Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$529.99
Amazon
4.6 (14)
$529.99
Reverb
$474.65 4 available New
Musician's Friend
5.0 (17)
$529.99
Thomann
4.8 (15)
$466.00
Gear4Music
£414.00

Average Price: $506

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Crafted with precision and passion, the Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat is an essential choice for drummers seeking an authentic, raw sound. This pair of hi-hats is a testament to Meinl's dedication to quality, featuring the renowned B20 bronze alloy, composed of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver. Handmade in Turkey, these cymbals boast a completely unlathed surface, offering an unprocessed, earthy look that matches their rich auditory character.

These hi-hats deliver an esoteric, dark sound that is both intricate and bold. The open hi-hat offers a dirty, earthy tone that resonates with a short sustain, while the chick is crisp and controlled, perfect for a wide range of musical styles from rock to jazz. The unlathed finish not only contributes to their distinctive appearance but also enhances their dry response, providing a unique tonal character that stands out in any performance.

The Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat is favored by professional artists such as Brann Dailor and Chris Adler, underscoring its reputation for musicality and depth. Whether you're laying down complex rhythms or adding nuanced accents to your tracks, these hi-hats promise to deliver a versatile and expressive sound that will elevate your drumming game.

Key Features:

  • Size: 13"
  • Byzance Series
  • Handmade in Turkey
  • B20 Bronze Alloy (80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver)
  • Completely unlathed, raw finish
  • Esoteric, dark sound with a short sustain and crisp chick
  • Favored by professional drummers

Product specs

Available since March 2009
Hand Hammered Cymbal Yes
Finish Regular, Traditional
Alloy B20 Bronze

FAQs

What is the sound character of the Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat?

The Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat offers a dark, complex sound with a warm, rich tone. Its hand-hammered B20 bronze construction provides a musicality that is both deep and articulate, making it ideal for genres requiring subtlety and depth.

How does the Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat perform in a mix?

This hi-hat is designed to blend seamlessly into a mix without overpowering other instruments. Its darker tonal quality ensures it doesn't become too loud or crisp, making it perfect for nuanced playing and controlled dynamics.

Is the Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat suitable for jazz drumming?

Yes, the Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat is well-suited for jazz due to its warm, complex sound and excellent dynamic control. Its hand-hammered finish provides the subtlety and musicality often desired in jazz settings.

What material is the Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat made from?

The Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its durability and exceptional sound characteristics, providing a rich and full-bodied tone.

How is the Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat constructed?

This hi-hat is hand-hammered in Turkey, ensuring a unique and intricate sound profile. The traditional craftsmanship involved in its making results in a cymbal with unparalleled musicality and character.

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Meinl Cymbals B13DAH Byzance 13" Dark Hihat

Video thumbnail for Meinl Cymbals B13DAH Byzance 13" Dark Hihat by MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Meinl Cymbals B13DAH Byzance 13" Dark Hihat

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Video thumbnail for Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi Hat Cymbals (B13DAH-1010615A) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi Hat Cymbals (B13DAH-1010615A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi Hat Cymbals (B13DAH-1022113B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi Hat Cymbals (B13DAH-1022113B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hats - 1090/1226g (B13DAH-1112619D) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hats - 1090/1226g (B13DAH-1112619D)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound control from crisp and dry to wet and gritty

  • Sharp and articulate "chick" sound with impressive definition

  • Unique dark tone with quick decay and high pitch

  • Versatile across genres like jazz, fusion, funk, and some rock

  • Beautiful unlathed finish with high-quality craftsmanship

  • Expressive and musical with a wide dynamic range

  • Strong and clear foot pedal sound that cuts through mixes

  • Fast response due to its 13" size, while maintaining complex sounds

  • Sizzle and slosh sounds blend well with other cymbals

  • Durable and heavy, yet comfortable to play

CONS

  • Not ideal for playing wide open, especially in rock settings

  • Limited suitability for extreme genres like death metal or thrash

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat.

Comparisons

  • Byzance Dark 15" are described as "fuzzy and lo-fi" with good articulation, while Paiste Signature Dark Energy hats offer dark undertones with bright articulation.

    Source
  • The Vintage Pure hi-hats are described as extremely dry with rich, dark tones, offering great definition and less conflicting frequencies than the Extra Dry hi-hats.

    Source
  • Meinl and Paiste are noted for their consistent cymbal production, unlike Zildjian and Sabian, which can subtly change over time.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the Byzance Dark 15" suitable for shoegaze and electronic-forward music, contrasting with the extra dry hats favored for heavy rock and metal.

    Source
  • The Vintage Pure hi-hats are noted for their short sustain, making them suitable for drummers who prefer less resonance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Byzance Dark series also includes "Big Apple" versions, which are more jazz-friendly despite their visual similarity to the rest of the Dark line.

    Source
  • The 14" Byzance Dark Hi-Hats are described as crisper, darker, and drier compared to the brighter 14" A Customs.

    Source

User experience

  • Richard Spaven and Matt Garstka have used Vintage Pure hi-hats, with Garstka's signature models based on this line.

    Source
  • Meinl's recording quality is praised for accurately representing the sound of their 14" Byzance Dark Hi-Hats, making online samples a reliable purchase guide.

    Source
  • The visual appeal of the Byzance Dark Hi-Hats' finish is highlighted as extremely attractive by owners.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some buyers avoid paying full price at stores like Guitar Center, preferring to hunt for deals on platforms like Reverb.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Samus Paulicelli uses Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat

Samus Paulicelli

Guitarist, Bassist

Decrepit Birth

...
Verified via YouTube

at 4:35 of this video Samus unboxes new Meinl cymbals. One cymbal he has is a pair of Byzance dark hi hats

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Meinl 13" Byzance Dark Hi-Hat, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Meinl Hi-hat Cymbals

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides