Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 22" Medium Ride

Group: Rides
Type: Medium Ride
Size: 22 Inch
Series: Byzance Extra Dry
Weight: 2702g, 2728g, 2774g
Median Weight: 2728g (n=3)
Years of production: ? - Present
Sound file: Byzance Extra Dry 22" Medium Ride
Byzance Extra Dry 22" Medium Ride
Byzance Extra Dry 22" Medium Ride
Byzance Extra Dry 22" Medium Ride
Meinl's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "A few months back, I had the pleasure of checking out a show by one of my favorite rock bands, Clutch. Their drummer, Jean-Paul Gaster, knocked me out not only with his loose sounding setup. I was particularly interested in the dark and dry cymbal to his right that he used to punctuate the ends of fills and for occasional ride patterns. That cymbal was the 22" Byzance Extra Dry medium ride.

The Extra Dry medium rides, which come in 20" and 22" sizes, are unique cymbals, both visually and sonically. Both surfaces of the cymbals are completely untreated and unlathed, which gives them an aged, buried-in-the-yard appearance. They also feature large, random hammer marks on the bow, while the bell is untouched.

The 22" model was my favorite of the two. When played on the bow, the sound had a nice balance of dry stick attack and dark overtones, with a short and slightly trashy sustain. The bell also had a complex tone that complemented the cymbal’s overall smoky vibe. Shoulder crashes were a little too loud and jarring for Bill Stewart–type push accents. But I can see why someone like Jean-Paul Gaster would go to this sound for roaring build-up sections.

The 20" Extra Dry medium ride was not quite as versatile as its big brother. But the stick definition on this cymbal is remarkably dry and clear, almost like there was a strip of tape on the underside. Even after striking the edge with a full swing, I was able to play clean ride patterns on the bow without the overtones overpowering the rhythms. The bell sound was a little too loud and clangy for my tastes. And there was a slight gonginess lurking in the sustain. For that reason, I wouldn’t necessarily go to this ride if you’re into exploring every nuance in your cymbals. But if you’re interested in a very dark ride sound with minimal sustain and a strong stick attack, either of these could do the trick."

Review written by Michael Dawson ("Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Series And Spectrum Ride", Modern Drummer, May 2008, pp.34-35)

Artist/song where it can be heard: unknown