Meinl 15" BYZANCE EXTRA DRY MEDIUM THIN HIHAT

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

B20 cymbals are part of a long tradition focused on musicality and harmonic complexity. Here, the choice of a traditional Raw finish, combined with the absence of lathe work, clearly aims for a modern aesthetic: darker, drier, more "earthy," with a shorter and more controlled response. This type of cymbal generally fits within the "dark," "dry," or "raw" families, sought after for studio use, subdued contexts, and music where texture is desired without excessive brightness.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This cymbal is intended for intermediate to advanced drummers seeking a personal sonic signature, with a less standardized sound than a very bright cymbal. It is particularly well suited for Jazz, Funk, RNB, in Studio settings, and even Electro (where its quick decay leaves room for bass, samples, and synths). Its low volume also makes it an excellent choice for setups where dynamics and control are paramount.

Features and Innovations

With its low pitch, dry character, and short sustain, this cymbal is designed for precision and musical efficiency. The absence of lathe work (non-lathed surface) promotes a more contained response, with less unwanted brightness and a more muted attack, while retaining the richness of the B20 alloy. Its medium-thin weight contributes to sensitivity: it opens easily at low velocity, allowing fine nuances in accents, ghost notes, and crescendos without causing a marked volume increase.

Sound

B20 is renowned for offering a dense harmonic spectrum, capable of producing complex nuances rather than a simple uniform shimmer. In this "dark" configuration, the result favors a dark timbre : fewer harsh high frequencies, more low-mids, and an overall warmer feel. The slightly trash aspect adds a very musical granularity, ideal for creating textures, highlighting transitions, or adding depth to a pattern without making it intrusive.

The low volume and short sustain are major assets in the studio: the cymbal sits easily in the mix, limits bleed into close mics, and leaves space for other kit elements. Its dry attack and "esoteric" character are particularly suited to modern arrangements, where a cymbal that brings personality while remaining controlled is sought, even in dense mixes.

Technical specifications