What material is the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash made from?

The cymbal is crafted from B12 bronze, which is a blend of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is known for providing a balance between brightness and warmth.

Where is this cymbal manufactured?

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash is precision-crafted in Germany. This ensures high manufacturing standards and consistent tonal quality across the series.

What is the primary sonic characteristic of this cymbal?

It is known for a 'trashy' tone with a fast attack and a very short sustain. The sound is brash yet warm, sitting in a low-to-mid pitch range.

Why does the cymbal have holes in it?

The different-sized and shaped holes are designed to reduce the cymbal's weight and disrupt its vibration. This creates the signature 'trashy' sound and ensures a quicker decay.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

Yes, it is suitable for Rock and Pop, though it has a medium to low volume profile. It works best as an effects cymbal rather than a primary loud crash.

How does the volume of this cymbal compare to standard crashes?

It offers a medium to low volume. This controlled output makes it excellent for studio recording and genres like R&B or Fusion where subtlety is often required.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash is approximately GBP 405. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Can this cymbal be used for Reggae?

Yes, its fast attack and short decay make it a popular choice for Reggae. It provides the quick, sharp accents necessary for the genre's rhythmic patterns.

What finish does the Pure Alloy Custom series feature?

The cymbal features a smoked-bronze finish on the top side and a brilliant finish on the underside. This combination helps define its warm and smooth character.

Is the sustain on this cymbal long or short?

The sustain is short. The design of the holes and the B12 alloy allow the sound to dissipate quickly after the initial strike.

How does this cymbal contrast with a bright cymbal set?

Because of its low-to-mid pitch and trashy character, it provides a distinct tonal contrast to brighter cymbals. This adds variety to a drummer's sonic palette during live shows or recordings.

Is the 20" Trash Crash recommended for studio use?

Yes, it is highly recommended for studio work. Its controlled volume and short decay prevent excessive bleed into other microphones and allow for clean recordings.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash is a German-made effects cymbal constructed from B12 bronze, designed to deliver a brash tone with a rapid attack. Characterised by its unique hole patterns and smoked-bronze finish, it offers a warm, medium-to-low volume response suitable for both studio and live applications.

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Overview

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash is a high-end effects cymbal produced as part of the Pure Alloy Custom series. Known for its distinct aesthetic and sonic profile, the cymbal is manufactured in Germany using precision techniques. It is specifically designed to provide a 'trashy' sonic texture that sits between a traditional crash and a china cymbal, making it a versatile addition to modern drum kits.

Construction and Design

This cymbal is crafted from B12 bronze, an alloy consisting of 88% copper and 12% tin. The most striking visual and functional feature is the inclusion of various-sized and shaped holes cut directly into the bow. These perforations reduce the mass of the cymbal and disrupt the vibration patterns, which facilitates a faster response and a shorter decay. The 'Custom' designation refers to the smoked-bronze top finish and a brilliant bottom finish, which contributes to its balanced tonal characteristics.

Sound Profile

Sonically, the 20" Trash Crash is defined by a low-to-mid pitch and a smooth, warm character. Despite its brash initial attack, the cymbal maintains a medium to low volume level, preventing it from overpowering other instruments. The sustain is intentionally short, allowing the drummer to add quick accents without significant 'wash' or lingering resonance. This makes it an ideal contrast when used alongside brighter, traditional cymbals.

Applications

Due to its controlled volume and warm undertones, the cymbal is well-suited for a variety of musical genres, including:

Rock and Pop: For adding unique textures to backbeats.
Fusion and R&B: Where precise, fast-decaying accents are required.
Reggae: Providing sharp, distinctive 'chatter'.
Studio Recording: Its short decay and controlled volume make it easier to manage in a microphone-heavy environment compared to larger, more resonant crashes.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other Meinl products, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash offers a more consistent, polished 'trash' sound due to the B12 alloy and specific hole patterns. While standard crashes like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride focus on traditional resonance and sustain, the Trash Crash serves a specific niche for rapid-fire effects and textural variety.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash made from?: The cymbal is crafted from B12 bronze, which is a blend of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is known for providing a balance between brightness and warmth.
Where is this cymbal manufactured?: The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash is precision-crafted in Germany. This ensures high manufacturing standards and consistent tonal quality across the series.
What is the primary sonic characteristic of this cymbal?: It is known for a 'trashy' tone with a fast attack and a very short sustain. The sound is brash yet warm, sitting in a low-to-mid pitch range.
Why does the cymbal have holes in it?: The different-sized and shaped holes are designed to reduce the cymbal's weight and disrupt its vibration. This creates the signature 'trashy' sound and ensures a quicker decay.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: Yes, it is suitable for Rock and Pop, though it has a medium to low volume profile. It works best as an effects cymbal rather than a primary loud crash.
How does the volume of this cymbal compare to standard crashes?: It offers a medium to low volume. This controlled output makes it excellent for studio recording and genres like R&B or Fusion where subtlety is often required.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 20" Trash Crash is approximately GBP 405. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Can this cymbal be used for Reggae?: Yes, its fast attack and short decay make it a popular choice for Reggae. It provides the quick, sharp accents necessary for the genre's rhythmic patterns.
What finish does the Pure Alloy Custom series feature?: The cymbal features a smoked-bronze finish on the top side and a brilliant finish on the underside. This combination helps define its warm and smooth character.
Is the sustain on this cymbal long or short?: The sustain is short. The design of the holes and the B12 alloy allow the sound to dissipate quickly after the initial strike.
How does this cymbal contrast with a bright cymbal set?: Because of its low-to-mid pitch and trashy character, it provides a distinct tonal contrast to brighter cymbals. This adds variety to a drummer's sonic palette during live shows or recordings.
Is the 20" Trash Crash recommended for studio use?: Yes, it is highly recommended for studio work. Its controlled volume and short decay prevent excessive bleed into other microphones and allow for clean recordings.