What alloy is used in the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 17" Crash?

This cymbal is constructed from a B12 bronze alloy, also known as Meinl's 'Pure Alloy'. This material is chosen for its balance of durability and musical complexity.

What is the weight of this specific 17" model?

The cymbal is classified as 'Medium Thin'. This weight allows for a faster response and a warmer tone compared to heavier 'Medium' or 'Rock' crashes.

What type of finish does the Pure Alloy Custom series have?

It features a 'Dark Brilliant' finish. This unique treatment helps produce a mid-dark sound while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

Yes, it is suitable for rock, though its volume is rated as medium-low. It provides a full-bodied sound that fits well in a mix, but heavy hitters might prefer a thicker model for maximum projection.

How long is the sustain on the 17" Medium Thin Crash?

The sustain is rated as medium. This means the sound lingers long enough to feel full-bodied but decays quickly enough to avoid cluttering the musical arrangement.

Can this cymbal be used for R&B and Reggae?

Absolutely. Its warm, smooth character and mid-dark timbre are specifically recommended for genres like R&B, Reggae, and Fusion where musicality is paramount.

How does the 17" size affect the sound compared to a 16" or 18"?

The 17" size is a versatile middle ground. It offers more depth and volume than a 16" crash but responds faster and has a slightly higher pitch than an 18" crash.

Does the Pure Alloy Custom series come with a warranty?

While specific retail warranties vary, Meinl cymbals are built for 'unbeatable durability'. Most authorised dealers provide standard manufacturer coverage against defects.

How does this compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

The Pure Alloy Custom is typically more consistent and focused than the Byzance series. While Byzance cymbals like the Extra Dry Thin Crash are very dark and raw, the Pure Alloy Custom offers a smoother, more polished mid-dark tone.

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

The typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 17" Medium Thin Crash is approximately £279. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Is the volume of this cymbal overwhelming for small venues?

No, the medium-low volume makes it an excellent choice for smaller settings. It allows the drummer to play dynamically without the cymbal overpowering the rest of the band.

Do I need to clean the dark brilliant finish differently?

Like all brilliant cymbals, it is best to use a soft cloth to remove fingerprints. Because of the specific 'dark brilliant' treatment, avoid harsh abrasive cleaners that might strip the finish.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 17" Medium Thin Crash

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 17" Medium Thin Crash is a versatile B12 alloy cymbal designed for a broad range of musical genres. Characterised by its dark brilliant finish and medium-thin weight, it offers a warm, mid-dark sound profile with medium sustain suitable for both studio and live environments.

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Overview

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 17" Medium Thin Crash is engineered as an adaptable instrument within the professional Pure Alloy Custom series. It occupies a middle ground between traditional brightness and modern complexity, utilizing a specific B12 bronze blend. This model is specifically designed to accommodate drummers who require a single crash cymbal capable of performing across diverse sonic landscapes, from intimate club settings to louder stage performances.

Construction and Design

The cymbal is manufactured using Meinl's proprietary Pure Alloy, a B12 bronze that is noted for its durability and musicality. The 'Custom' designation refers to the unique combination of a medium-thin weight and a dark brilliant finish. This finish is not merely aesthetic; it contributes to the cymbal's mid-dark tonal character and smooth response. The 17-inch diameter provides a faster response than larger 18 or 19-inch models while maintaining more body than smaller splash-orientated crashes.

Sonic Characteristics

The tonal profile of the 17" Medium Thin Crash is described as smooth and warm. Because of its medium-thin profile, it activates easily with a light touch but remains controlled when struck with force. Key acoustic features include:

Volume: Medium-low, ensuring it does not overpower other instruments in a mix.
Sustain: Medium, providing a natural decay that suits standard pop and rock cadences.
Timbre: Mid-dark, offering a complex, full-bodied sound that avoids the harsh high frequencies sometimes associated with standard brilliant cymbals.

Musical Applications

This cymbal is marketed as a 'multi-genre' tool. Its balanced sustain and medium volume make it particularly effective in styles such as Rock, Pop, Fusion, R&B, and Reggae. The ability to transition between these genres without a change in hardware makes it a practical choice for session drummers and those playing in variety bands. It sits comfortably in a mix, providing enough presence to be heard without requiring excessive force from the player.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Meinl catalogue, this model offers more warmth and a darker shimmer compared to the standard Pure Alloy line. In contrast to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which is significantly more 'trashy' and short in sustain, the Pure Alloy Custom is more conventional and musical. When compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Pure Alloy Custom provides superior durability and a more sophisticated B12 alloy construction. It serves as a middle-tier professional alternative to boutique options like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch or the Paiste Giant Beat series.

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Frequently asked questions

What alloy is used in the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 17" Crash?: This cymbal is constructed from a B12 bronze alloy, also known as Meinl's 'Pure Alloy'. This material is chosen for its balance of durability and musical complexity.
What is the weight of this specific 17" model?: The cymbal is classified as 'Medium Thin'. This weight allows for a faster response and a warmer tone compared to heavier 'Medium' or 'Rock' crashes.
What type of finish does the Pure Alloy Custom series have?: It features a 'Dark Brilliant' finish. This unique treatment helps produce a mid-dark sound while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: Yes, it is suitable for rock, though its volume is rated as medium-low. It provides a full-bodied sound that fits well in a mix, but heavy hitters might prefer a thicker model for maximum projection.
How long is the sustain on the 17" Medium Thin Crash?: The sustain is rated as medium. This means the sound lingers long enough to feel full-bodied but decays quickly enough to avoid cluttering the musical arrangement.
Can this cymbal be used for R&B and Reggae?: Absolutely. Its warm, smooth character and mid-dark timbre are specifically recommended for genres like R&B, Reggae, and Fusion where musicality is paramount.
How does the 17" size affect the sound compared to a 16" or 18"?: The 17" size is a versatile middle ground. It offers more depth and volume than a 16" crash but responds faster and has a slightly higher pitch than an 18" crash.
Does the Pure Alloy Custom series come with a warranty?: While specific retail warranties vary, Meinl cymbals are built for 'unbeatable durability'. Most authorised dealers provide standard manufacturer coverage against defects.
How does this compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: The Pure Alloy Custom is typically more consistent and focused than the Byzance series. While Byzance cymbals like the Extra Dry Thin Crash are very dark and raw, the Pure Alloy Custom offers a smoother, more polished mid-dark tone.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 17" Medium Thin Crash is approximately £279. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Is the volume of this cymbal overwhelming for small venues?: No, the medium-low volume makes it an excellent choice for smaller settings. It allows the drummer to play dynamically without the cymbal overpowering the rest of the band.
Do I need to clean the dark brilliant finish differently?: Like all brilliant cymbals, it is best to use a soft cloth to remove fingerprints. Because of the specific 'dark brilliant' treatment, avoid harsh abrasive cleaners that might strip the finish.