What is the primary material used in the Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Crash?

The cymbal is made from Meinl's 'Pure Alloy,' a specific bronze blend designed to deliver a smooth, traditional sound with modern clarity. This alloy allows for a versatile frequency range that fits many musical genres.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered or machine-hammered?

This model utilizes high-tech machine-made hammering. This process ensures a high level of consistency and precision across the series, though it is finished with traditional craftsmanship.

How does the finish of this cymbal affect its sound?

The cymbal features a fully lathed surface. This lathing process thins the metal slightly and opens up the sound, allowing for a brighter, more shimmering wash and a quicker response compared to unlathed cymbals.

What is the wash-to-stick ratio for this model?

The 20" Pure Alloy Crash is described as having a higher wash-to-stick ratio. This means the 'washy' sustain of the cymbal is more prominent than the individual 'ping' of the stick strike, creating a lush, atmospheric sound.

Can this cymbal be used for low-volume playing?

While it is not a dedicated low-volume cymbal like those found in the Gear4Music Silver pack, its wide dynamic range allows it to respond well to light playing. However, at 20 inches, it naturally possesses considerable volume potential.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

Unlike the Byzance series, which is known for raw, earthy, and often dark tones, the Pure Alloy series is cleaner and more traditional. It offers more shimmer and a more consistent frequency response than the often 'trashy' Byzance models.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Medium Crash is typically priced at approximately £311. This places it in the professional tier of Meinl's product lineup.

What genres is the Pure Alloy 20" Medium Crash best suited for?

It is highly versatile and suits genres ranging from pop and rock to session work. Its balanced sustain and clarity make it ideal for any situation requiring a 'classic' cymbal sound.

Is the sustain of this cymbal short or long?

The manufacturer describes the sustain as 'luscious.' Due to its 20-inch size and fully lathed surface, it provides a medium-to-long sustain that decays smoothly.

Does this cymbal have a traditional or brilliant finish?

The Pure Alloy series typically features a traditional, fully lathed finish. This gives it a classic look and contributes to its balanced, non-abrasive high-frequency response.

How does the size affect the pitch of the 20" Medium Crash?

As a 20-inch cymbal, it has a lower fundamental pitch than 16-inch or 18-inch crashes. This provides a 'larger' and deeper sound that can fill more sonic space in a live mix.

How does it differ from the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash?

The Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch is often thinner and more character-focused with a darker tone. The Meinl Pure Alloy is more focused on modern clarity, consistency, and a brighter, more 'shimmering' wash.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Medium Crash Cymbal

The Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Medium Crash is a professional-grade cymbal designed to provide a classic, refined response through high-tech machine-made hammering and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a balanced sonic profile with a high wash-to-stick ratio, distinguishing it from Meinl's more experimental, raw series.

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Background and Design

The Pure Alloy series represents a deliberate stylistic shift for Meinl. While the manufacturer gained significant fame for the 'earthy' and 'raw' aesthetics of the Byzance series, the Pure Alloy line focuses on clarity and consistency. The 20" Medium Crash is constructed using high-tech machine hammering combined with a fully lathed surface. This manufacturing process aims to replicate the response and reliability of classical cymbal designs while utilising modern precision engineering.

Technical Features

The primary technical attribute of the Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Medium Crash is its ability to handle a wide dynamic range. Key features include:

Fully Lathed Surface: Both the top and bottom are lathed to ensure a clean, shimmering frequency response.
High-Tech Hammering: Computer-controlled hammering patterns provide consistency across different units of the same model.
20-inch Diameter: The large size contributes to a deeper pitch and increased volume potential compared to smaller crashes.
Pure Alloy Composition: The specific metal blend is engineered for a smooth, velvety sustain.

Sonic Character

This cymbal is defined by its luscious sustain and a higher wash-to-stick ratio. Unlike thinner or 'extra dry' models, the Pure Alloy 20" Crash generates a strong, shimmering wash that sits under the initial strike. It offers a 'clean' sound, free from the dark, trashy overtones found in boutique hand-hammered cymbals. The result is a sound with significant 'strength' and a mid-to-bright tonal profile that cuts through a mix without being abrasive.

Suitability and Use Cases

Due to its dynamic versatility, the 20" Medium Crash is suited for drummers who require a cymbal that responds as well to light touches as it does to heavy hits. It is particularly effective in pop, rock, and session environments where a consistent, predictable frequency response is required. Its large size also allows it to function as a light 'crash-ride' in certain jazz or indie contexts, though its primary design is for crashing.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other models in the Meinl catalogue, such as the 19" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Pure Alloy is significantly brighter and more traditional. While the Byzance series often features unlathed or heavily hammered surfaces for a short, dark decay, the Pure Alloy offers a more 'shimmering' and sustained sound. Compared to entry-level brass options like the HCS series, the Pure Alloy provides vastly superior tonal complexity and durability. Against competitors like the Paiste Giant Beat or Istanbul Agop models, the Pure Alloy stands out for its modern, 'clean' precision and machine-honed consistency.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Crash?: The cymbal is made from Meinl's 'Pure Alloy,' a specific bronze blend designed to deliver a smooth, traditional sound with modern clarity. This alloy allows for a versatile frequency range that fits many musical genres.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered or machine-hammered?: This model utilizes high-tech machine-made hammering. This process ensures a high level of consistency and precision across the series, though it is finished with traditional craftsmanship.
How does the finish of this cymbal affect its sound?: The cymbal features a fully lathed surface. This lathing process thins the metal slightly and opens up the sound, allowing for a brighter, more shimmering wash and a quicker response compared to unlathed cymbals.
What is the wash-to-stick ratio for this model?: The 20" Pure Alloy Crash is described as having a higher wash-to-stick ratio. This means the 'washy' sustain of the cymbal is more prominent than the individual 'ping' of the stick strike, creating a lush, atmospheric sound.
Can this cymbal be used for low-volume playing?: While it is not a dedicated low-volume cymbal like those found in the Gear4Music Silver pack, its wide dynamic range allows it to respond well to light playing. However, at 20 inches, it naturally possesses considerable volume potential.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: Unlike the Byzance series, which is known for raw, earthy, and often dark tones, the Pure Alloy series is cleaner and more traditional. It offers more shimmer and a more consistent frequency response than the often 'trashy' Byzance models.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Medium Crash is typically priced at approximately £311. This places it in the professional tier of Meinl's product lineup.
What genres is the Pure Alloy 20" Medium Crash best suited for?: It is highly versatile and suits genres ranging from pop and rock to session work. Its balanced sustain and clarity make it ideal for any situation requiring a 'classic' cymbal sound.
Is the sustain of this cymbal short or long?: The manufacturer describes the sustain as 'luscious.' Due to its 20-inch size and fully lathed surface, it provides a medium-to-long sustain that decays smoothly.
Does this cymbal have a traditional or brilliant finish?: The Pure Alloy series typically features a traditional, fully lathed finish. This gives it a classic look and contributes to its balanced, non-abrasive high-frequency response.
How does the size affect the pitch of the 20" Medium Crash?: As a 20-inch cymbal, it has a lower fundamental pitch than 16-inch or 18-inch crashes. This provides a 'larger' and deeper sound that can fill more sonic space in a live mix.
How does it differ from the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash?: The Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch is often thinner and more character-focused with a darker tone. The Meinl Pure Alloy is more focused on modern clarity, consistency, and a brighter, more 'shimmering' wash.