What material is the Stagg Myra RAW 18" Rock Crash made from?

It is crafted from premium B20 bronze, an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, known for its superior resonance and durability.

What is unique about the lathing on the Myra RAW?

The cymbal features a hybrid finish consisting of an unlathed top and a regular lathed bottom. This design balances raw aggression with musical sustain.

Is the Stagg Myra RAW machine-made or hand-made?

The cymbal is 100-percent hand-hammered with extreme attention to detail, which gives each individual unit its own unique character.

What musical genres are best suited for this cymbal?

It is specifically designed for rock and other loud genres where a drummer needs a bold, bright tone to cut through a heavy mix.

How does the sound of the 18" Rock Crash compare to a standard crash?

The 'Rock' designation and the RAW finish provide a more explosive presence and a brighter, louder response than typical medium-weight crashes.

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

The typical price range for the Stagg Myra RAW 18" Rock Crash is approximately £199.

Does this cymbal have a fast or slow decay?

Due to its pronounced hammering and unlathed top, it has a powerful attack, though the B20 bronze and lathed bottom ensure it maintains a full musical presence before decaying.

How does the Myra RAW compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

While both use B20 bronze and unlathed surfaces, the Myra RAW is designed for brightness and rock projection, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry is typically darker and trashier.

Is this cymbal suitable for recording in a studio?

Yes, its bold and bright tones make it a great choice for rock recordings where a clear, defined crash sound is needed to pierce through the mix.

Can the Stagg Myra RAW be used for jazz?

While possible, it may be too loud and aggressive for traditional jazz; cymbals like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch are generally better suited for that style.

What is the benefit of the pronounced hammering on the Myra line?

The pronounced hammering helps to focus the sound and control overtones, contributing to the famous 'powerhouse' sound of the Myra series.

How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?

The Myra RAW is heavier and more aggressive with a brighter, more modern rock sound, whereas the Paiste Giant Beat has a more classic, mellow vintage character.

Gear article

Stagg Myra RAW 18" Rock Crash Cymbal

The Stagg Myra RAW 18" Rock Crash is a high-performance percussion instrument designed specifically for loud, high-energy musical environments. Constructed from premium B20 bronze and featuring a hybrid finish, it is engineered to deliver explosive projection and a bright, cutting tonal profile.

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Background and Design

The Stagg Myra series has established a reputation within the drumming community for providing professional-grade B20 bronze cymbals at an accessible price point. The 'RAW' variant represents a evolution of the original Myra line, which was already noted for its heavy hammering and high-volume capabilities.

This specific 18-inch Rock Crash is built to handle the rigours of live performance. Unlike traditional cymbals that are lathed on both sides to control overtones and weight, the Myra RAW employs a dual-surface approach. The top remains unlathed, retaining the raw character of the bronze, while the bottom is traditionally lathed to maintain musicality and resonance.

Manufacturing and Construction

Stagg utilizes a B20 bronze alloy (80% copper, 20% tin) for the Myra RAW series, which is widely considered the industry standard for high-end professional cymbals. The manufacturing process involves:

Hand-Hammering: Each cymbal is 100% hand-hammered with extreme attention to detail, creating a unique internal tension that contributes to its complex sound.
Pronounced Hammering: The Myra series is famous for its deep, visible hammer marks which help control the sustain and provide a more aggressive attack.
Hybrid Lathing: The unlathed top surface adds mass and dryness, while the lathed bottom allows the cymbal to open up and vibrate more freely than a fully 'raw' cymbal.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary characteristic of the Myra RAW 18" Rock Crash is its explosive presence. It is designed to be a 'powerhouse' that can cut through the dense frequency spectrum of amplified guitars and loud stages.

The combination of the unlathed top and B20 alloy results in a bold, bright tone with a sharp initial attack. While many dry or raw cymbals are quiet, the Myra RAW is specifically voiced for rock and metal, ensuring a powerful musical statement that does not get lost in the mix.

Target Audience

This cymbal is ideally suited for drummers playing heavy genres such as rock, metal, and hard-core punk where volume and durability are essential. Its ability to 'ignite a performance' makes it a strong choice for live touring environments. Because of its bright and assertive nature, it is less suited for low-volume jazz or acoustic settings where a softer touch is required.

Comparative Context

When compared to other high-end options, the Myra RAW occupies a unique niche. In contrast to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which offers a darker, trashier decay, the Myra RAW focuses more on top-end brightness and projection. It provides a more professional tonal palette than entry-level brass options like the Meinl HCS series, while offering a heavier, more rock-oriented response than vintage-voiced cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Stagg Myra RAW 18" Rock Crash made from?: It is crafted from premium B20 bronze, an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, known for its superior resonance and durability.
What is unique about the lathing on the Myra RAW?: The cymbal features a hybrid finish consisting of an unlathed top and a regular lathed bottom. This design balances raw aggression with musical sustain.
Is the Stagg Myra RAW machine-made or hand-made?: The cymbal is 100-percent hand-hammered with extreme attention to detail, which gives each individual unit its own unique character.
What musical genres are best suited for this cymbal?: It is specifically designed for rock and other loud genres where a drummer needs a bold, bright tone to cut through a heavy mix.
How does the sound of the 18" Rock Crash compare to a standard crash?: The 'Rock' designation and the RAW finish provide a more explosive presence and a brighter, louder response than typical medium-weight crashes.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Stagg Myra RAW 18" Rock Crash is approximately £199.
Does this cymbal have a fast or slow decay?: Due to its pronounced hammering and unlathed top, it has a powerful attack, though the B20 bronze and lathed bottom ensure it maintains a full musical presence before decaying.
How does the Myra RAW compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both use B20 bronze and unlathed surfaces, the Myra RAW is designed for brightness and rock projection, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry is typically darker and trashier.
Is this cymbal suitable for recording in a studio?: Yes, its bold and bright tones make it a great choice for rock recordings where a clear, defined crash sound is needed to pierce through the mix.
Can the Stagg Myra RAW be used for jazz?: While possible, it may be too loud and aggressive for traditional jazz; cymbals like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch are generally better suited for that style.
What is the benefit of the pronounced hammering on the Myra line?: The pronounced hammering helps to focus the sound and control overtones, contributing to the famous 'powerhouse' sound of the Myra series.
How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?: The Myra RAW is heavier and more aggressive with a brighter, more modern rock sound, whereas the Paiste Giant Beat has a more classic, mellow vintage character.