What material is used to make these hi-hats?

The Meinl 15" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Hi-hats are constructed from premium B20 bronze. This alloy consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for high-end professional cymbals.

Where are these cymbals manufactured?

These hi-hats are hand-hammered by skilled smiths in Turkey. Following the initial hammering and shaping, they are sent to Meinl's facility in Germany for final finishing and quality control.

What is the weight relationship between the top and bottom cymbals?

This set features a light-weighted top cymbal paired with a heavy-weighted bottom cymbal. This design is intended to provide a mix of warm wash and sharp, articulate foot closure.

What musical styles are these hi-hats best suited for?

Due to their versatile mid-bright timbre, they are suitable for rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and jazz. Their balanced sustain and warmth make them adaptable to almost any musical environment.

What is the typical price for this cymbal set?

In the UK market, these hi-hats typically retail for approximately £595. This reflects their status as a professional-level, hand-crafted instrument.

What does the 'Extra Hammering' process do to the sound?

The extra hammering creates additional indentations in the bronze, which helps to dry out the sound slightly and adds complex, dark overtones. This results in a warmer and more individualistic tonal character.

What kind of finish is applied to these cymbals?

They feature a Traditional finish, which involves narrow blade lathing. This gives the cymbal a classic look and a smooth, balanced sound profile compared to brilliant or raw finishes.

How does the 15-inch size compare to the standard 14-inch size?

The 15-inch diameter offers a slightly lower pitch and a fatter, more 'sloshy' sound when played open. It provides more volume and a broader sonic presence than most 14-inch models.

Does the set include a hi-hat clutch?

Typically, Meinl hi-hats are sold as a pair of cymbals (top and bottom) and do not include the hi-hat clutch. The clutch is usually provided with the hi-hat stand hardware.

How would you describe the sustain of these hi-hats?

These cymbals are rated as having a medium sustain. This means the sound decays at a natural, moderate rate, providing enough resonance for a full sound without ringing excessively.

Are these cymbals suitable for recording in a studio?

Yes, they are highly regarded for studio use. The combination of B20 bronze and careful lathing provides a clear response and warmth that sits well in a mix without requiring heavy equalization.

How does the stick definition feel on this model?

The stick definition is described as strong and precise. The heavy bottom cymbal provides a solid foundation that allows every strike on the light top cymbal to remain distinct and clear.

Gear article

Meinl 15" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Hi-hats

The Meinl 15" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Hi-hat is a professional-grade cymbal pair hand-hammered in Turkey from B20 bronze. It features a light top and heavy bottom configuration designed to balance warmth with precise stick definition across various musical genres. Retailing at approximately £595, these cymbals are noted for their traditional finish and narrow blade lathing.

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Background and Craftsmanship

The Byzance Traditional series represents Meinl's commitment to heritage manufacturing techniques. Each cymbal is hand-hammered in Turkey using B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This specific 15" model incorporates 'Extra Hammering,' a process that adds further tonal complexity and character to the bronze surface.

The manufacturing process concludes in Germany, where the cymbals undergo final quality control. The Traditional finish is achieved through narrow blade lathing, which contributes to the aesthetic and the specific acoustic properties of the Byzance range, offering a balance between old-world warmth and modern projection.

Design and Key Features

A defining characteristic of these hi-hats is the weight disparity between the two cymbals. By pairing a light top cymbal with a heavy bottom cymbal, Meinl ensures a high degree of versatility. The light top allows for a sensitive, washier response when played open, while the heavy bottom provides the necessary mass for a sharp, articulate 'chick' sound when closed with the foot.

The 15-inch diameter provides a larger surface area compared to standard 14-inch models, resulting in a slightly deeper pitch and a broader sound stage. The narrow blade lathing on the surface further refines the frequency response, ensuring that the warmth of the B20 bronze is matched by clear, high-end clarity.

Sonic Character

The sonic profile of the 15" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Hi-hats is described as mid-bright with a warm, smooth character. The extra hammering creates a complex series of overtones that prevent the cymbal from sounding one-dimensional.

Key acoustic traits include: * Stick Definition: Strong and precise, even during fast patterns. * Sustain: Medium, allowing the sound to bloom without becoming overwhelming. * Foot Response: Precise and controlled due to the weighted bottom cymbal. * Timbre: A blend of traditional warmth with enough brightness to cut through a mix.

Applications and Suitability

These hi-hats are designed as a 'do-it-all' solution for professional drummers. Their balanced frequency response makes them suitable for a wide range of genres, including: * Rock and Pop: Where clarity and reliable stick definition are required. * Fusion and R&B: Where warmth and nuanced dynamics are essential. * Studio Recording: The controlled sustain and lack of harsh overtones make them easier to microphone. * Live Performance: The 15-inch size offers enough volume and presence for unmiked stages.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Meinl catalogue, these cymbals sit between the extremely dry and dark textures of the Byzance Extra Dry series and the entry-level bright tones of the HCS range. Compared to 14-inch alternatives like the UFIP Class Series Light or Bionic Series, the Meinl 15" Traditional model offers a deeper pitch and a more 'spread' sound.

While Paiste Giant Beat 14" hi-hats offer a vintage, glassy shimmer, the Meinl Extra Hammered model provides a moodier, more complex B20 character. Compared to the Istanbul Agop range, which is also hand-hammered in Turkey, these Meinl cymbals tend to offer a slightly more modern, consistent 'mid-bright' profile that suits contemporary pop and rock production.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used to make these hi-hats?: The Meinl 15" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Hi-hats are constructed from premium B20 bronze. This alloy consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for high-end professional cymbals.
Where are these cymbals manufactured?: These hi-hats are hand-hammered by skilled smiths in Turkey. Following the initial hammering and shaping, they are sent to Meinl's facility in Germany for final finishing and quality control.
What is the weight relationship between the top and bottom cymbals?: This set features a light-weighted top cymbal paired with a heavy-weighted bottom cymbal. This design is intended to provide a mix of warm wash and sharp, articulate foot closure.
What musical styles are these hi-hats best suited for?: Due to their versatile mid-bright timbre, they are suitable for rock, pop, fusion, R&B, and jazz. Their balanced sustain and warmth make them adaptable to almost any musical environment.
What is the typical price for this cymbal set?: In the UK market, these hi-hats typically retail for approximately £595. This reflects their status as a professional-level, hand-crafted instrument.
What does the 'Extra Hammering' process do to the sound?: The extra hammering creates additional indentations in the bronze, which helps to dry out the sound slightly and adds complex, dark overtones. This results in a warmer and more individualistic tonal character.
What kind of finish is applied to these cymbals?: They feature a Traditional finish, which involves narrow blade lathing. This gives the cymbal a classic look and a smooth, balanced sound profile compared to brilliant or raw finishes.
How does the 15-inch size compare to the standard 14-inch size?: The 15-inch diameter offers a slightly lower pitch and a fatter, more 'sloshy' sound when played open. It provides more volume and a broader sonic presence than most 14-inch models.
Does the set include a hi-hat clutch?: Typically, Meinl hi-hats are sold as a pair of cymbals (top and bottom) and do not include the hi-hat clutch. The clutch is usually provided with the hi-hat stand hardware.
How would you describe the sustain of these hi-hats?: These cymbals are rated as having a medium sustain. This means the sound decays at a natural, moderate rate, providing enough resonance for a full sound without ringing excessively.
Are these cymbals suitable for recording in a studio?: Yes, they are highly regarded for studio use. The combination of B20 bronze and careful lathing provides a clear response and warmth that sits well in a mix without requiring heavy equalization.
How does the stick definition feel on this model?: The stick definition is described as strong and precise. The heavy bottom cymbal provides a solid foundation that allows every strike on the light top cymbal to remain distinct and clear.