What material is used for the Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash?

The cymbal is crafted from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This material is chosen for its ability to produce a balance of warm and bright frequencies.

Is this cymbal better for live performance or studio recording?

It is designed for both settings. Its medium sustain and 'focused' tones make it easy for engineers to capture in the studio, while its shimmering strength ensures it carries well in a live venue.

How does lathing affect the sound of this crash?

The cymbal features pinpoint lathing on its surface. This process helps to focus the frequencies, preventing the sound from becoming too wild or spread out, resulting in a cleaner decay.

Is the Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash considered a 'dark' cymbal?

No, it is designed to be an 'in-between' cymbal. It possesses some of the complexity of dark cymbals but retains the shimmering high-end presence of brighter alloys.

How does its size affect its response time?

At 17 inches, this crash responds slightly faster than an 18 or 19-inch crash. It delivers a quick burst of sound that is ideal for accents and punchy transitions.

What kind of sustain should I expect from this model?

This cymbal offers a medium sustain. It rings out long enough to provide a full sound without lingering so long that it interferes with the rest of the drum kit's rhythms.

What genres of music is the Pure Alloy series best for?

The Pure Alloy series is highly versatile and fits almost any genre. It is commonly used in rock, pop, fusion, jazz, and worship music due to its balanced tonal range.

How is the cymbal shaped during manufacturing?

The B12 bronze is hammered into shape to create complex tones. This mechanical shaping is what gives the cymbal its professional character and unique harmonic depth.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

While the Byzance series (like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash) is often hand-hammered and leans towards darker, drier, or trashier tones, the Pure Alloy is more consistent and tonally balanced.

Can it be used as a light ride cymbal?

While primarily a crash, its medium weight and 17-inch diameter allow for light riding in soft passages. However, it will lack the stick definition of a dedicated ride cymbal.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

Yes, while it is a professional-grade instrument, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for any drummer. However, beginners on a tight budget might typically start with the HCS series before upgrading to Pure Alloy.

What is the aesthetic finish of the 17" Medium Crash?

It features a traditional finish with visible lathing lines. This gives it a classic, professional appearance that fits well with most drum kit setups.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash

The Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash is a professional-grade cymbal manufactured in Germany using B12 bronze. It is designed to offer a balanced tonal profile that bridges the gap between traditional dark and modern bright sounds, catering to a wide variety of musical genres.

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Overview and Design

The Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash is part of the Pure Alloy series, which focuses on providing a versatile, consistent sound for drummers across different skill levels. It is constructed from B12 bronze, an alloy consisting of 88% copper and 12% tin. The manufacturing process involves precision hammering to shape the cymbal and produce a complex tonal response, followed by pinpoint lathing across the entire surface.

This lathing technique creates a focused sound with a traditional aesthetic. The 17-inch diameter provides a fast response typical of smaller crashes but with enough weight to ensure a full, 'wholesome' range of tonalities. The medium weight ensures the cymbal has sufficient durability for aggressive playing while remaining sensitive enough for lighter music.

Sound Profile and Performance

Defined by its 'shimmering' quality, the Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash delivers a sound that Meinl describes as an 'in-between' of dark and bright. This neutral character allows it to blend into various musical mixes without being overbearing or too subdued. Key performance characteristics include:

Tone: Strong and shimmering with complex overtones.
Sustain: Medium, allowing the cymbal to cut through a mix and decay at a manageable rate.
Versatility: Suitable for drummers who move between genres such as rock, pop, fusion, and jazz.
Clarity: The pinpoint lathing results in a clear, defined 'wash' that does not become muddy during rapid strikes.

Target Audience

This cymbal is positioned as a professional-level instrument, though its price point and versatility make it accessible for intermediate players looking to upgrade. Because it avoids extreme tonal biases—unlike the very dark Byzance series or the bright HCS series—it is particularly well-suited for 'session' drummers who need a single crash that can work in multiple recording or live environments.

Comparative Context

Within the Meinl catalogue, the Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash sits between the raw, earthy textures of the Byzance Extra Dry series and the high-frequency dominance of the Classics Custom line. Compared to industry alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series, the Pure Alloy offers a more 'controlled' and focused shimmer. While the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash provides a more specialized, vintage character, the Pure Alloy 17" is designed for standard modern applications where a reliable, balanced crash is required.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash?: The cymbal is crafted from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This material is chosen for its ability to produce a balance of warm and bright frequencies.
Is this cymbal better for live performance or studio recording?: It is designed for both settings. Its medium sustain and 'focused' tones make it easy for engineers to capture in the studio, while its shimmering strength ensures it carries well in a live venue.
How does lathing affect the sound of this crash?: The cymbal features pinpoint lathing on its surface. This process helps to focus the frequencies, preventing the sound from becoming too wild or spread out, resulting in a cleaner decay.
Is the Meinl Pure Alloy 17" Medium Crash considered a 'dark' cymbal?: No, it is designed to be an 'in-between' cymbal. It possesses some of the complexity of dark cymbals but retains the shimmering high-end presence of brighter alloys.
How does its size affect its response time?: At 17 inches, this crash responds slightly faster than an 18 or 19-inch crash. It delivers a quick burst of sound that is ideal for accents and punchy transitions.
What kind of sustain should I expect from this model?: This cymbal offers a medium sustain. It rings out long enough to provide a full sound without lingering so long that it interferes with the rest of the drum kit's rhythms.
What genres of music is the Pure Alloy series best for?: The Pure Alloy series is highly versatile and fits almost any genre. It is commonly used in rock, pop, fusion, jazz, and worship music due to its balanced tonal range.
How is the cymbal shaped during manufacturing?: The B12 bronze is hammered into shape to create complex tones. This mechanical shaping is what gives the cymbal its professional character and unique harmonic depth.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: While the Byzance series (like the 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash) is often hand-hammered and leans towards darker, drier, or trashier tones, the Pure Alloy is more consistent and tonally balanced.
Can it be used as a light ride cymbal?: While primarily a crash, its medium weight and 17-inch diameter allow for light riding in soft passages. However, it will lack the stick definition of a dedicated ride cymbal.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: Yes, while it is a professional-grade instrument, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for any drummer. However, beginners on a tight budget might typically start with the HCS series before upgrading to Pure Alloy.
What is the aesthetic finish of the 17" Medium Crash?: It features a traditional finish with visible lathing lines. This gives it a classic, professional appearance that fits well with most drum kit setups.