Meinl Ride Byzance 21" Foundry Reserve

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

For over thirty years, Meinl has established itself as a key reference in modern percussion, with manufacturing standards designed to meet the demands of professional musicians. Within the Byzance universe, the Foundry Reserve series stands out with a distinctly "workshop" approach: a deliberately limited production where each cymbal is selected for its character, complexity, and sonic personality. This is a piece that embraces its status as an exceptional cymbal, both musically and aesthetically.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This 21-inch Flat Ride is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced drummers seeking a ride cymbal that is drier, shorter, and more "defined" than a classic model. It is particularly well-suited for modern jazz, neo-soul, live hip-hop, indie, acoustic music, and studio contexts where harmonic definition and control make all the difference. Rock drummers may also adopt it when they want a dark, controlled ride without excessive wash.

Features and Innovations

The Flat Ride concept (ride without a bell) is at the heart of this model's identity: the stick produces a drier, more uniform ping, with a consistent response from edge to center. The Traditional finish maintains a natural balance between texture and openness while allowing the hammering to fully express itself. The Foundry Reserve series emphasizes cymbals with a unique character : hand hammering, selection, and final rendering make each piece singular, designed for musicians who want an inspiring and expressive instrument.

Sound Characteristics

Thanks to the B20 Bronze alloy (rich in tin) and hand hammering, this ride develops a complex sound with an organic grain and beautiful depth in the low-midrange. The pitch is rather low, with dense but controlled harmonics, providing a very musical feel even at low volume.

Its short sustain is a major asset: the cymbal quickly fades, avoiding the "carpet" effect of frequencies that can muddy an arrangement. When played with sticks, it delivers a clear attack, precise rebound, and natural harmonic control. In accents and crash ride use, the openness remains contained: you get a brief, textured explosion without overflow, perfect for modern grooves and clean recordings.

Visually, the fully hand-hammered traditional finish not only serves aesthetics but also contributes to frequency distribution, dynamic response, and the sensation of a "living" cymbal capable of moving from subtle nuances to strong accents without losing its identity.

Technical specifications

Type	Flat Ride	Alloy	B20 Bronze
Diameter	21 inches	Manufactured in	Turkey
Series	Meinl Byzance Foundry Reserve	Hammering	Hand-hammered
Finish	Traditional