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 Matt Garstka signature Byzance Chinese cymbal.
Matt Garstka Signature 20″ Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium China
1. The test
We tested the 20″ Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium China 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, tom toms and a snare.
2. Basic specification of the instrument:
- Manufacturer: Meinl Cymbals
- Series: Byzance
- Model: Vintage Equilibrium
- Signature: Matt Garstka
- Diameter: 20″
- Material: Bronze B20
- Finish: Traditional, sandblasted, narrowly lathed
- Pitch: Medium to low
- Timbre: Dark
- Sustain: Rather short
3. Product and sound
The 20-inch Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium China is a very beautiful-looking and magnificently crafted cymbal. Its traditional, sandblasted finish with narrow-blade lathing also promises traditional sound. That is exactly what it offers as we are dealing with a dark, vintage, rather dry, very sandy sound, and short decay (for this diameter). And we mean, very sandy. One hit on this cymbal and our imagination teleports us to the Sahara desert…
The attack is slightly delayed, the wave opens very wide, but after some time after the cymbal is hit with a stick. It is already in the direction of a small gong (of course, toutes proportions gardées – it is merely a comparison). Riding the cymbal causes no problems and the cymbal produces a mighty but not abrasive sound qualities.
4. Summary
The 20″ Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium China is a big, dark, dry, sandy and traditional-sounding Chinese cymbal which can give interesting results virtually in all music genres: jazz, fusion, funk, pop, electro, reggae, world music, film scores, theater, rock, metal – no matter if it is in studio or live. This highly interesting cymbal can also be applied as an element of a stack.
Producer: https://meinlpercussion.com/
Distributor in Poland: http://www.meinldistribution.pl/
OUR VERDICT: 5/5 Top
Advantages:
- Very well crafted
- Beautiful look
- Traditional sound
- Easy to ride
- Multi dimensional, stylistically versatile sound
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the Matt Garstka signature 20″ Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium China to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test!
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