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Average Price: $679
High-end/Boutique
$200
$501+
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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat (Pair)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover a new dimension in your drumming with the Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat pair. Designed for musicians who crave a unique sound palette, these hi-hats are a testament to Meinl's meticulous craftsmanship. Hand-hammered to perfection, the cymbals feature a distinctive un-lathed finish that contributes to their dry, dark, and trashy tone. This dynamic pairing of a lightweight top and a heavier bottom delivers an expressive, fat "chick" sound with minimal wash, making it an ideal choice for versatile genres from rock and funk to jazz and R&B.
The B20 bronze alloy composition (80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver) ensures a rich, complex sound that resonates with depth and clarity. Whether you're in the studio or live on stage, these hi-hats provide a well-controllable sonic experience with a short sustain—perfect for adding character and texture to your beats. Embrace the raw, earthy sound of the Byzance Extra Dry series and elevate your musical expression to new heights.
Key Features:
- 16" size for versatile application
- Crafted from premium B20 bronze alloy
- Un-lathed, hand-hammered finish for a natural, earthy tone
- Dark, dry sound with a trashy character
- Short sustain and excellent stick definition
- Ideal for rock, funk, jazz, R&B, and studio use
Product specs
| Available since | December 2013 |
| Hand hammered | Yes |
| Alloy | B20 |
FAQs
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What materials are used in the Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat?
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The Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat is crafted from B20 bronze alloy, which is known for its rich and complex sound. These cymbals are hand-hammered into shape to ensure unique tonal characteristics.
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How would you describe the sound of the Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat?
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The Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat offers a dry, dark, and complex sound with a short sustain. It is ideal for drummers seeking a vintage-like, earthy tone that blends effortlessly in various musical settings.
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Is the Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat suitable for jazz music?
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Yes, the Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat is well-suited for jazz due to its warm, dry sound and quick decay. Its nuanced tonal qualities make it a favorite among jazz drummers looking for subtlety and expression.
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Are these hi-hats hand-hammered?
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Yes, the Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat is hand-hammered, which contributes to its unique sound and character. This craftsmanship ensures each pair has a distinct tonal quality.
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What is the primary use case for the Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat?
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The Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat is primarily used for genres requiring nuanced articulation, such as jazz, fusion, and acoustic settings. Its dry, complex sound is perfect for drummers seeking a unique sonic signature.
Reviews
PROS
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Offers a rich, nuanced sound suitable for various music genres
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Delivers a dry, deep, and full tone that complements other instruments
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Exceptional dynamic response for both soft and hard playing
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Produces a distinctive, gritty tone with complex overtones
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Highly versatile, suitable for genres from jazz to contemporary metal
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Maintains a crisp and articulate sound without overwhelming other instruments
CONS
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May not cut through in hard rock settings against heavy guitar distortion
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl 16" Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat (Pair).
User experience
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A user highlights the "outstanding" foot "chick" sound these hi-hats produce, contributing to their appeal in jazz and fusion.
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Break-in period reportedly improves sound, with cymbals becoming less prone to overtones after regular use and handling.
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Some users report excessive overtones that aren't captured in recordings, suggesting a potential variance in cymbal quality.
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Owners mention that these hi-hats feel "soft" or "mushy" under sticks and foot, a unique tactile experience compared to smaller hi-hats.
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Despite their dry nature, these hi-hats are praised for aligning well with jazz and fusion music styles, especially for fans of artists like Nate Wood and Mark Guiliana.
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Build quality
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Variance in cymbal sound attributed to minor differences in alloy and craftsmanship, particularly in hand-hammered models.
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Comparisons
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Many prefer Zildjian Special Dry hi-hats for a cleaner, more musical sound compared to the perceived inconsistency in Meinl's line.
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Owners highlight the 15” version for its dark and sloshy sound, suggesting it might be more versatile than the 16” model.
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The hi-hats are compared to Richard Spaven's setup, using a trash crash and splash as the bottom hi-hat for a distinctive sound.
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The 16” model is likened to customized setups combining crash and FX cymbals for a more personalized sound, drawing inspiration from drummers like Steve Jordan and Nate the 80/20 drummer.
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Use cases and applications
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Despite dry characteristics, some find them well-suited for jazz, while others prefer cleaner tones for broader musical applications.
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Some players report that despite their dry nature, these hi-hats can work surprisingly well in metal and djent music settings.
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Users note that these hi-hats blend well with electronic elements in music, making them suitable for genres like D&B and groove.
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The 16” Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hats are described as chunky and fuzzy, ideal for players seeking a unique, niche sound rather than a general-purpose hi-hat.
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Setup and maintenance
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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