Gear article
Meinl Suspended Cymbal Stand
The Meinl Suspended Cymbal Stand is a specialized piece of drum hardware designed to hang cymbals from a loop rather than mounting them on a traditional tilter. This configuration is engineered to maximize resonance and sustain, supporting cymbal sizes up to 24 inches in diameter.
See live pricesOverview
The Meinl Suspended Cymbal Stand represents a departure from standard tripod stand designs. Instead of the cymbal resting on a felt and sleeve at the top of a tilter, it is suspended from a sturdy loop. This hanging mechanism is intended to provide an alternative method for drummers and percussionists to position their cymbals while prioritising acoustic output.
Design and Mechanics
The stand utilizes a traditional tripod base for stability, providing a firm foundation for the vertical assembly. The primary innovation is the overhead loop arm, which allows the cymbal to hang freely. This design choice is intended to increase resonance and overall sound projection by reducing the physical contact points between the cymbal and the hardware, allowing the metal to vibrate more naturally. The unit is robust enough to accommodate large diameters, with a rated capacity for cymbals up to 24 inches.
Sound Character
Because the cymbal is suspended, the dampening effect typically caused by tightening a wing nut or resting the cymbal on a felt is significantly reduced. This results in a sound characterized by increased sustain and a fuller harmonic spectrum. The resonance is often described as more 'open' compared to traditional mounting systems, making it a preferred choice for orchestral applications or experimental drum set configurations.
Target Audience
This hardware is particularly suited for orchestral percussionists who require suspended cymbals for rolls and swells, as well as studio drummers seeking the purest possible tone from their instruments. It also serves as a specialized tool for jazz or experimental musicians who want to exploit the full resonant potential of larger ride cymbals or specialty crashes.
Market Context
Positioned at a price point of approximately £152, the Meinl Suspended Cymbal Stand competes with high-end specialized hardware. While general-purpose hardware like the Yamaha HS740A Hi Hat Stand or Tama Roadpro series focus on standard kit mounting, this stand fills a niche for resonance-focused performance. It stands alongside other specialized drum accessories such as the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder or high-stability seating like the Sonor 6000 Series Drum Throne in providing professional-grade solutions for specific performance requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the main benefit of using a suspended cymbal stand?
- The primary benefit is increased resonance and sustain. By hanging the cymbal from a loop, there is less physical contact with the hardware, allowing the cymbal to vibrate more freely.
- What is the maximum cymbal size this stand can accommodate?
- The Meinl Suspended Cymbal Stand is designed to accommodate cymbals up to 24 inches in diameter. This makes it suitable for large ride cymbals and orchestral suspended cymbals.
- How does the base of the stand provide stability?
- The stand features a sturdy tripod base. This wide-leg configuration ensures that even large 24-inch cymbals remain balanced while hanging from the suspended loop.
- Is this stand suitable for standard drum kit setups?
- Yes, it can be integrated into a drum kit, though it is more specialized than a standard boom stand. It is ideal for drummers who want a specific 'hanging' aesthetic or enhanced resonance for a particular cymbal.
- How much does the Meinl Suspended Cymbal Stand typically cost?
- The typical price range for this stand is approximately £152. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
- Does this stand use traditional felts and wing nuts?
- No, the design utilizes a hanging loop rather than a threaded tilter with a wing nut. This alternative method is what allows for the increased resonance mentioned by the manufacturer.
- Is this stand primarily for orchestral use?
- While it is highly effective for orchestral suspended cymbal techniques, it is also used by drum set players and percussionists. Its design aimed at increasing sound quality makes it versatile across genres.
- How does the hanging loop affect the cymbal's movement?
- The cymbal will move more freely in a swinging motion compared to being fixed on a post. This free movement is essential for the specific sound profile the stand is designed to produce.
- Can I mount two cymbals on this stand at once?
- The manufacturer description specifies it is a suspended stand for a cymbal. It is designed to accommodate a single cymbal up to 24 inches to maintain stability and resonance.
- What brand manufactures this specific hardware?
- This stand is manufactured by Meinl, a company well-known for producing high-quality cymbals and percussion accessories. It is part of their professional hardware lineup.
- Is the height of the stand adjustable?
- Yes, like most tripod-based drum hardware, the vertical height can be adjusted to suit the player's reach. The hanging loop remains the top-most point of the assembly.
- Does the stand include a carrying case?
- The stand itself is typically sold as a hardware unit without a case. Players may consider pairing it with high-quality transport solutions similar to those offered by brands like Tackle Instrument Supply Co.
