Meinl Byzance Dark 22" Spectrum Ride

Group: Rides
Type: Spectrum Ride
Size: 22 Inch
Series: Byzance Dark
Weight: 2875g
Median Weight: 2875g (n=1)
Years of production: 2007 - Present
Sound file: Byzance Dark 22" Spectrum Ride
Meinl's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The 22" Spectrum ride, which is Rodney Holmes' new signature cymbal in everything but name, is less extreme than the Extra Dry models. Rodney wanted a ride capable of transcending genres.

Available only in 22", it is at the heavy end of medium weight. It has a fair collection of hammer marks and a spiral lathing pattern travels all the way from the centre hole to the edge on both sides of the cymbal. The wide spaces between each band of lathing have been left untreated, making for striking visuals.

In use, the Spectrum ride seems to have captured the qualities Rodney was seeking. It produces a warm, dark, but clear ping over an almost-perfect spread of wash. Going up onto the bell, the sound hardens and increases in volume, but not at the expense of its tone. The bell really feels like a part of the same cymbal (which is so often not the case).

This is an impressive ride, full of colour and dynamics, and it's hard to imagine a musical setting that it couldn't thrive in."

Review written by Music Radar Team ("Meinl Byzance Series Spectrum Ride 22" review", MusicRadar.com, December 7, 2007)

Review: "This unique-looking cymbal, which was designed for versatile jazz/rock/fusion drummer Rodney Holmes, is said to have “a classic elegant sound combined with an aggressive clear projection.” When compared to the Extra Dry rides, this cymbal is equally as dark and low-pitched, with a similar dry stick sound. But there’s considerably more spread. The timbre is also more even and less complex than that of the Extra Drys. The bell is very musical, making it blend well with the rest of the cymbal. And you can build up a loud, dark wash by crashing with the shoulder of your stick. I tested the Spectrum at several loud gigs with my rock band as well as in a subtle jazz setting, and it performed great in both. So if you need a cymbal that can cover a wide range of styles, or if you have an affinity for dark jazz tones but need something that can cut through on louder gigs, I’d recommend checking this one out."

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

Review: "Rodney Holmes's 22" Byzance Dark Spectrum ride is heavily hammered and has a spiral lathing pattern with raw cymbal showing beside the grooves. Appropriately, as the name hints at an appreciation of jazz maestro Tony Williams, it delivers a dark, lush sound that's perfect for rattling out rapid fire triplets.

Its smoky warmth extends to the bell."

Review written by Adam Jones ("Meinl Signature Rides review", musicradar.com, August 24, 2009)

Artist/song where it can be heard: Jost Nickel