Meinl 20" BYZANCE FOUNDRY RESERVE CRASH

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

The Meinl Byzance series is rooted in the tradition of artisan-crafted cymbals, where the B20 alloy and hand hammering are at the core of the sonic identity. The Foundry Reserve line represents a particularly demanding approach to this philosophy: a pursuit of character, complexity, and feel under the stick, designed for those who want an inspiring and lively model rather than a completely standardized sound.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This 20-inch crash is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert drummers seeking an expressive cymbal capable of responding to the slightest variations in attack. It is especially suited to contexts where color matters as much as volume: modern rock, pop, indie, blues, jazz fusion, worship, as well as studio work and music with nuanced dynamics. Its size allows for broad, enveloping accents while maintaining enough presence to hold its place on stage.

Features and Innovations

With its B20 alloy and hand hammering, this Byzance Foundry Reserve aims for a balance between immediate response and harmonic richness. The artisanal craftsmanship directly influences the feel: the cymbal "speaks" quickly, reveals details in ghost accents, and remains controllable when opening up the playing. The traditional finish complements this spirit by promoting a clear attack, musical diffusion, and a natural sensation under the stick, appreciated both in crash playing and in occasional ride accents.

Sound Characteristics

The B20 bronze alloy (rich in copper with a typical tin proportion found in premium cymbals) is renowned for offering a very wide palette: a crisp attack, a dense body, and complex harmonics that remain musical. On a 20-inch crash, this translates into a wide opening, generous projection, and depth that fills the space without sounding "flat."

Hand hammering plays a major role in the grain: it adds micro-variations that enrich the spectrum, giving a sense of movement and relief to each strike. The result is a crash that can be both broad and detailed: the lighter you play, the more the nuances come through; the harder you push, the cymbal delivers a wide wash while maintaining a distinct identity. The traditional finish contributes to the overall balance by maintaining clear definition at the attack and a measured brightness, which helps the cymbal blend into the mix without masking the rest of the kit. As with any hand-hammered cymbal, each piece may exhibit slight differences in response and color, which is also part of the charm of this range.

Technical specifications