Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Cymbals and Spectrum Ride

GEARREVIEWS
MARCH 2007 RHYTHM 099
While the hi-hats
and crashes are lathed
underneath, the Extra
Dry rides are shaped
and tuned with nothing
more than a hammer.
wanted a ride
capable of
transcending genres.
Available only in 22", it is at the heavy end
of mediumweight. 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.
The Spectrum ride
has an elegant profi le, with the bell
really feeling part of the cymbal
Meinl seem to be unfairly regarded as a manufacturer of
mainly rockers’ cymbals. The Byzance range is proof that the
company caters for a far wider audience. These cymbals are
fabulous examples of old school cymbalsmithery. Whether or
not they will appeal to you is more down to your taste in
cymbals than your musical persuasion. If you like your
cymbals clean and bright, then you will probably give the
Extra Drys a wide berth on appearance alone. If, however, you
look for character and complexity in a cymbal then you will
not be disappointed – they’re like sampling vintage stilton
after mild cheddar. The Spectrum ride is no less musical but
is undoubtedly more versatile, and Meinl and Rodney Holmes
deserve credit for creating such a wonderful cymbal.
The Extra Drys are a very distinctive set of cymbals that
ooze individuality, and the Spectrum ride is a class act.
Some drummers might baulk at their
appearance – judge with your ears!
★★★★★
RATING
RHY136.gear_meinl 99 23/2/07 13:07:31