Meinl Crash Byzance 20" Thin Extra Dry

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

B20 bronze cymbals are among the historical benchmarks in the high-end cymbal world, as this alloy is recognized for its depth and richness of nuances. Combined with hand hammering and a raw finish, this type of design fits into a more artisanal aesthetic, intended for drummers seeking an expressive cymbal, less "bright" and more focused on grain, texture, and control.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This cymbal is aimed at intermediate to advanced drummers who want a sensitive dynamic response, whether playing with brushes, light sticks, or more forceful strokes. Its balance between definition and warmth makes it particularly suitable for studio use, where harmonic control and short sustain facilitate placement in the mix. In terms of styles, it naturally lends itself to pop, fusion, jazz, funk, R&B, reggae, world music, and electro projects, whenever a more textured than bright sound is desired.

Features and Innovations

The trio B20 + hand hammering + raw finish aims for a very direct playing feel. Hammering introduces micro-tension variations in the metal, enriching the spectrum and producing a more "breathing" behavior: the cymbal reacts to nuance and does not settle for a single sound level. The raw finish contributes to a drier and more controlled sound, with a less intrusive high end, which helps maintain a clear attack at moderate volume.

Sound Characteristics

Thanks to the B20 alloy, the cymbal delivers a dense harmonic palette, with a sense of depth that remains musical even at low volume. It offers a semi-dark and raw character: less "bright" shimmer, more grain and texture, ideal for grooves that need to stay present without being aggressive.

The announced low register (low sound and pitch) translates into a rounded foundation and a "fat" rather than sharp response. The medium volume allows easy integration within a band, while the short sustain helps keep the playing clean, especially on fast patterns, ghost notes, or arrangements where you want to avoid the cymbal masking harmonic instruments. The raw finish reinforces this sense of control: the attack remains crisp, the wash is restrained, and the cymbal retains a "studio friendly" quality.

Technical specifications

Alloy	B20	Pitch	low
Hammering	hand hammered	Volume	medium
Finish	raw	Sustain	short
Timbre	semi-dark, raw	Contexts	studio
Sound	low	Styles	pop, fusion, jazz, funk, R&B, reggae, world, electro