Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $346
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China Cymbal is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, crafted for discerning drummers who seek an authentic sonic experience. Hand-hammered in Turkey using the B20 bronze alloy, this cymbal embodies the rich heritage of Turkish cymbal-making while meeting modern performance demands. The meticulous craftsmanship results in a cymbal that delivers a brash, aggressive attack with a complex spread, perfect for adding a distinctly trashy edge to your music.
When struck, this china cymbal responds with an explosive character and offers a long, dark sustain, making it versatile enough for genres ranging from jazz and Latin to rock, pop, and country. The Traditional finish enhances its atmospheric quality, providing both visual and auditory appeal. Favored by artists like Brann Dailor and Chris Adler, the Meinl Byzance Traditional China Cymbal is not just an instrument but a piece of art that enriches any drummer's setup with its unique voice.
Key Features:
- Made from B20 bronze alloy (80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver)
- Hand-hammered and lathed in Turkey
- Aggressive attack with a complex, trashy spread
- Long sustain with a dark, explosive response
- Versatile for jazz, Latin, rock, pop, and country genres
Product specs
| Type | Byzance China |
| Size | 16" |
| Weight | Thin |
| Material | B20 Bronze |
| Pitch | Mid-High |
| Sound | Bright, Rich |
| Sustain | Medium |
| Volume | Medium |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China?
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The Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China delivers a bright and rich sound with a mid-high pitch. It offers a medium sustain and volume, making it versatile for various musical styles.
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Is the Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China is well-suited for live performances due to its medium volume and bright, cutting sound that can project well in live settings.
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What material is the Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China made from?
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The Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China is crafted from B20 bronze, known for its musicality and ability to produce a wide range of tones.
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How is the Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China constructed?
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The Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China is hand-hammered into shape, a process that enhances its musical qualities and ensures a unique sound character.
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What genres of music is the Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China best suited for?
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The Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China is versatile and can be used in a variety of genres, particularly those requiring a bright and cutting cymbal sound, such as rock, metal, and fusion.
Videos
MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos
Meinl Cymbals B16CH Byzance 16" Traditional China Cymbal
Reviews
PROS
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Clear, focused sound with minimal unwanted metallic overtones
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Quick attack and decay, ideal for studio recording
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Blends well with other cymbal brands, yet stands out
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Dark and fast sound with little to no overtones
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High-quality construction typical of the Byzance series
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Enhances the perceived skill level of drummers
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Unique sound that ranks highly among picky china users
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Versatile sound that complements various setups
CONS
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Prone to cracking under heavy use, especially with bigger sticks
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Relatively thin, may not withstand hardcore drumming
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High price point, though considered worth it by some users
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Instances of receiving damaged products (cracks, dents) from the factory
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl 16" Byzance Traditional China.
User experience
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Owners note that sound consistency varies significantly between identical Meinl Byzance cymbals, recommending in-person trials or purchasing from retailers with good return policies.
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Meinl cymbals are noted for their aesthetic appeal, with the Byzance Dual and Sand Ride particularly admired for visual and tonal quality.
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Build quality
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The Byzance line is praised for its warm, complex tones but can be prone to breakage if overplayed, especially in louder music genres due to their thinner construction.
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Comparisons
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The Byzance series is often likened to Zildjian K Sweets and Istanbul Agop Clapstack, with some users perceiving these as more innovative.
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The Meinl Byzance Brilliant China is compared to the Sabian Holy China, with the latter offering a better trash and crash balance for riding.
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For a crunchier sound with quick decay, the Meinl Byzance Dark or Extra Dry 18" chinas are recommended as alternatives.
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Use cases and applications
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