FunkyJazzer
01-17-2009, 01:43 AM
Hi guys,
Just thought I'd give you all a bit of information on the Meinl Byzance Jazz line. Some of you may know that they've had the line for a while now, and have just made some sweet new additions that I think might be worth checking out. This excites me :P
Firstly, as what I believe to be giving in to public demand, they have created a set of Thin Jazz Hats, like the originals, but in 13", aswell as the 14" (which I myself own). These hats are extremely thin and I enjoy playing with them. They're there when you want them to be, and they make plenty of noise when you tell 'em too, but they can be so out of the mix if you want them to be too. Extremely sensitive cymbals, I love them. As you'd imagine, the 13s are slightly higher in pitch, and more controllable (like they need to be!).
The other additions include 17" crashes to the Extra Thin, Thin and Medium-Thin lines. The series started off with just an 18" set, but added 16" a few months into the success. Now arrives the 17's. They fit nicely in between I'd say, probably my choice of size. The Extra Thins provide a very vintage and warm sound, and naturally very fast, the Medium-Thins are very versatile crashes, washy and all 3 are very good secondary light rides.
A very exciting addition is the 10" Jazz Splash(!)...very tasty, very trad.
Personally, although I probably won't be getting one as I can't afford it and don't really need one, I am very excited about the new 22" version of the Wolfgang Haffner Club Ride. I bought a 20" version in London 2 years ago and got it signed by Wolfgang. I was not expecting a 22" creation. It sounds even smoother and silkier than the original, and much darker, with a bit less presence I'd say. Sounds absolutely incredible.
So I think that covers the new additions to the Byzance Jazz line. I would seriously suggest checking them out. I myself own a pair of 14" Thin Hats, a 20" Jazz Club Ride, and a 20" Jazz Sweet Light Ride. I also use a Byzance Extra-Dry Medium Ride and will be looking into a Sweet Ride or Medium-Thin ride soon (buttery as hell!).
However, I think for guys like Stan and Karl with your Agops, there isn't much contest tbh. Although I myself have to admit to Istanbul producing some of the best sounding and feeling cymbals, I have had opportunities to go Istanbul, but I always like what Meinl are doing. I just think this Meinl line is serious one, and is overlooked in favour of Sabian and Zildjian, and of course Istanbul. It's an interesting alternative - quite a modern take on a very much vintage sound. A mixture of hand hammering and machine hammering.
I am impressed by the feel of the cymbals so far, and will no doubt be adding more to my collection. You can check them out, sound samples an' all, on the Meinl Cymbals website:
http://meinlcymbals.com/products.html?tx_twmeinlcymbals_products%5Bmode%5D =SERIES&tx_twmeinlcymbals_products%5Bparent%5D=2&cHash=8b6e13ae6c
If any of you have any questions on these cymbals, I'd be happy to help as best as I can. I've had a fair amount of experience with these pies, and I know there's not many of us who have. I'd like to keep this thread open as a sort of 'discussion thread' for these Meinl Jazz cymbals if that's alright!? There seems to be one for all the other brands! All the best!
Just thought I'd give you all a bit of information on the Meinl Byzance Jazz line. Some of you may know that they've had the line for a while now, and have just made some sweet new additions that I think might be worth checking out. This excites me :P
Firstly, as what I believe to be giving in to public demand, they have created a set of Thin Jazz Hats, like the originals, but in 13", aswell as the 14" (which I myself own). These hats are extremely thin and I enjoy playing with them. They're there when you want them to be, and they make plenty of noise when you tell 'em too, but they can be so out of the mix if you want them to be too. Extremely sensitive cymbals, I love them. As you'd imagine, the 13s are slightly higher in pitch, and more controllable (like they need to be!).
The other additions include 17" crashes to the Extra Thin, Thin and Medium-Thin lines. The series started off with just an 18" set, but added 16" a few months into the success. Now arrives the 17's. They fit nicely in between I'd say, probably my choice of size. The Extra Thins provide a very vintage and warm sound, and naturally very fast, the Medium-Thins are very versatile crashes, washy and all 3 are very good secondary light rides.
A very exciting addition is the 10" Jazz Splash(!)...very tasty, very trad.
Personally, although I probably won't be getting one as I can't afford it and don't really need one, I am very excited about the new 22" version of the Wolfgang Haffner Club Ride. I bought a 20" version in London 2 years ago and got it signed by Wolfgang. I was not expecting a 22" creation. It sounds even smoother and silkier than the original, and much darker, with a bit less presence I'd say. Sounds absolutely incredible.
So I think that covers the new additions to the Byzance Jazz line. I would seriously suggest checking them out. I myself own a pair of 14" Thin Hats, a 20" Jazz Club Ride, and a 20" Jazz Sweet Light Ride. I also use a Byzance Extra-Dry Medium Ride and will be looking into a Sweet Ride or Medium-Thin ride soon (buttery as hell!).
However, I think for guys like Stan and Karl with your Agops, there isn't much contest tbh. Although I myself have to admit to Istanbul producing some of the best sounding and feeling cymbals, I have had opportunities to go Istanbul, but I always like what Meinl are doing. I just think this Meinl line is serious one, and is overlooked in favour of Sabian and Zildjian, and of course Istanbul. It's an interesting alternative - quite a modern take on a very much vintage sound. A mixture of hand hammering and machine hammering.
I am impressed by the feel of the cymbals so far, and will no doubt be adding more to my collection. You can check them out, sound samples an' all, on the Meinl Cymbals website:
http://meinlcymbals.com/products.html?tx_twmeinlcymbals_products%5Bmode%5D =SERIES&tx_twmeinlcymbals_products%5Bparent%5D=2&cHash=8b6e13ae6c
If any of you have any questions on these cymbals, I'd be happy to help as best as I can. I've had a fair amount of experience with these pies, and I know there's not many of us who have. I'd like to keep this thread open as a sort of 'discussion thread' for these Meinl Jazz cymbals if that's alright!? There seems to be one for all the other brands! All the best!