Meinl Custom Shop

Introduction: 1995
Discontinued: ? (gone by 2004 catalog)
Background: A unique concept based on three sound characters: Basic, Fusion, & Rock. In addition, three finish options were available: Regular, Brilliant, & Champagne 64. (see descriptions of each below.) There was a separate, but related series called Custom Shop One Of A Kind.
Innovation: By allowing to choose between sound characters and finish options, there's almost limitless sound possibilities.
Alloy:
Quality: Professional
Applications: Live and studio
Sound: Extremely varied

• NOTE: This series started with no size or model designations.

Sound Characters

• Basic - The bow, finishing, and type of hammering are designed for light to medium playing styles. Basic cymbals provide perfect all-round sounds with quick response.¹

• Fusion - The FUSION models also share the same basic design concept (as Basic), but influences from lighter playing styles and their requirements are considered here. Fusion cymbals shine with very warm sounds. Thin, dynamic cymbals specifically for quieter music.¹

• Rock - ROCK models also have their own fundamental concept. They are clearly designed to meet the demands of powerful playing styles. Rock cymbals have excellent projection and are particularly suitable for loud music.¹

Finishes

Regular / Brilliant / Champagne 64

• Regular - After turning or grinding, the surface of the cymbal is not further processed. The Regular Finish has the least impact on the cymbal's sound.¹

• Brilliant - Cymbal surface meticulously hand-polished to a high gloss. Causes a slight damping of the overtones.¹

• Champagne 64 - This special surface treatment dampens the entire overtone spectrum. The response becomes extremely clear and dry.¹

BASIC

Rides

• Thin Ride - 20"
• Medium Ride - 20", 21", 22"

Crashes

• Medium Crash - 14", 15", 16", 17", 18"
• Medium Heavy Crash - 16", 17", 18"

Hi-Hats

• Hihat - 12", 13", 14"
• Soundwave Hihat - 14"

Splashes

• Splash - 8", 10", 12"

FUSION

Rides

• Thin Ride - 20"
• Medium Ride - 19", 20", 21", 22"

Crashes

• Medium Crash - 14", 15", 16", 17", 18"

Hi-Hats

• Hihat - 12", 13", 14"
• Soundwave Hihat - 14"

Splashes

• Splash - 8", 10", 12"

ROCK

Rides

• Heavy Ride - 20", 22", 24"

Crashes

• Medium Crash - 14", 15", 16", 17", 18", 19', 20"
• Heavy Crash - 16', 17", 18"

Hi-Hats

• Hihat - 13", 14"
• Soundwave Hihat - 14"

Special Models

Rides

• Dark Ride Thin - 20"
• Dark Ride Medium - 20", 21", 22"
• Momentum Ride - 26"

Chinas

• China - 14", 15", 16", 17", 18", 19", 20"

Bells

• High Bell - 5", 6", 7", 8"
• High Sizzle Bell - 5", 6", 7", 8"
• Medium Bell - 5", 6", 7", 8"
• Medium Sizzle Bell - 5", 6", 7", 8"
• Low Bell - 5", 6", 7", 8"
• Low Sizzle Bell - 5", 6", 7", 8"

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Information from:
¹ 1999 Meinl Catalog (translated from the original German text)