Meinl SET BYZANCE BENNY GREB 14/18/20/22

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

For over thirty years, Meinl has developed percussion instruments recognized for their manufacturing quality and ability to meet the expectations of professional musicians. Within the catalog, the Byzance family has established itself as a reference for those seeking cymbals with character, crafted with care. This Artist's Choice selection in collaboration with Benny Greb follows a clear approach: to offer a set with a homogeneous behavior, both musical and very clear, featuring a "Vintage Sand" sonic aesthetic.

Who This Drum/Cymbal Pack Is For

This pack is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert drummers who want an expressive set capable of staying clean at low dynamics and not "bleeding over" when playing intensifies. Its dark and controlled DNA is particularly suited to contexts where definition matters: modern funk, contemporary jazz, neo-soul, pop, RnB, live hip-hop, indie, amplified acoustic music, as well as studio environments. For heavy rock or metal, the drier sound and short sustain can be an interesting artistic choice, but one must appreciate this more "controlled" rather than explosive approach.

Features and Innovations

The exceptional sandblasted finish of the Vintage series is at the heart of the experience: it contributes to a sharp attack, a more "matte" diffusion, and a quick decay, which facilitates rhythmic placement and harmonic management. The B20 alloy, combined with hand hammering, brings complexity and a lively response under the stick while maintaining the desired dryness. In a set, coherence is paramount: here, each cymbal complements the others to naturally transition from the articulated hi-hat playing to short crashes, up to the defined ride and versatile crash-ride.

Sound

The B20 bronze is appreciated for its harmonic richness and musicality, with a depth that remains perceptible even at low volume. In this "Vintage Sand" version, the goal is not to maximize brightness but to favor a darker spectrum, a clearer attack, and a shortened sustain. The result: a warm, dry, and precise sound that integrates easily into a mix and leaves space for other instruments.

The 14" hi-hat emphasizes the definition of the "chick" sound and clarity of patterns, ideal for ghost notes and short openings. The crashes provide quick accents without excessive trailing, perfect for dense arrangements. The 20" ride aims for a clear ping with controlled wash, while the 22" crash-ride serves as a pivot cymbal: wide enough to support a chorus while remaining controllable for more subtle placements.

Technical specifications