What is the typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy 15" Medium Hi-Hats?

These cymbals are typically priced at approximately GBP 387. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

How does the 15-inch size affect the sound compared to a 14-inch hi-hat?

The 15-inch diameter offers a deeper, warmer tone and a larger 'slosh' when played open. It generally provides more volume and a broader frequency range than a standard 14-inch pair.

What manufacturing process is used for these cymbals?

Meinl uses a combination of high-tech machine hammering and traditional craftsmanship. The surfaces are finished with pinpoint lathing to ensure a clean, consistent response.

Are these cymbals suitable for heavy rock drumming?

Yes, the Medium weight and 'Pure Alloy' construction provide enough strength and volume to cut through loud mixes. However, they are versatile enough to handle lower-dynamic genres as well.

How do these differ from the Meinl Byzance series?

Unlike the Byzance series, which is known for raw, dark, and earthy tones, the Pure Alloy series is brighter and more 'classical.' They feature a fully lathed surface for a cleaner, more shimmering sustain.

What is meant by a 'high wash-to-stick ratio'?

This refers to the balance between the initial 'click' of the stick hitting the cymbal and the following 'shimmering' sound. These hi-hats produce a significant amount of ambient sustain relative to the initial impact.

Is the Pure Alloy series considered a professional line?

Yes, the Pure Alloy series is a professional-grade line designed for recording and live performance. It sits above the entry-level HCS series in both price and sonic complexity.

What material is used in the Pure Alloy series?

The cymbals are made from Meinl's 'Pure Alloy,' which is a B12 bronze alloy known for its clarity and balanced frequency response. This differentiates it from the B20 bronze used in the Byzance series.

Do these hi-hats have a traditional or modern finish?

They feature a traditional-style lathed finish. The pinpoint lathing gives them a brilliant but classic look, avoiding the raw or unpolished aesthetics of 'dry' cymbals.

Can these hi-hats be used for jazz?

While their wash and sustain are excellent for jazz, some players may find them a bit bright compared to specific jazz-focused cymbals. However, their dynamic range makes them very adaptable.

Are the top and bottom cymbals the same weight?

In a 'Medium' hi-hat pair, the bottom cymbal is typically heavier than the top to provide a crisp 'chick' sound. Both are part of the Medium weight category for this specific model.

How does the sustain of these hi-hats compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?

The Pure Alloy 15" Medium Hi-Hats offer a luscious, smooth sustain similar to the Giant Beat, but with the added body and depth provided by the larger 15-inch size.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy 15" Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals

The Meinl Pure Alloy 15" Medium Hi-Hats are professional-grade cymbals blending high-tech machine hammering with traditional lathing techniques. They are designed to offer a classical response with a modern wash-to-stick ratio, providing a balanced alternative to Meinl's drier, earthier series.

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Background and Design

The Pure Alloy series represents a strategic shift for Meinl. While the manufacturer has become synonymous with the raw, unlathed, and 'earthy' aesthetics of the Byzance series, the Pure Alloy line looks toward a more traditional, 'classical' cymbal architecture. These 15-inch hi-hats utilize high-tech computerised hammering to ensure consistency, paired with a pinpoint lathed surface that defines their visual and sonic profile.

Technical Features

The 15" Medium Hi-Hats are constructed using the brand's proprietary Pure Alloy. The larger 15-inch diameter provides a broader frequency spectrum compared to standard 14-inch models. Key features include:

High-Tech Hammering: Ensures precise tensioning and tonal consistency across production batches.
Pinpoint Lathing: A fine lathing process that covers the entire surface, contributing to the cymbal's shimmer and responsiveness.
Dynamic Range: Designed to be highly sensitive, reacting accurately to both soft ghost notes and heavy accents.

Sonic Character

The sound profile of the 15" Pure Alloy Medium Hi-Hats is characterised by a higher wash-to-stick ratio than many of Meinl's drier offerings. This results in a luscious sustain and a 'silky' top end. Despite the increased wash, they maintain sufficient strength and 'chick' sound to remain articulate in a mix. The 15-inch sizing adds a degree of warmth and low-end body that smaller hi-hats typically lack.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, these cymbals sit between the budget-friendly HCS series and the artisan Byzance Extra Dry series. Unlike the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash which focuses on short, trashy decay, the Pure Alloy hi-hats focus on clarity and sustain. Compared to industry alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or UFIP Bionic Series, the Pure Alloy 15" provides a more modern, machine-perfected precision while retaining a traditional tonal shimmer.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy 15" Medium Hi-Hats?: These cymbals are typically priced at approximately GBP 387. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does the 15-inch size affect the sound compared to a 14-inch hi-hat?: The 15-inch diameter offers a deeper, warmer tone and a larger 'slosh' when played open. It generally provides more volume and a broader frequency range than a standard 14-inch pair.
What manufacturing process is used for these cymbals?: Meinl uses a combination of high-tech machine hammering and traditional craftsmanship. The surfaces are finished with pinpoint lathing to ensure a clean, consistent response.
Are these cymbals suitable for heavy rock drumming?: Yes, the Medium weight and 'Pure Alloy' construction provide enough strength and volume to cut through loud mixes. However, they are versatile enough to handle lower-dynamic genres as well.
How do these differ from the Meinl Byzance series?: Unlike the Byzance series, which is known for raw, dark, and earthy tones, the Pure Alloy series is brighter and more 'classical.' They feature a fully lathed surface for a cleaner, more shimmering sustain.
What is meant by a 'high wash-to-stick ratio'?: This refers to the balance between the initial 'click' of the stick hitting the cymbal and the following 'shimmering' sound. These hi-hats produce a significant amount of ambient sustain relative to the initial impact.
Is the Pure Alloy series considered a professional line?: Yes, the Pure Alloy series is a professional-grade line designed for recording and live performance. It sits above the entry-level HCS series in both price and sonic complexity.
What material is used in the Pure Alloy series?: The cymbals are made from Meinl's 'Pure Alloy,' which is a B12 bronze alloy known for its clarity and balanced frequency response. This differentiates it from the B20 bronze used in the Byzance series.
Do these hi-hats have a traditional or modern finish?: They feature a traditional-style lathed finish. The pinpoint lathing gives them a brilliant but classic look, avoiding the raw or unpolished aesthetics of 'dry' cymbals.
Can these hi-hats be used for jazz?: While their wash and sustain are excellent for jazz, some players may find them a bit bright compared to specific jazz-focused cymbals. However, their dynamic range makes them very adaptable.
Are the top and bottom cymbals the same weight?: In a 'Medium' hi-hat pair, the bottom cymbal is typically heavier than the top to provide a crisp 'chick' sound. Both are part of the Medium weight category for this specific model.
How does the sustain of these hi-hats compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?: The Pure Alloy 15" Medium Hi-Hats offer a luscious, smooth sustain similar to the Giant Beat, but with the added body and depth provided by the larger 15-inch size.