Meinl Byzance Traditional 18" Flat China

Group: Chinas
Type: Flat China
Size: 18 Inch
Series: Byzance Traditional
Weight: 1087g
Years of production: 2010¹ - ?
Sound file: Byzance Traditional 18" Flat China
Byzance Traditional 18" Flat China & 18" China
Byzance Traditional 18" Flat China
Byzance Traditional 18" Flat China
Byzance Traditional 18" Flat China
Byzance Traditional 18" Flat China
Meinl's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The 18" is similar but deeper with more sustain, although still relatively terse. With more mid frequencies, the timbre is smoother.

The clarity of tip stroke makes this a decent ride too. Overall it has a thinner and more silvery sound than the two other 18s. And lacking bells, both Flats have less power than the other chinas."

Review written by Geoff Nicholls ("Meinl Byzance Cymbals (Traditional, Dark and Extra Dry ranges) review", musicradar.com, July 20, 2010)

Review: "What happens when you remove the bell from a China? Well, for starters, the sustain is shortened, which takes away some of the immediate bite. We drummers love our Chinas, but we've all been in the situation where our string-playing counterparts can't stand them because they sound too harsh. If this seems familiar, Byzance Traditional Flat Chinas may be your saving grace. They are completely lathed with flat bells and have a warmer sound and a less abrasive attack than standard Chinas. The 16" Flat China ($400) had an attack that was fast and bright yet with subdued volume. The tone was focused, with an even sizzle to the decay. Since Flat Chinas are quieter by nature, light playing found them less responsive than regular China cymbals; the tone became more flaccid and, interestingly enough, started to take on characteristics of a flat ride with rivets.

The 18" version ($480) had more pang than the 16", with a firmer tone and a linear tonal quality, while remaining less overtly trashy than a typical China. The 18" Flat China had a solid presence and a shimmering tone, without the bursting attack of a standard 18" China."

Review written by David Ciauro ("Meinl Byzance Series Additions", Modern Drummer, August 2010, p.25)

Artist/song where it can be heard: unknown

---

Source:
¹ 2010 Meinl Catalog