Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Ride

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

The Byzance Traditional series embraces a handcrafted approach: B20 bronze cymbals shaped with hand hammering and traditional lathe work, aiming to recapture the complexity and warmth of "classic" cymbals while maintaining modern playability. Within the Meinl lineup, the Traditional family is positioned as a reference choice for drummers seeking an organic, expressive cymbal that is flexible enough to adapt to a wide variety of contexts, from stage to studio.

Target Audience

This 20-inch ride cymbal is designed for intermediate to professional drummers who want a cymbal capable of multiple roles: main ride, ride-crash, and occasional accent crash. Its warm and soft character is particularly suited to styles where nuance and balance are essential (jazz, funk, R&B, fusion, reggae), while retaining the presence needed for rock and pop. In the studio, it stands out with easy definition in the mix without excessive harshness.

Features and Innovations

Designed as a multi-zone cymbal, it offers clear articulation depending on where you play: a ride zone with quick response, a wider openness when pushed into crash-ride territory, and a large raw bell for sharp accents. The hammered and lathed surface strikes a balance between tradition and individuality: the cymbal feels familiar under the stick but has a sonic grain that makes it immediately recognizable.

Sound Characteristics

The B20 bronze (a copper-rich alloy commonly used in high-end cymbals) provides a dense harmonic palette: a warm sound with complexity that reveals itself at low to medium intensity. The result is a semi-bright timbre: bright enough to maintain definition while remaining musical and never "harsh."
With a medium weight, this ride offers a very effective compromise: a smooth ping, gradual wash build-up, and a medium to long sustain that fills the space without masking the rest of the kit. The high-mid pitch allows it to naturally cut through an ensemble, while the large raw bell delivers a clear and dry sound, ideal for precise patterns, marked breaks, or passages where articulation must remain prominent.

Technical specifications