What is the primary function of the holes in the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom Trash Crash?

The holes are designed to reduce the overall mass of the cymbal and interrupt the vibration cycle. This results in a faster attack, a 'trashier' sound quality, and a significantly shorter sustain compared to solid cymbals.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

It features a dual finish: a custom smoked-bronze finish on the top surface for a unique aesthetic and a brilliant finish on the bottom.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

No, Meinl utilizes a computer-controlled hammering process for the Pure Alloy Custom series. This ensures a high level of precision and consistency in every cymbal produced.

What is the weight class of the 18" Trash Crash?

The cymbal is classified as medium-thin, which allows it to open up easily and respond to a wide dynamic range.

How would you describe the timbre of this cymbal?

The manufacturer describes the timbre as mid-dark. It provides a balance between bright, cutting frequencies and darker, more complex undertones.

What genres is the Pure Alloy Custom Trash Crash best suited for?

It is ideal for rock, pop, and related genres where drummers need quick, explosive accents that do not linger too long in the mix.

How does the wash-to-stick ratio compare to other cymbals?

This cymbal benefits from a higher wash-to-stick ratio due to its full lathing and hole pattern. This means the wash of the cymbal is prominent relative to the initial stick definition.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Trash Crash is approximately £299.

Is the cymbal lathed?

Yes, the cymbal is fully lathed on both sides. This process helps to refine the tone and contribute to its shimmering wash.

How does this cymbal differ from a standard Pure Alloy crash?

The 'Custom' version features the smoked-bronze finish and a medium-thin weight, while the 'Trash' designation refers specifically to the addition of holes for a faster, shorter sound.

Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?

While it can be used for any purpose, it is generally intended as an effects cymbal for accents. Its very short sustain may not provide the long decay often desired from a main crash.

What material is used to make this cymbal?

It is made from Meinl's Pure Alloy bronze, which is formulated to provide a smooth, clean, and modern sound profile.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Trash Crash

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Trash Crash is a medium-thin effects cymbal featuring a series of precision-drilled holes for a fast, explosive response. Constructed using a computer-controlled hammering process and a smoked-bronze finish, it is designed for drummers seeking quick, trashy accents with a mid-dark timbre.

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Overview and Construction

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Trash Crash is a professional-grade effects cymbal characterized by its unique dual-finish aesthetic and perforated design. The top surface features a custom smoked-bronze finish, while the bottom is treated with a brilliant finish. Unlike traditional crashes, this model incorporates specifically placed holes throughout the bow to alter air resistance and vibration.

Manufacturing involves a sophisticated computer-controlled hammering process, ensuring consistency across the production line. The cymbal is fully lathed, which contributes to its tonal complexity and refined response.

Sound Character and Performance

Tonal qualities of the Pure Alloy Custom Trash Crash lean towards a mid-dark timbre. The inclusion of holes serves to shorten the sustain significantly, allowing the cymbal to 'explode' upon impact and decay almost immediately. This provides a high wash-to-stick ratio, where the initial strike is quickly overtaken by a trashy, white-noise-like wash.

The medium-thin weight ensures that the cymbal is sensitive to lighter touches while still possessing enough volume for louder musical environments. Its sonic profile is described by the manufacturer as 'sumptuous,' balancing the raw aggression of a trash cymbal with the controlled refinement of the Pure Alloy series.

Applications and Genre Suitability

Because of its fast attack and short decay, this cymbal is primarily utilized for quick accents and punctuations rather than long-sustaining crash riding. It is particularly well-suited for:

Rock and Pop: Providing a modern, sharp alternative to traditional crashes.
Fusion and Funk: Where quick, rhythmic accents are required.
Studio Recording: The short sustain helps prevent the cymbal wash from bleeding excessively into other microphones.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other Meinl offerings, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Pure Alloy Custom Trash Crash offers a more controlled, computer-hammered consistency and a slightly different tonal focus due to the alloy composition. While the Byzance series is known for its hand-hammered, organic complexity, the Pure Alloy series provides a smoother, modern frequency response.

In contrast to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Pure Alloy Custom features superior bronze and a full-lathed finish, resulting in a more professional sound profile with greater harmonic depth.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the holes in the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom Trash Crash?: The holes are designed to reduce the overall mass of the cymbal and interrupt the vibration cycle. This results in a faster attack, a 'trashier' sound quality, and a significantly shorter sustain compared to solid cymbals.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: It features a dual finish: a custom smoked-bronze finish on the top surface for a unique aesthetic and a brilliant finish on the bottom.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: No, Meinl utilizes a computer-controlled hammering process for the Pure Alloy Custom series. This ensures a high level of precision and consistency in every cymbal produced.
What is the weight class of the 18" Trash Crash?: The cymbal is classified as medium-thin, which allows it to open up easily and respond to a wide dynamic range.
How would you describe the timbre of this cymbal?: The manufacturer describes the timbre as mid-dark. It provides a balance between bright, cutting frequencies and darker, more complex undertones.
What genres is the Pure Alloy Custom Trash Crash best suited for?: It is ideal for rock, pop, and related genres where drummers need quick, explosive accents that do not linger too long in the mix.
How does the wash-to-stick ratio compare to other cymbals?: This cymbal benefits from a higher wash-to-stick ratio due to its full lathing and hole pattern. This means the wash of the cymbal is prominent relative to the initial stick definition.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 18" Trash Crash is approximately £299.
Is the cymbal lathed?: Yes, the cymbal is fully lathed on both sides. This process helps to refine the tone and contribute to its shimmering wash.
How does this cymbal differ from a standard Pure Alloy crash?: The 'Custom' version features the smoked-bronze finish and a medium-thin weight, while the 'Trash' designation refers specifically to the addition of holes for a faster, shorter sound.
Can this cymbal be used as a primary crash?: While it can be used for any purpose, it is generally intended as an effects cymbal for accents. Its very short sustain may not provide the long decay often desired from a main crash.
What material is used to make this cymbal?: It is made from Meinl's Pure Alloy bronze, which is formulated to provide a smooth, clean, and modern sound profile.