct aesthetic and sonic profile. By using B12 bronze, Meinl ensures the cymbal has sufficient projection for high-volume settings while maintaining a refined musicality.

Design and Construction

The most striking feature of the Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash is its hybrid surface. The outer edge is lathed, which facilitates a faster response and a bright, shimmering initial strike. Conversely, the centre of the cymbal is treated with a dark finish. This combination is engineered to balance the explosive attack of the lathed edge with the deeper, more complex tones generated by the unlathed centre.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of this cymbal is defined by contrast. Upon being struck, it produces a quick, explosive attack with a bright shimmer. This is immediately followed by a short, dark sustain. This 'dual' nature allows the cymbal to cut through a mix without lingering unnecessarily, making it suitable for drummers who require precision and clarity.

Applications

Due to its balanced character, the 18" Dual Crash is highly versatile. It is well-suited for a variety of drumming styles, ranging from rock and metal—where its projection is essential—to pop and fusion, where its rapid decay and warm undertones provide a sophisticated accent. Its durability also makes it a reliable choice for touring drummers.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Classics Custom Dual offers more projection and a brighter initial attack due to the B12 alloy and lathed edge. While entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series provide basic functionality, the Dual Crash offers a more complex, professional tonal palette. For players seeking a more vintage or traditional vibe, cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat or Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch provide different harmonic structures, whereas the Meinl Dual Crash focuses on modern explosive response and hybrid aesthetics.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash made from?: It is manufactured using B12 bronze alloy. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to provide an explosive attack and projection in various musical settings.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The typical retail price for the Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash is approximately £229. This places it in a competitive mid-to-high-tier price bracket for professional cymbals.
How does the 'dual' finish affect the sound?: The lathed edge allows for a faster, brighter response when struck. The dark centre produces a more well-balanced and warm character, resulting in a cymbal that combines shimmer with a dark sustain.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud music?: Yes, the B12 alloy and explosive projection make it sit perfectly in high-volume settings. Its quick attack ensures it is heard clearly even in dense musical arrangements.
What kind of sustain does the 18" Dual Crash have?: It features a short sustain. The sound begins with a bright shimmer and quickly resolves into a dark, controlled decay, preventing the sound from washing out other instruments.
How does this model compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both offer dark characteristics, the Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash is typically more explosive and brighter on the initial hit than a Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash. The B12 alloy in the Dual series offers a different projection profile than the B20 alloy used in Byzance.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz?: Yes, its versatile nature and dark sustain allow it to be implemented easily into jazz and fusion. The quick response is particularly useful for drummers who play with a wide dynamic range.
What is the primary benefit of the lathed edge?: The lathed edge is specifically designed to provide a faster response. This ensures that the cymbal speaks immediately upon impact, providing that signature explosive attack.
Does this cymbal come in other sizes?: While this specific article focuses on the 18" model, the Classics Custom Dual range typically includes various sizes. The 18" version is considered a standard size for a primary crash cymbal.
Is the Meinl Classics Custom Dual 18" Crash durable?: Yes, the B12 bronze alloy is noted for providing great durability. It is built to withstand the rigours of consistent playing and high-impact performance.
How does the attack of this cymbal be described?: The attack is described as quick and explosive. It provides an immediate burst of sound that is both bright and shimmering before the darker sustain takes over.
How does it differ from the Meinl HCS series?: The HCS series is an entry-level line made from brass, whereas the Classics Custom Dual is a professional-grade cymbal made from B12 bronze. The Dual Crash offers significantly more complexity, projection, and tonal balance.