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Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$599.99
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$599.99
Reverb
$504.03 New
$499.99 Used
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$483.00 $479.00 $4.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£467.00

Average Price: $555

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hihat". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the perfect sonic balance with the Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-hat, a signature creation of the renowned drummer Matt Garstka. Crafted from premium B20 Bronze, these hi-hats embody a captivating blend of vintage warmth and modern versatility. The sandblasted surface not only enhances their striking appearance but also contributes to their distinct, dry sound profile.

Each cymbal is meticulously crafted, featuring a mix of lathed and unlathed areas, providing a unique array of tonal options. This design ensures a precise attack and an engaging, papery stick feel, making these hi-hats a versatile choice for any playing style. The bottom cymbal includes strategically placed holes around the bell, delivering a sharp, responsive foot chick. Whether you're looking for a sloshy, open sound or a crisp, tight attack, these hi-hats adapt seamlessly to any musical setting.

Ideal for both live performances and studio sessions, the Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-hat cymbals deliver a deep, dark tone with a partly dry character, ensuring your sound remains distinct and expressive. Elevate your drumming experience with a pair of hi-hats designed to meet the demands of both traditional and contemporary music.

Key Features:

  • Size: 14"
  • Matt Garstka Signature Series
  • Material: B20 Bronze
  • Sandblasted surface for a dry sound character
  • Partially lathed for diverse tonal options
  • Bottom cymbal with holes for enhanced foot chick
  • Deep, dark, and partly dry sound character
  • Soft playing feel with a versatile dynamic range
  • Hand-hammered craftsmanship for unique sound quality

Product specs

Available since July 2019
Hand Hammered Yes
Finish Sand Blasted
Alloy B20 Bronze

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-hat?

The Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-hat offers a balanced sound with a blend of dry, dark, and articulate tones. It is designed to provide clarity and crispness, making it versatile for various music styles.

Is the Meinl Byzance Equilibrium Hi-hat suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Meinl Byzance Equilibrium Hi-hat is well-suited for live performances. Its hand-hammered B20 bronze construction and sandblasted finish deliver a sound that cuts through in live settings while maintaining musicality.

What is the primary material used in the Meinl 14" Equilibrium Hi-hat?

The Meinl 14" Equilibrium Hi-hat is made from B20 bronze alloy, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities. This material contributes to the hi-hat's complex sound and responsiveness.

Does the Meinl Byzance Equilibrium Hi-hat work well for recording?

Yes, the Meinl Byzance Equilibrium Hi-hat is excellent for recording due to its balanced sound profile. Its articulate and defined tones make it a great choice for capturing clear hi-hat sounds in studio environments.

Who is the Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-hat designed for?

The Meinl Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-hat is a signature model designed in collaboration with Matt Garstka, appealing to drummers seeking a versatile and expressive hi-hat that performs well across multiple genres.

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Byzance 14" Vintage Equilibrium Hihats by Meinl Cymbals B14EQH

Video thumbnail for Byzance 14" Vintage Equilibrium Hihats by Meinl Cymbals B14EQH by MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Byzance 14" Vintage Equilibrium Hihats by Meinl Cymbals B14EQH

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Video thumbnail for Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-Hats - 930/974g (B14EQH-1091222A) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi-Hats - 930/974g (B14EQH-1091222A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi Hats - 933g/975g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hi Hats - 933g/975g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hihat.

User experience

  • Owners find the 14" Equilibrium hi-hats to be versatile and suitable for various settings, especially if they are fans of Matt Garstka.

    Source
  • Owners report that the 14" Meinl Byzance Equilibrium has a distinct, sharp attack with a dark undertone, providing a unique sound balance ideal for various musical styles.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 16" Extra Dry Medium Thin Hi-Hats are praised for recording well, offering a buttery feel, and being versatile for jazz/fusion/groove styles.

    Source
  • The 16" Extra Dry Medium Thin Hi-Hats work exceptionally well for live performances, though they might lack versatility in a recording setting.

    Source
  • The Byzance Equilibrium hi-hats are favored for their versatility, working well in both live and studio settings, especially for genres requiring intricate footwork.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A suggestion for those interested in larger hi-hats is to explore assembling a set from 16" crashes, similar to setups used by Steve Jordan and Arthur Hnatek.

    Source
  • Some users describe the Equilibrium's sound as less buttery compared to the 14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hats, which are noted for their dark tone and cutting attack.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 14" Equilibrium offers a more pronounced closed hi-hat sound, which can be advantageous for specific playing styles like double bass.

    Source
  • The Equilibrium hi-hats are praised for their pronounced closed sound, which enhances performance in styles that demand precise hi-hat articulation.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Matt Garstka uses Meinl 14" Byzance Vintage Equilibrium Hihat

Matt Garstka

Drummer

Animals as Leaders

...
Verified via Photo

I’m so happy these Equilibrium hihats are now released!! It was a lot of work experimenting and refining these hats but I couldn’t be more happy:) They have that papery sound I love to hear when they are open, that have a nice crisp tip attack and a solid chick????I thought these little demos would give you guys an up close and personal look at them. @meinlcymbals

T

Trey Celaya

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:49 in this video

I’m using the Equilibrium Hihats, the Matt Garstka signatures. They look different because I’m actually flipping it; I’m using the bottom on the top, and the top on the bottom.

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