What cymbals are included in the Meinl Mike Johnston Set?

The set includes 14" Extra Dry Medium Hi-hats, a 20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash, and a 21" Transition Ride. Additionally, the package typically includes a free 18" Extra Dry Thin Crash to complete the setup.

What is the typical price for this cymbal pack?

The typical retail price for this professional cymbal set is approximately £1499. This reflects the premium B20 bronze construction and the included signature models.

Are these cymbals suitable for heavy metal?

While these cymbals are extremely versatile, they are designed with a focus on 'Extra Dry' and 'Extra Thin' characteristics. Heavy metal drummers might find them lacking the extreme volume and durability required for high-impact playing compared to dedicated heavy series.

What makes the Transition Ride unique?

The 21" Transition Ride is designed to bridge the gap between a traditional ride and a crash. It provides distinct stick definition on the bow while allowing for a dark, shimmering wash when crashed.

What kind of finish do the cymbals have?

The set features a mix of finishes, primarily the 'Extra Dry' raw finish which is unlathed and dark. This contributes to the set's short decay and earthy tonal character.

How does this set compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Mike Johnston set is a professional B20 bronze collection, offering much higher harmonic complexity and dynamic range than the entry-level brass-based HCS series. The HCS series is for beginners, whereas this set is for professional recording and performance.

Is a cymbal bag included with this set?

Based on the manufacturer's standard specifications for this specific pack, the primary focus is the four cymbals. You should check with individual retailers to see if they offer a promotional bag, as it is not listed as a core component of the set.

Can these cymbals be used for jazz music?

Yes, the thin weights and dark, dry tones are highly suited for jazz. The 21" Transition Ride and the Extra Dry crashes provide the subtle textures and complex overtones often required in jazz settings.

What is the weight of the hi-hats in this set?

The set includes 14" Extra Dry Medium Hi-hats. The medium weight ensures they have enough 'chick' and volume to be heard in a mix while maintaining the dry, crisp character of the series.

How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?

The Paiste Giant Beat cymbals tend to be brighter and more 'glassy' with a vintage 1960s character. The Meinl Mike Johnston set is significantly darker, drier, and more modern in its frequency response.

Are the cymbals in this set hand-hammered?

Yes, as part of the Byzance series, these cymbals undergo extensive hand-hammering. This process creates the unique tonal complexities and dark character associated with high-end Meinl cymbals.

Does the 20-inch crash feel heavy under the stick?

No, the 20" crash is an 'Extra Thin Hammered' model. This means it is very responsive and opens up easily with minimal force, providing a fast, explosive response.

Gear article

Meinl Mike Johnston Cymbal Set

The Meinl Mike Johnston Cymbal Set is a professional-grade collection of Meinl Byzance series cymbals curated to match the signature sound of educator and drummer Mike Johnston. The set features a specific configuration of extra-dry and thin-hammered cymbals designed for high levels of musicality and versatility in both studio and live environments.

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Overview

The Meinl Mike Johnston Cymbal Set is a comprehensive hardware package consisting of four premium cymbals from the Byzance range. The set includes 14" Extra Dry Medium Hi-hats, a 20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash, a 21" Transition Ride, and a bonus 18" Extra Dry Thin Crash. These components are selected to provide a balanced frequency response that sits comfortably within a professional audio mix without overwhelming other instruments.

Design and Construction

The cymbals in this collection are primarily characterized by their unique surface treatments and weight distributions. The Extra Dry models undergo a specific manufacturing process that leaves the surface raw and unlathed, resulting in a dark, earthy aesthetic and a short sustain. The 20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash and the 21" Transition Ride focus on thinner profiles to enhance responsiveness and allow for a wider dynamic range, responding to even light touches with a complex, wash-heavy character.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary sonic profile of the Mike Johnston set is defined by musicality and control. Because the cymbals are largely medium to extra-thin in weight, they avoid the harsh, piercing high-frequencies often associated with heavier rock cymbals. The 'Transition Ride' is a centerpiece of the set, engineered to provide a clear stick definition that can seamlessly transition into a full-bodied crash sound. The inclusion of the Extra Dry crashes ensures that the kit provides a quick decay, which is highly valued in recording scenarios where 'cymbals bleed' into other microphones must be minimised.

Applications and Versatility

While developed in collaboration with a prominent drum educator, the set is intended for general professional use across multiple genres. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for jazz, fusion, pop, and session work. The medium-weight design ensures that the cymbals are loud enough for live performance while remaining sensitive enough for low-volume settings. The curation removes the guesswork for drummers looking to achieve a cohesive, pre-matched sound across their entire setup.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional options, such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the Meinl Mike Johnston set offers a more distinctly 'dry' and modern aesthetic. Unlike entry-level alternatives like the HCS series or budget low-volume packs, this set utilizes B20 bronze and hand-hammering techniques. While the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or UFIP Class Series cymbals offer traditional European and Turkish tones, the Johnston set is specifically voiced for the 'dry and dark' trend prevalent in contemporary session drumming.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Meinl Mike Johnston Set?: The set includes 14" Extra Dry Medium Hi-hats, a 20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash, and a 21" Transition Ride. Additionally, the package typically includes a free 18" Extra Dry Thin Crash to complete the setup.
What is the typical price for this cymbal pack?: The typical retail price for this professional cymbal set is approximately £1499. This reflects the premium B20 bronze construction and the included signature models.
Are these cymbals suitable for heavy metal?: While these cymbals are extremely versatile, they are designed with a focus on 'Extra Dry' and 'Extra Thin' characteristics. Heavy metal drummers might find them lacking the extreme volume and durability required for high-impact playing compared to dedicated heavy series.
What makes the Transition Ride unique?: The 21" Transition Ride is designed to bridge the gap between a traditional ride and a crash. It provides distinct stick definition on the bow while allowing for a dark, shimmering wash when crashed.
What kind of finish do the cymbals have?: The set features a mix of finishes, primarily the 'Extra Dry' raw finish which is unlathed and dark. This contributes to the set's short decay and earthy tonal character.
How does this set compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Mike Johnston set is a professional B20 bronze collection, offering much higher harmonic complexity and dynamic range than the entry-level brass-based HCS series. The HCS series is for beginners, whereas this set is for professional recording and performance.
Is a cymbal bag included with this set?: Based on the manufacturer's standard specifications for this specific pack, the primary focus is the four cymbals. You should check with individual retailers to see if they offer a promotional bag, as it is not listed as a core component of the set.
Can these cymbals be used for jazz music?: Yes, the thin weights and dark, dry tones are highly suited for jazz. The 21" Transition Ride and the Extra Dry crashes provide the subtle textures and complex overtones often required in jazz settings.
What is the weight of the hi-hats in this set?: The set includes 14" Extra Dry Medium Hi-hats. The medium weight ensures they have enough 'chick' and volume to be heard in a mix while maintaining the dry, crisp character of the series.
How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?: The Paiste Giant Beat cymbals tend to be brighter and more 'glassy' with a vintage 1960s character. The Meinl Mike Johnston set is significantly darker, drier, and more modern in its frequency response.
Are the cymbals in this set hand-hammered?: Yes, as part of the Byzance series, these cymbals undergo extensive hand-hammering. This process creates the unique tonal complexities and dark character associated with high-end Meinl cymbals.
Does the 20-inch crash feel heavy under the stick?: No, the 20" crash is an 'Extra Thin Hammered' model. This means it is very responsive and opens up easily with minimal force, providing a fast, explosive response.