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 Byzance jazz ride.
22″ Meinl Byzance Jazz Monophonic Ride
1. The test
We tested the 22″ Meinl Byzance Jazz Monophonic Ride 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
- Series: Byzance
- Model: Artist Concept
- Model: Monophonic
- Diameter: 22″
- Material: Bronze B20
- Finish: Traditional, narrowly lathed
- Pitch: Low
- Timbre: Dark
- Sustain: Short
3. Product and sound
The 22-inch Meinl Byzance Jazz Monophonic Ride is a very beautiful-looking and wonderfully crafted cymbal. Its traditional finish with narrow-blade lathing also suggests traditional sound. After all, the instrument was designed with a dark, vintage, rather dry sound, and short decay (for this diameter) in mind. That was the idea and…that is exactly the way it is. We will also add that, with all the features mentioned above, the cymbal is not merely “sandy” sounding – slightly more “glassy” overtones can be heard here and there, which only adds to its character.
The instrument is easily crashable and crash-rideable, which also puts it on the “vintage ride” shelf. The volume and projection of the bell are nicely balanced in comparison to the body, thanks to which a player does not have to worry about constantly adjusting playing dynamics to a given cymbal zone.
4. Summary
The 22″ Meinl Byzance Jazz Monophonic Ride is a big, dark, dry and traditional-sounding ride cymbal which can give interesting results in such music genres as: jazz, fusion, funk, pop, electro, 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 cymbal 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, traditional sonic effect
- Easy to crash and crash ride
- Complex sound (dark, dry with “glassy” overtones)
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the 22″ Meinl Byzance Jazz Monophonic Ride to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test!
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