Meinl Byzance 20" Medium Ride - B20MR

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

The Byzance series embodies a decidedly artisanal approach to cymbals: manual hammering, at the heart of the tradition, aims to achieve a harmonic complexity that is difficult to replicate in industrial production. Within the Meinl universe, Byzance is positioned as a premium family, intended for musicians seeking an inspiring instrument capable of translating playing nuances and naturally fitting into a mix without unnecessary harshness.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

Meinl Byzance cymbals are primarily aimed at intermediate to professional drummers who want to refine their sonic identity. They are particularly suited to styles where expressiveness is central: jazz, fusion, blues, pop, indie, alternative music, but also rock when prioritizing color, depth, and dynamics rather than uniform brightness. Thanks to their sensitivity, they respond very well to light sticks, brushes, and mallets, while remaining usable in more energetic contexts with the appropriate model choice.

Features and Innovations

The main "feature" of a Byzance cymbal is precisely what craftsmanship brings to playing: a more responsive touch, a wider palette of timbres, and an enhanced sense of control from pianissimo to fortissimo. The hand hammering and surface work help shape the balance between attack, body, and harmonics. The result: a cymbal that does not just produce sound but tells a story with every hit, with a natural presence and a very musical rendering both miked and acoustic.
Another strong point: individuality. Two cymbals from the same concept may exhibit subtle differences in grain or openness, allowing drummers to select an instrument that precisely matches their hand and kit. This uniqueness is an advantage for those seeking a sonic signature and a daily source of inspiration.

Sound

On a cymbal, everything depends on the alloy, thickness, profile, and hammering. The Byzance approach aims for a rich, warm, and complex sound, with a carefully balanced relationship between fundamentals and harmonics. Hand hammering tends to deliver a more organic result: the attack feels less "linear," the cymbal opens naturally, and the harmonics develop with more depth.
Depending on the chosen model (crash, ride, hi-hat, splash, china), you generally find an expressive response: crashes with a broad grain and progressive openness, rides with stick definition and a musical "wash," hi-hats with a clean chick and rich spectrum. In playing situations, this complexity allows the cymbal to remain present without dominating, add color without hardening the upper spectrum, and "breathe" better within a band.

Technical specifications

Hammering	fully hand-hammered	Application	stage, studio, nuanced and dynamic playing
Philosophy	artisanal tradition and sonic individuality	Signature	musicality, harmonic richness, expressive response
Particularity	each cymbal features unique sonic characteristics	Dynamics	wide, sensitive to playing nuances
Range	high-end	Identity	lively and organic sound, with a unique personality for each piece
Goal	meet the demands of the most discerning drummers