When it comes to choosing a cymbal, drummers tend to gravitate towards one of the “Big 4” cymbal brands: Paiste, Sabian, Zildjian or Meinl. The purpose of this comparison is to help familiarize you with the major Meinl lines, of which there are many.
We broke our comparison down into 3 categories; Byzance, Pure Alloy and Classics Custom. In all, we’ll be discussing 14 lines of Meinl cymbals. Somewhere within these 14 lines, there is a sound that you may find is EXACTLY suited to your musical needs!
MEINL BYZANCE
Byzance Series cymbals are by far the most robust series in Meinl’s lineup. These cymbals are manufactured in Turkey, and then they are sent to Meinl’s factory in Germany where they are finished in a myriad of different ways. These dramatically different finishes lead to equally drastic differences in sound.
We’ll be covering 9 different Byzance lines in this comparison, and we’ll start with Byzance Traditional.
Their hammered and lathed surfaces, warm sounds and selection of models may be very traditional, but these cymbals are the ultimate choice when it comes to versatility. Rides with a buttery-soft feel. Crashes that range from dark and shimmering with thin models, to powerful and focused with heavier ones. Traditional tone and sonic individuality come together in each of these cymbals.
Though ‘Brilliant’ refers to its finish, this series actually takes the traditional Byzance and darkens its sound. This darker sound is due to a finishing process that limits the high end as the cymbal is buffed to its brilliant look. Heavier models penetrate with directness, thinner ones shimmer with warmth. The overall combination of dark tonality and warm spread make Byzance Brilliant a great choice for everything from funk and fusion to rock.
Its unusual sandblasted surface gives it a soft feel and a distinct matte finish. Its low, dark and somewhat dry washy sound isn’t too soft or loud. With its great stick definition and short sustain, you can dig into Byzance Vintage for total control at all times. It’s a sound that fits into any music that isn’t in the upper decibel levels.
Living up to their name, these cymbals are extremely dry, with low-pitched, trashy sounds and short sustain. The raw unlathed surfaces and extensive hand hammering suggest that their sound might be loud and fierce. In reality, the Extra Dry series reveals its dark, earthy tones and comes to life when played at lower volumes.
Expanding from the Byzance Extra Dry line, Dual cymbals have quickly risen in popularity and become instantly recognizable for their unique look and sound. To start, the center is raw, bearing hand-hammered markings, while the edge is lathed and buffed to a brilliant finish. The sound is similar to the look: trashy, earthy and low at first, ending with a flash of explosive brilliance.
Their sound is dark, and so is their oven-blackened look. Byzance Dark models are intense, with responses ranging from the defined sticking of the rides, to the short, punchy bursts of the crashes. Their unique sonic qualities are ideal for music where dark tone and feel are at the top of the ‘must have’ list.
Crafted with age in mind, the Vintage voice within Byzance has unique features that simulate the aging process of a cymbal to couple relic sounds with modern appeal. The Vintage line was born from the Sand Ride, a flagship cymbal developed with Meinl Cymbals artist, Benny Greb; now, it includes a wide array of cymbals which have helped to define the Meinl sound.
Made in Turkey from B20 bronze and hand-hammered into shape. Sand models feature narrow blade lathing and a sandblasted finish, whereas Vintage Pure models are unlathed and raw.
The touch and tone of these cymbals, with their soft, buttery, sink-yourstick feel and low, dark tonalities, add up to a very personalized sound. A closer look at the hammering on some models reveals large and deep dimpling that boosts dryness and darkness.
The Byzance Foundry Reserve collection is a limited selection of cymbals created at the Byzance cymbal foundry in Turkey. Inspired from the time when all cymbals were handmade, these cymbals showcase the stunning, sonically rich works of art that our cymbalsmiths create with layers of tonality and nuance; however, that is only half of the beauty, as they are visually striking from the one-of-a-kind hand hammered marks.
Each smith spends additional time hammering these cymbal blanks to develop a more complex voice within the metal. The extra hammering creates many deep craters across the surface. When this hammering is coupled with the fully lathed top and bottom, the rides produce a clear, dry stick-attack note over a lush bed of low undertones – otherwise known as “the roar.” The hi-hats sizzle with warmth and clarity when played with sticks or the foot, and the crash explodes with a dark fury not found elsewhere in the Byzance family.
MEINL PURE ALLOY
Meinl’s Pure Alloy Series consists of two variations; Pure Alloy Traditional and Pure Alloy Custom.
Pure Alloy cymbals sonically bridge the gap between the darker Byzance and brighter Classics Custom lines. Their shimmering, smooth sounds cut with agility and have a full range of tonality with medium sustain making them perfect for all dynamic levels. The crashes and rides have a perfect mix of effortless strength and a balanced wash, while the hi hats carry a clean, refined definition.
Made in Germany from Pure Alloy bronze and hammered into shape. The traditional models feature pinpoint lathing creating the traditional finish.
Meinl has received many requests for thinner models in the Pure Alloy line. After testing many options, they wanted to add a selection of medium-thin weights to the lineup. They produce a slightly softer attack with a warmer body and faster decay, while maintaining the bright shimmer and sustain that Pure Alloy is known for.
Made in Germany from Pure Alloy bronze and hammered into shape. To make these cymbals stand out, Meinl applied a new finish on top called custom smoked-bronze and polished the bottom to a brilliant finish. These new cymbals will be a unique and beautiful addition to any drum kit.
MEINL CLASSICS CUSTOM
The Classics Custom line is the more affordable option for drummers looking to cut through the mix with more volume and projection, and are offered in 3 different flavors.
MEINL CLASSICS CUSTOM BRILLIANT
Bright and focused with a shimmering response, Classics Custom is best suited for drummers who want cymbals that speak with a clear voice. The mirror like finish looks incredible under stage lights and adds brilliance to the sound. With so many models to choose from, the extensive lineup provides plenty of options that will allow you to find the missing cymbal you need or build the foundation for a whole new setup. Made in Germany from B12 bronze alloy, lathe formed profile, mirror smooth surface, and brilliant finish.
Classics Custom Dark cymbals undergo a special finishing process that leaves the cymbals with dark and complex tones along with the clarity, cut and volume that Classics Custom is known to deliver. This same unique twist on the traditional design gives the cymbals a rich, dark appearance. Widely spaced deep hammering and additional lathing round out their tonal qualities, giving them a warmer mix of sound along with an explosive response.
These cymbals are almost hypnotic, and will add another layer of sophistication to your setup. They combine darkness, power and warmth with flexibility and shimmer along with an easily controllable and adaptable volume. Classics Custom Dual cymbals feel at home accross many styles.
Classics Custom Dual cymbals are made from B12 bronze alloy with a highly specialized finish that brings out a warmer fundamental tone and response that can sit down in a mix or jump to life when the energy lifts. Their sound, feel and intensity is accentuated by the unique finish.
Having a dark center along with a deep over-hammering gives the cymbals the ability to punch through a dark and bold character. Lathed and highly polished edges soften the feel and create a flash of clean, high frequencies to round out the sound.
In summation, Meinl has you covered, regardless of the genre of music you play. We appreciate the inclusion of more “traditional” cymbal sounds, along with some extremely unique and funky variations. At Drum Center of Portsmouth, we speak Meinl. We know all of these lines from back to front, and stock the most Meinl’s you’ll find anywhere!