What is the weight category of the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 22" Ride?

It is classified as a Medium Thin cymbal. This weight provides a balance between the stick articulation of a heavier ride and the shimmering wash of a thinner cymbal.

What finishes are used on this cymbal?

The cymbal features a dual-finish design. The top has a custom smoked-bronze finish, while the bottom is finished in a brilliant style.

How is the cymbal manufactured?

Meinl uses a computer-controlled hammering process to ensure precision and consistency. The cymbal is also fully lathed across its surface.

What is the timbre of the Pure Alloy Custom 22" Ride?

The timbre is described as mid-dark. This provides a fuller tonal spectrum that is warmer than standard brilliant cymbals but brighter than raw, unlathed models.

Is the bell sound prominent on this model?

Yes, the cymbal is designed with a crisp and penetrating bell. This ensures that bell accents remain audible even when the wash of the cymbal is active.

Which musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?

It is specifically recommended for rock and pop genres. Its dynamic range and shimmering sustain make it versatile for both live performance and studio recording.

Does this ride have a high wash-to-stick ratio?

Yes, the combination of its medium-thin weight and full lathing gives it a higher wash-to-stick ratio. This results in a sweet, lingering sustain rather than a dry, short decay.

How would you describe the attack of this cymbal?

The attack is described as soft. This means the initial strike of the stick feels less aggressive and integrates smoothly into the cymbal's wash.

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

The typical price range for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 22" Medium Thin Ride is approximately £449.

Is the cymbal lathed?

Yes, the cymbal is fully lathed. This process helps to open up the sound and contributes to the shimmering wash and lingering sustain.

How does the size affect the sound compared to smaller rides?

At 22 inches, this ride provides a larger surface area that generates a fuller tonal spectrum and a deeper wash compared to smaller 20-inch models.

Can this cymbal be used as a crash?

Due to its medium-thin weight and soft attack, it possesses a wider dynamic range that allows it to be crashed, though it remains primarily designed as a ride cymbal.

Gear article

Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 22" Medium Thin Ride

The Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 22" Medium Thin Ride is a professional-grade cymbal known for its smoked-bronze finish and balanced tonal spectrum. It features a medium-thin weight that facilitates a soft attack, shimmering wash, and a crisp, penetrating bell, making it highly versatile for modern musical applications.

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Background and Design

The Pure Alloy Custom series represents an evolution of Meinl's standard Pure Alloy line, designed to provide a smoother, warmer response. The 22" Medium Thin Ride is distinguished by its unique aesthetics, featuring a custom smoked-bronze finish on the top surface and a brilliant finish on the underside. This combination is intended to offer both visual appeal and a specific tonal character that bridges the gap between traditional and modern cymbal sounds.

Manufactured using a computer-controlled hammering process, the cymbal is fully lathed, which ensures consistency across the instrument. This automated precision allows Meinl to fine-tune the tension and profile of the bronze, resulting in a predictable and reliable performance for professional drummers.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary characteristic of the 22" Medium Thin Ride is its high wash-to-stick ratio. Unlike heavier rides that can sound clinical or overly dry, this model produces a sweet, lingering sustain and a shimmering wash that fills the sonic space. Despite this lush wash, the stick definition remains clear enough for articulated patterns.

The attack is described as soft, which contributes to the cymbal's 'give' and feel under the stick. The timbre sits in the mid-dark range, providing a full tonal spectrum that avoids excessive harshness in the high frequencies. The bell is a notable feature, designed to be crisp and penetrating, ensuring it can cut through a dense mix when required.

Applications

Due to its balanced dynamics and mid-dark timbre, the 22" Medium Thin Ride is particularly well-suited for rock and pop genres. Its wider dynamic range allows it to be played quietly in sensitive passages while still possessing the volume to compete with amplified instruments.

Rock: Provides a full-bodied crash-ride capability and a reliable bell.
Pop: Offers a polished, shimmering sound that sits well in studio recordings.
Fusion/Studio: The combination of smoked-bronze warmth and brilliant-bottom clarity provides a versatile palette for session work.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other cymbals in the Meinl range, such as the Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Pure Alloy Custom Ride offers more sustain and a brighter shimmering quality, whereas the Byzance series often leans into raw, earthy tones.

Against competitors like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride, the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom stands out for its specific dual-finish aesthetic and its computer-hammered consistency. While traditional cymbals like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash focus on unique hand-hammered irregularities, the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom prioritises a refined, modern sound profile with a higher emphasis on the wash-to-stick ratio.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weight category of the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 22" Ride?: It is classified as a Medium Thin cymbal. This weight provides a balance between the stick articulation of a heavier ride and the shimmering wash of a thinner cymbal.
What finishes are used on this cymbal?: The cymbal features a dual-finish design. The top has a custom smoked-bronze finish, while the bottom is finished in a brilliant style.
How is the cymbal manufactured?: Meinl uses a computer-controlled hammering process to ensure precision and consistency. The cymbal is also fully lathed across its surface.
What is the timbre of the Pure Alloy Custom 22" Ride?: The timbre is described as mid-dark. This provides a fuller tonal spectrum that is warmer than standard brilliant cymbals but brighter than raw, unlathed models.
Is the bell sound prominent on this model?: Yes, the cymbal is designed with a crisp and penetrating bell. This ensures that bell accents remain audible even when the wash of the cymbal is active.
Which musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?: It is specifically recommended for rock and pop genres. Its dynamic range and shimmering sustain make it versatile for both live performance and studio recording.
Does this ride have a high wash-to-stick ratio?: Yes, the combination of its medium-thin weight and full lathing gives it a higher wash-to-stick ratio. This results in a sweet, lingering sustain rather than a dry, short decay.
How would you describe the attack of this cymbal?: The attack is described as soft. This means the initial strike of the stick feels less aggressive and integrates smoothly into the cymbal's wash.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Meinl Pure Alloy Custom 22" Medium Thin Ride is approximately £449.
Is the cymbal lathed?: Yes, the cymbal is fully lathed. This process helps to open up the sound and contributes to the shimmering wash and lingering sustain.
How does the size affect the sound compared to smaller rides?: At 22 inches, this ride provides a larger surface area that generates a fuller tonal spectrum and a deeper wash compared to smaller 20-inch models.
Can this cymbal be used as a crash?: Due to its medium-thin weight and soft attack, it possesses a wider dynamic range that allows it to be crashed, though it remains primarily designed as a ride cymbal.