What material is the Stagg Genghis 17" Medium Crash made from?

The cymbal is handcrafted from B20 bronze, which is a high-quality alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and musicality.

How would you describe the sound of this cymbal?

It is described as a dark and warm sounding crash with a complex tone. Despite its darkness, the hammering finish helps retain the high frequencies needed to cut through a mix.

Is the Stagg Genghis 17" Medium Crash suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is marketed as a perfect choice for beginner to intermediate drummers. Its versatility and affordability make it ideal for those learning multiple playing styles.

What is the weight class of this specific model?

This model is a 'Medium' crash. This weight provides a balance between the fast response of a thin crash and the volume and durability of a heavy crash.

What manufacturing technique is used on the Genghis series?

The cymbals are handcrafted using a deep hammering technique. This process is essential for creating the warm and complex tonal characteristics of the Genghis line.

How does the finish affect the sound?

The hammered finish on the Genghis 17" Medium Crash is designed to brighten up the overall tone. This ensures that the dark, B20 bronze sound maintains clarity.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

The typical price for this model is approximately £139. This makes it an affordable option for drummers seeking a hand-hammered B20 cymbal.

Can this cymbal be used for multiple genres?

Yes, it is extremely versatile and designed to sit perfectly in any mix. It is suitable for a wide variety of different playing styles, from jazz to rock.

How does the durability of B20 bronze compare to other alloys?

B20 bronze construction provides high-quality sound along with optimal durability. It is generally more resilient and sonically rich than the B8 bronze or brass used in entry-level cymbals.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

While both use B20 bronze, the Stagg Genghis is generally more affordable. The Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, for example, would offer a larger, drier sound compared to the Genghis 17" Medium.

Is this cymbal a low-volume model?

No, this is a standard medium-weight crash cymbal. It is not intended for low-volume practice like the Gear4Music Silver cymbal packs.

Does the 17-inch size impact its performance?

The 17-inch diameter is a popular 'in-between' size. It offers a quicker decay than an 18-inch crash but more body and volume than a 16-inch model.

Gear article

Stagg Genghis 17" Medium Crash

The Stagg Genghis 17" Medium Crash is a professional-grade crash cymbal handcrafted from B20 bronze using traditional deep hammering techniques. It is designed to offer a complex, dark tonal profile that retains enough high-end frequency to cut through a variety of musical mixes.

See live prices

Overview

The Stagg Genghis 17" Medium Crash represents the brand's commitment to providing high-quality, hand-hammered cymbals at an accessible price point. Constructed from B20 bronze—an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin—this cymbal is built for both tonal complexity and durability. It sits within the Genghis series, which is specifically marketed toward drummers who require versatility across different genres.

Manufacturing and Design

Each Genghis 17" Medium Crash is handcrafted, featuring a deep hammering technique that defines its sonic character. This physical manipulation of the bronze creates a complex surface tension, resulting in a dark, warm fundamental tone. The final hammered finish is applied not only for aesthetics but to brighten the overall tone slightly, ensuring the cymbal does not become too muddy in a live or studio environment.

Sonic Characteristics

The sound of the Genghis 17" Medium Crash is characterised by a balance between low-end warmth and high-frequency projection. While its primary voice is dark and complex, the medium weight ensures it has enough mass to produce the 'shimmer' expected from a traditional crash. This allows the cymbal to sit naturally in a mix without being overpowering or overly bright.

Suitability and Applications

Due to its versatile nature, the Genghis 17" Medium Crash is recommended for beginner to intermediate drummers who are exploring various playing styles. Its ability to transition between jazz, rock, and pop settings makes it a practical choice for students. Furthermore, its price range of approximately £139 makes it a viable option for budget-conscious players seeking the sound of a B20 bronze instrument.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other cymbals in the market, the Stagg Genghis offers a middle ground between entry-level brass or B8 cymbals, such as the Meinl HCS series, and high-end boutique options like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash. While it shares the B20 construction of professional series like the UFIP Class or Bionic lines, the Genghis is positioned as a more affordable entry into hand-hammered bronze, offering a darker alternative to the classic brightness found in series like the Paiste Giant Beat.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the Stagg Genghis 17" Medium Crash made from?: The cymbal is handcrafted from B20 bronze, which is a high-quality alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and musicality.
How would you describe the sound of this cymbal?: It is described as a dark and warm sounding crash with a complex tone. Despite its darkness, the hammering finish helps retain the high frequencies needed to cut through a mix.
Is the Stagg Genghis 17" Medium Crash suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is marketed as a perfect choice for beginner to intermediate drummers. Its versatility and affordability make it ideal for those learning multiple playing styles.
What is the weight class of this specific model?: This model is a 'Medium' crash. This weight provides a balance between the fast response of a thin crash and the volume and durability of a heavy crash.
What manufacturing technique is used on the Genghis series?: The cymbals are handcrafted using a deep hammering technique. This process is essential for creating the warm and complex tonal characteristics of the Genghis line.
How does the finish affect the sound?: The hammered finish on the Genghis 17" Medium Crash is designed to brighten up the overall tone. This ensures that the dark, B20 bronze sound maintains clarity.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: The typical price for this model is approximately £139. This makes it an affordable option for drummers seeking a hand-hammered B20 cymbal.
Can this cymbal be used for multiple genres?: Yes, it is extremely versatile and designed to sit perfectly in any mix. It is suitable for a wide variety of different playing styles, from jazz to rock.
How does the durability of B20 bronze compare to other alloys?: B20 bronze construction provides high-quality sound along with optimal durability. It is generally more resilient and sonically rich than the B8 bronze or brass used in entry-level cymbals.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: While both use B20 bronze, the Stagg Genghis is generally more affordable. The Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, for example, would offer a larger, drier sound compared to the Genghis 17" Medium.
Is this cymbal a low-volume model?: No, this is a standard medium-weight crash cymbal. It is not intended for low-volume practice like the Gear4Music Silver cymbal packs.
Does the 17-inch size impact its performance?: The 17-inch diameter is a popular 'in-between' size. It offers a quicker decay than an 18-inch crash but more body and volume than a 16-inch model.