Very recently, we have received yet another parcel from Germany, Gutenstetten, to be exact. All drum maniacs around the world know that that is where the Meinl company is based. Inside the parcel, there was a number of interesting instruments and drum accessories, which we are going to thoroughly test for you. We have been sharing the results of our tests with you for some two weeks now. You have already seen and heard the Backbeat Pro 13″ tambourine and Drum Honey dampening gel pads. Today, we would like to present our review of the hi hat Meinl made in collaboration with Benny Greb.
8″ Meinl Artist Concept Model – Benny Greb Crasher Hats
1. The test
We tested the 8″ Artist Concept Model – Benny Greb Crasher Hats at our own recording facility. We started off with a few single strokes showing different dynamics. Later on, we went on to present the instrument’s sound in grooves using a bass drum and a snare.
2. Basic specification of the instrument:
- Manufacturer: Meinl Cymbals
- Model: Artist Concept
- Signature/type: Benny Greb Crasher Hats
- Diameter: 8″
- Material: Bronze B20 and B8
- Finish: Raw, unlathed
- Weight: Thin
- Pitch: High-Mid
- Sustain: Short
3. Product and sound
8″ Meinl Artist Concept Model – Benny Greb Crasher Hats aren’t exactly a hi hat (or not to the end, at least) because it is actually a combination of four cymbals. The top makes a stack with something of a splash underneath, while there is another cymbal between that and the bottom. This configuration combined with a small diameter produces a very short sustain effect. The instrument has not been made to be opened and closed when playing the way a regular pair of hats would be.
The sound characteristic of this stack cymbal (seems like that’s what the 8″ Benny Greb Crasher Hats are in reality) is surprisingly bright given that it is unlathed and raw. Understandably, it produces practically zero sustain but the response is very fast. This effect cymbal will stand whatever studio test it is put to regardless of musical style.
4. Summary
It is simply a fast effect cymbal which gives dynamically interesting results in such music genres as: pop, RNB, hip hop, electro, fusion, jazz, reggae, or world music. In a hard rock and metal context live, it probably will not project through, however, we must not forget that is not what this highly interesting set of cymbals was made for.
Producer: https://meinlpercussion.com/
Distributor in Poland: http://www.meinldistribution.pl/
OUR VERDICT: 5/5
Advantages:
- Very well crafted
- Nice look
- Interesting sound effect
- Great enrichment to a cymbal set
- Fast response
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the 8″ Meinl Artist Concept Model – Benny Greb Crasher Hats to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test!
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