Meinl Byzance 20" Vintage Sand Ride
Overview
The Meinl Byzance 20-inch Vintage Sand Ride is a remarkably dry, earthy-sounding ride cymbal that has become one of the most sought-after cymbals in the modern drumming world, beloved by jazz, gospel, neo-soul, and indie musicians for its unique textural quality. Handcrafted in Turkey from B20 bronze, the Vintage Sand Ride undergoes an extensive finishing process that includes hand hammering, lathing, and a special sandblasting treatment that gives the cymbal its distinctive raw, matte appearance and fundamentally alters its acoustic properties. The result is an extraordinarily dry stick sound with almost no sustain, allowing every note to speak with crystalline clarity before quickly decaying. The bell is focused and dark with a contained, musical tone. When crashed, the cymbal produces a brief, trashy wash that disappears quickly, making it ideal for musical contexts where cymbal sustain would clutter the sonic landscape. The medium weight provides enough mass for clear articulation without adding unwanted overtones. The unique tonal character has made it a staple on recordings by leading contemporary drummers. The Byzance Vintage Sand Ride is ideal for drummers in acoustic, jazz, gospel, and studio settings who prioritize stick definition and dryness over projection. The extremely dry character means it lacks the wash and sustain needed for traditional rock and pop ride applications.
Cymbals
An extraordinarily dry ride cymbal with sandblasted matte finish producing crystalline stick definition and almost no sustain, beloved by jazz, gospel, and neo-soul drummers.
Instrument Details
$519
Professional
Brand
Meinl
Type
Ride Cymbal
Made In
Turkey
Year
2012
