Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

The Byzance Traditional series is rooted in the great tradition of Turkish cymbals: hand hammering, careful lathe work, and a unique sonic identity from one piece to another. Within the Meinl universe, this "Traditional" family is a reference for drummers seeking an organic sound, a flexible touch, and a very wide dynamic palette. In the extra thin crash version, this model clearly emphasizes responsiveness, harmonic complexity, and immediate openness, while maintaining a musical and controllable timbre.

Who This Cymbal Is For

This crash cymbal is aimed at intermediate to expert drummers who want an expressive instrument capable of conveying playing nuances effortlessly. Its medium volume and warm, soft character make it very suitable for studio use and stages where the overall band balance matters as much as raw power.

In terms of styles, it covers a wide range: Rock, Pop, Fusion, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Reggae, World. It excels especially when looking for a crash that "speaks" quickly, with a slightly trashy texture and broad projection, whether for accents, light repeated crashes, or as a backup ride on open passages.

Features and Innovations

The strength of this model lies in its extra thin weight : the cymbal opens instantly, even at low volume, and remains easy to control in soft dynamics. The hand hammering adds frequency complexity that enriches the attack and brings that dark and "dirty" grain sought by many modern drummers, without becoming aggressive.

The narrow-lathe turning and traditional finish help balance the spectrum: the result is a semi-bright timbre with a high-mid pitch, sufficiently present to cut through a mix while retaining a warm base. The outcome is a versatile crash, capable of transitioning from delicate playing with brushes and light sticks to stronger accents, all while maintaining a coherent sonic signature.

Sound

B20 bronze is renowned for its harmonic richness: it generates a blend of musical fundamentals and complex overtones, giving this crash a more "alive" personality than a simpler alloy. Here, the balance between warmth and definition is particularly successful: the attack remains clear, while the body of the sound keeps a dark, round, and slightly trashy aspect.

The large hammered patterns strongly influence projection: the sound unfolds broadly, with a sense of space and a texture that fills the spectrum without being too sharp. The medium sustain allows the music to breathe: long enough to carry an accent and create a wash, but contained enough not to blur the playing in fast or highly articulated contexts.

Thanks to its thinness, this crash is also very pleasant as a spot "crash-ride": playing near the bell with a light touch can yield a soft and silky definition, then instantly switch to full openness on accents. This behavior is precisely what makes this cymbal a high-end option for those seeking an expressive, dark, and versatile crash cymbal.

Technical specifications

Series	Byzance Traditional	Character	Warm, Soft
Type	Crash	Timbre	Semi-bright
Diameter	40.6 cm	Pitch	High-mid
Made in	Turkey	Volume	Medium
Material	B20 Bronze	Sustain	Medium
Crafting	Hand hammered	Weight	Extra thin
Lathe work	Narrow blade	Music styles	Rock, Pop, Fusion, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Reggae, Studio, World
Finish	Traditional	Cleaning	Meinl Cymbal Cleaner, Meinl Cymbal Protectant