Meinl SET CRASH BYZANCE TRADITIONAL 18/20

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

For several decades, Meinl has established itself as a major reference in the percussion world, with a philosophy centered on innovation and consistent manufacturing. The Byzance Traditional series is positioned in the brand's high-end range, designed for drummers seeking cymbals with a strong character while maintaining an essential balance: enough personality to inspire, and enough control to remain usable in many musical contexts.

This crash pack combines two complementary sizes, designed to form a solid foundation for a set: a faster, more nervous crash, and a wider crash offering more depth and projection without excessive sustain.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This pack is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert drummers who want to elevate their sound with high-end cymbals that are sensitive to playing and rich in nuances. The "Extra Thin" crashes respond immediately, suitable both for musicians with a light touch and for more powerful drummers seeking a crash that "speaks" quickly without saturating the space.

In terms of styles, the Byzance Traditional signature is particularly suited to rock, pop, indie, fusion, modern jazz, and music where a complex, dark, and controlled crash is expected. In studio settings, this type of controlled sustain helps maintain clarity in the mix while preserving a natural harmonic halo.

Features and Innovations

The choice of Hammered Extra Thin crashes emphasizes responsiveness: the attack is immediate, volume builds quickly, and the cymbal decays more quickly and controlled compared to a thicker model. The specific hammering contributes to a "soft" feel under the stick while enriching the frequency spectrum with more complex harmonics.

The two diameters in the pack are designed to cover a wide range of situations: the smaller size serves as a bright and precise main crash, while the larger provides a fuller crash with more body and broader presence. The result is a coherent duo for building a balanced set, effective both in minimalist configurations and as a complement to other cymbals.

Sound Characteristics

The B20 alloy (high copper bronze, traditionally used in high-end cymbals) is appreciated for its depth and complexity. It promotes a richer timbre, often perceived as more "organic," with a stronger low end and a denser harmonic texture.

On these Byzance Traditional crashes, the combination of B20 + hand hammering + extra thin profile produces a cymbal that is both warm and precise. The attack remains clear, the pitch tends to sit in the midrange, and the overall color leans toward a dark and complex sound. Sustain is controlled, with a quicker decay that limits sonic clutter, particularly useful for dense grooves, modern arrangements, and dynamic playing where each accent must remain distinct.

The "soft" feel mentioned by the series is noticeable in how the cymbal absorbs the stick: it's easy to achieve a full crash at low volume and a wider opening when increasing intensity, without becoming harsh. This progression makes the pack very musical, equally effective for sharp accents and for more enveloping crash washes.

Technical specifications