What alloy is used in the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash?

This cymbal is manufactured using B12 bronze, which is a 'pure alloy' blend consisting of 88% copper and 12% tin. This specific mixture is chosen for its durability and balanced tonal characteristics.

How does the 'dark brilliant' finish affect the sound?

The dark brilliant finish helps to mellow the high-end frequencies, resulting in a mid-dark sound. It provides a smoother attack and a warmer overall character compared to traditional brilliant finishes.

Is this crash cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

Yes, the medium weight provides sufficient volume and projection for rock settings. However, it is designed for versatility rather than extreme volume, so it remains musical even when played hard.

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

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash typically retails for approximately £302. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.

How long is the sustain on this 18-inch crash?

It features a medium sustain. This means the sound blossoms fully after the strike and decays at a natural, moderate rate that doesn't overwhelm the rest of the kit.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz or fusion?

It is highly recommended for fusion due to its complex, full-bodied tone. While it may be slightly bright for traditional 'dark' jazz, its warm character makes it very usable in modern jazz settings.

How does the weight of this cymbal compare to other models?

It is classified as a 'Medium' weight cymbal. This puts it right in the middle of the spectrum, offering more volume than 'Thin' crashes but more sensitivity and warmth than 'Heavy' or 'Rock' crashes.

Does the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash have a distinct bell sound?

The bell is integrated into the medium weight design, providing a clear and musical 'ping' that is distinct but blended with the cymbal's overall wash.

How does B12 alloy compare to B20 alloy used in Byzance cymbals?

B12 alloy generally offers a slightly more focused and brighter fundamental tone than B20. However, the 'Custom' treatment on this model adds complexity that mimics some of the warmth found in B20 cymbals.

Is the finish prone to fingerprints?

Like most brilliant or dark-finished cymbals, the surface can show fingerprints. Regular light cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended to maintain the dark brilliant aesthetic.

What makes this cymbal 'versatile' for genre changes?

The combination of its mid-dark pitch and medium sustain allows it to blend into many mixes. It isn't so dark that it lacks cut for pop, nor so bright that it feels out of place in R&B or Reggae.

How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Pure Alloy Custom is a professional-tier instrument with significantly more complexity and durability than the entry-level HCS series. The HCS uses brass, whereas the Pure Alloy Custom uses high-quality B12 bronze.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash is a professional-grade cymbal constructed from B12 bronze alloy, designed for high durability and musicality. It features a unique dark brilliant finish and a medium weight that facilitates a warm, full-bodied sound suitable for diverse musical genres such as rock, pop, and R&B.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash is an expansion of Meinl’s Pure Alloy philosophy, utilising a specific B12 bronze blend. This alloy is known for offering a balance between the bright, cutting nature of B8 bronze and the complex, darker qualities of B20. The 'Custom' designation refers to the specific weight and finish modifications that differentiate it from the standard Pure Alloy line.

Physically, the cymbal features a dark brilliant finish. This aesthetic treatment is not merely visual; it helps refine the overtones to produce a smoother, more controlled frequency response. The medium weight ensures the cymbal has enough mass to project in louder environments while remaining thin enough to open up quickly when struck softly.

Sonic Character and Performance

The sonic profile of the Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash is defined by its versatility. It produces a mid-dark sound that sits comfortably within a mix without being overly abrasive or disappearing behind high-gain instruments. Key performance attributes include:

Volume: Medium projection, making it suitable for both studio and live settings.
Sustain: A medium decay that provides a full wash without lingering excessively.
Timbre: Warm and smooth with a complex, full-bodied tone.

Because of its balanced sustain and volume, it is particularly effective for drummers who need a single crash that can handle multiple dynamics.

Musical Applications

This cymbal is engineered for drummers who navigate various musical landscapes. Its frequency response is tailored to fit the following styles:

Rock and Pop: Provides the necessary cut and shimmer for backbeat-heavy music.
Fusion and R&B: Offers the musical complexity and warmth required for more nuanced playing.
Reggae: The medium weight and warm character complement the rhythmic accents typical of the genre.

Its ability to transition between these styles makes it a practical choice for session musicians or those playing in cover bands where genre shifts occur frequently.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other models in the Meinl catalogue, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Pure Alloy Custom 18" is notably more versatile and brighter, whereas the Byzance is significantly darker and shorter in sustain. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Pure Alloy Custom offers vastly superior durability and a more 'musical' frequency spectrum due to the B12 alloy.

In the wider market, it competes with cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash. While the Paiste Giant Beat offers a more vintage, glassy shimmer, the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom provides a more modern, mid-dark warmth that is often preferred for contemporary R&B and fusion mixes.

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Frequently asked questions

What alloy is used in the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash?: This cymbal is manufactured using B12 bronze, which is a 'pure alloy' blend consisting of 88% copper and 12% tin. This specific mixture is chosen for its durability and balanced tonal characteristics.
How does the 'dark brilliant' finish affect the sound?: The dark brilliant finish helps to mellow the high-end frequencies, resulting in a mid-dark sound. It provides a smoother attack and a warmer overall character compared to traditional brilliant finishes.
Is this crash cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: Yes, the medium weight provides sufficient volume and projection for rock settings. However, it is designed for versatility rather than extreme volume, so it remains musical even when played hard.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash typically retails for approximately £302. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.
How long is the sustain on this 18-inch crash?: It features a medium sustain. This means the sound blossoms fully after the strike and decays at a natural, moderate rate that doesn't overwhelm the rest of the kit.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz or fusion?: It is highly recommended for fusion due to its complex, full-bodied tone. While it may be slightly bright for traditional 'dark' jazz, its warm character makes it very usable in modern jazz settings.
How does the weight of this cymbal compare to other models?: It is classified as a 'Medium' weight cymbal. This puts it right in the middle of the spectrum, offering more volume than 'Thin' crashes but more sensitivity and warmth than 'Heavy' or 'Rock' crashes.
Does the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Medium Crash have a distinct bell sound?: The bell is integrated into the medium weight design, providing a clear and musical 'ping' that is distinct but blended with the cymbal's overall wash.
How does B12 alloy compare to B20 alloy used in Byzance cymbals?: B12 alloy generally offers a slightly more focused and brighter fundamental tone than B20. However, the 'Custom' treatment on this model adds complexity that mimics some of the warmth found in B20 cymbals.
Is the finish prone to fingerprints?: Like most brilliant or dark-finished cymbals, the surface can show fingerprints. Regular light cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended to maintain the dark brilliant aesthetic.
What makes this cymbal 'versatile' for genre changes?: The combination of its mid-dark pitch and medium sustain allows it to blend into many mixes. It isn't so dark that it lacks cut for pop, nor so bright that it feels out of place in R&B or Reggae.
How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Pure Alloy Custom is a professional-tier instrument with significantly more complexity and durability than the entry-level HCS series. The HCS uses brass, whereas the Pure Alloy Custom uses high-quality B12 bronze.