What material is used for these hihats?

These cymbals are manufactured from Meinl's specific Pure Alloy bronze. This material is chosen for its balanced tonal properties and durability, providing a professional sound profile suitable for various genres.

Where are these cymbals manufactured?

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 15" Extra Thin Hammered Hihats are precision-crafted in Germany. They undergo a sophisticated computerised hammering process to ensure consistency and tonal depth.

What is the weight classification for this model?

This specific model is classified as 'Extra Thin'. This weight allows for a soft attack, increased responsiveness, and a warmer overall sound compared to Medium or Heavy weight hihats.

What finishes are applied to the cymbals?

These hihats feature a dual-finish design. The top cymbal has a custom smoked-bronze finish, while the bottom cymbal has a brilliant finish, combining for an elegant aesthetic.

How does the size affect the sound compared to 14-inch hihats?

The 15-inch diameter typically results in a slightly lower fundamental pitch and a fuller, broader sound. It offers a larger 'sweet spot' and a more pronounced 'chick' sound when closed with the pedal.

Are these cymbals suitable for recording?

Yes, they are highly regarded for studio music styles. Their warm, full-bodied sound and soft attack ensure they sit well in a microphone mix without producing harsh or piercing frequencies.

Can these be used for heavy rock music?

While they are 'Extra Thin', they are designed for rock, pop, and fusion. They provide a rich sound that cuts through a mix, though extremely high-volume metal players might prefer a thicker model for maximum projection.

What does the hammering process add to the sound?

The additional computerised hammering adds depth and complexity to the tone. It creates a more 'broken-in' feel and a diverse range of overtones, preventing the cymbal from sounding one-dimensional.

How does the price range compare to other Meinl cymbals?

Typically priced around GBP 369, these are mid-to-high-end professional cymbals. They are more expensive than the entry-level HCS series but generally more accessible than some of the premium Byzance models.

What is the primary tonality of these hihats?

The primary tonality is warm and full-bodied. The Pure Alloy bronze combined with the thin weight results in a smooth, musical sound that avoids excessive brightness.

Is the 'Extra Thin' weight fragile?

While they are thinner than standard hihats, they are crafted from high-quality bronze in Germany. With proper technique and striking angles, they are durable enough for professional touring and recording.

How do they compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

The Pure Alloy Custom series offers a more consistent, modern-leaning sound compared to the hand-hammered, often dryer and more idiosyncratic Byzance series like the Extra Dry Thin Crash.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 15" Extra Thin Hammered Hihat Cymbals

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 15" Extra Thin Hammered Hihat Cymbals are premium instruments manufactured in Germany, characterised by their unique 'Extra Thin' weight and specialised alloy composition. Designed for versatility across genres like rock, R&B, and studio recording, they feature a distinctive smoked-bronze top finish and a brilliant bottom finish.

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Overview and Design

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 15" Hihats represent a refined evolution of the standard Pure Alloy series. These cymbals are crafted using high-quality bronze and undergo a precise computerised hammering process in Germany. The design is distinguished by its 'Extra Thin' weight profile, which allows for a more responsive and expressive playing surface compared to heavier counterparts.

Visually, the cymbals are striking, utilising a dual-finish aesthetic. The top cymbal features a custom smoked-bronze finish that provides a muted, professional look, while the bottom cymbal is treated with a high-polish brilliant finish. This combination contributes to both the visual elegance of the drum kit and the specific acoustic properties of the pair.

Tonal Characteristics

Due to the combination of the Pure Alloy bronze and the Extra Thin weight, these hihats produce a warm, full-bodied sound with a soft attack. The additional computerised hammering adds a layer of depth and complexity to the tone, preventing the cymbals from sounding overly clinical.

Key sonic attributes include: * Warmth: A rich low-to-mid range frequency response. * Complexity: Diverse overtones resulting from the hammering process. * Responsive Feel: The thinner metal reacts quickly to stick strikes and pedal work. * Sustain: A controlled decay that sits well in a mix without being abrasive.

Applications and Versatility

These cymbals are designed to be highly versatile, making them suitable for a broad spectrum of musical styles. Their soft attack and warm character make them particularly effective in studio environments where controlled dynamics are essential.

Musicians playing the following genres often find these hihats beneficial: * Rock and Pop * R&B and Fusion * Reggae * Studio and Session recording

The 15-inch diameter provides a slightly lower pitch and more 'slosh' than traditional 14-inch models, providing a bigger sound for live performances without the harshness of thicker cymbals.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl range, these cymbals sit between the brighter, standard Pure Alloy series and the more experimental Byzance Extra Dry series. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS 13" Hihats, the Pure Alloy Custom offers significantly more complexity and professional-grade materials.

When compared to industry alternatives such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hihats, the Meinl model distinguishes itself through its specific 15-inch sizing and the unique smoked-bronze finish. While the UFIP Bionic series focuses on power and projection, the Pure Alloy Custom emphasizes warmth and a soft feel.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for these hihats?: These cymbals are manufactured from Meinl's specific Pure Alloy bronze. This material is chosen for its balanced tonal properties and durability, providing a professional sound profile suitable for various genres.
Where are these cymbals manufactured?: The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 15" Extra Thin Hammered Hihats are precision-crafted in Germany. They undergo a sophisticated computerised hammering process to ensure consistency and tonal depth.
What is the weight classification for this model?: This specific model is classified as 'Extra Thin'. This weight allows for a soft attack, increased responsiveness, and a warmer overall sound compared to Medium or Heavy weight hihats.
What finishes are applied to the cymbals?: These hihats feature a dual-finish design. The top cymbal has a custom smoked-bronze finish, while the bottom cymbal has a brilliant finish, combining for an elegant aesthetic.
How does the size affect the sound compared to 14-inch hihats?: The 15-inch diameter typically results in a slightly lower fundamental pitch and a fuller, broader sound. It offers a larger 'sweet spot' and a more pronounced 'chick' sound when closed with the pedal.
Are these cymbals suitable for recording?: Yes, they are highly regarded for studio music styles. Their warm, full-bodied sound and soft attack ensure they sit well in a microphone mix without producing harsh or piercing frequencies.
Can these be used for heavy rock music?: While they are 'Extra Thin', they are designed for rock, pop, and fusion. They provide a rich sound that cuts through a mix, though extremely high-volume metal players might prefer a thicker model for maximum projection.
What does the hammering process add to the sound?: The additional computerised hammering adds depth and complexity to the tone. It creates a more 'broken-in' feel and a diverse range of overtones, preventing the cymbal from sounding one-dimensional.
How does the price range compare to other Meinl cymbals?: Typically priced around GBP 369, these are mid-to-high-end professional cymbals. They are more expensive than the entry-level HCS series but generally more accessible than some of the premium Byzance models.
What is the primary tonality of these hihats?: The primary tonality is warm and full-bodied. The Pure Alloy bronze combined with the thin weight results in a smooth, musical sound that avoids excessive brightness.
Is the 'Extra Thin' weight fragile?: While they are thinner than standard hihats, they are crafted from high-quality bronze in Germany. With proper technique and striking angles, they are durable enough for professional touring and recording.
How do they compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: The Pure Alloy Custom series offers a more consistent, modern-leaning sound compared to the hand-hammered, often dryer and more idiosyncratic Byzance series like the Extra Dry Thin Crash.