Introducing Byzance Foundry Reserve
The new Byzance Foundry Reserve series is a limited selection of cymbals created at Meinl’s Byzance cymbal factory in Turkey.
Inspired from the time when all cymbals were handmade, these cymbals showcase the stunning sonically rich works of art that Meinl’s cymbalsmiths create with layers of tonality and nuance; however, that is only half of the beauty, as they are also visually striking from the one-of-a-kind hand hammered marks.
Each smith spends additional time hammering these cymbal blanks to develop a more complex voice within the metal. When this hammering is coupled with the fully lathed top and bottom, the rides produce a clear, dry stick-attack note over a lush bed of low undertones. The hi-hats sizzle with warmth and precision when played with sticks or the foot, and the crash explodes with a dark fury not found elsewhere in the Byzance family.
Meinl intentionally left the top surface free from large logos so that the natural beauty of the hand-hammering artform can be appreciated.
14” + 15” Hihat
The Byzance Foundry Reserve hihats feature a thin top over a medium-thin bottom. This weight combination produces a versatile hihat that works both in the studio and on stage for many situations, especially where touch and nuance are required. The stick response is warm, fat, and has a nice sizzle when slightly opened. The foot chick is strong and well-balanced with full tonality. Great for a wide variety of gigs.
18” Crash
The Byzance Foundry Reserve crash features a very dark and explosive response that quickly decays and additionally can be used as a light ride cymbal for drummers looking to maximize a minimal cymbal set. This comes from the combination of extensive hand-hammering in addition to the fully lathed surface. The medium weight gives the crash a full-bodied sound at its apex.
20” + 22” Ride
The Byzance Foundry Reserve Ride features a dry stick-attack followed by a complex character carried along in a controlled spread. Undergoing extra time with the cymbalsmith, every ride develops a deep foundation from the extensive hand-hammering building up to a rich character. This complex array of harmonics would be buried in the cymbal if not for the fully lathed surface which opens the cymbal for that rich tonality to escape. The medium-thin weight provides enough body for a strong definition to drive a band, but is thin enough to open for crashing as well.
20” + 22” Light Ride
The Byzance Foundry Reserve Light Ride is a very versatile cymbal with the thin weight and easily fits the personality of the player. It may become your favorite thin jazz ride with its dark and brooding light wash; however, it can also quickly activate into a musical crash.
Starting with the extensive hand-hammering, the smith forms the low fundamental pitch, dark tonality, and rich harmonics you hear. The fully lathed surface gives the stick definition a clear attack followed by a lush spread of undertones. It responds easily to mallets too.
