Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (1)
$509.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$509.99
Amazon
4.7 (11)
$509.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$449.00 New
$287.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (5)
$509.99
Thomann
4.9 (11)
$535.00
Gear4Music
£467.00

Average Price: $473

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, earthy tones of the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride, where craftsmanship meets musicality. This cymbal is a testament to Meinl's dedication to quality, crafted from B20 bronze and meticulously hand-hammered for a unique sonic profile. Its raw, unlathed finish not only gives it a striking appearance but also contributes to its distinctive sound—a blend of dark, natural warmth and a precise, defined ping.

Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or energizing a live performance, the Byzance Dark Ride offers a controlled sustain that complements its heavy weight. This balance of characteristics makes it a versatile choice for drummers across genres, from jazz to rock. The cymbal's clear bell articulation cuts through mixes effortlessly, ensuring your rhythm is always at the forefront.

The Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride is more than just a cymbal; it's an instrument that invites you to explore new auditory landscapes. Its nuanced sound palette is a playground for creative expression, offering the perfect canvas for your musical adventures.

Key Features:

  • 20" ride cymbal from the Byzance series
  • Crafted from B20 bronze alloy
  • Hand-hammered for unique tonal qualities
  • Raw, unlathed finish for an earthy, natural look
  • Dark, warm tones with a defined ping and bell
  • Controlled sustain ideal for diverse musical styles

Product specs

Type Ride
Size 20"
Weight Heavy
Material B20
Volume Medium
Sound Mid to Dark
Sustain Short to Medium
Pitch Low to Mid
Bell Size Medium

FAQs

What type of music is the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride suitable for?

The Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride is ideal for genres that benefit from a darker, more complex cymbal sound, such as jazz, fusion, and progressive rock. Its mid to dark tones and short to medium sustain make it versatile for dynamic and expressive playing.

How does the hand-hammered construction of the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride affect its sound?

The hand-hammered construction of the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride enhances its musicality and complexity, producing a unique character with rich, dark overtones. This craftsmanship contributes to its distinctive mid to dark sound profile.

Is the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride is well-suited for live performances due to its medium volume and dynamic range. Its ability to project a rich, dark tone makes it a great choice for both intimate venues and larger settings.

What is the primary material used in the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride, and how does it affect durability?

The Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride is crafted from B20 bronze alloy, known for its durability and superior sound quality. This material ensures the cymbal can withstand regular playing while delivering consistent, high-quality sound.

Does the Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride have a pronounced bell sound?

The Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride features a medium-sized bell that provides a clear, articulate bell sound. This feature adds versatility, allowing drummers to accentuate rhythms with precision.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - Played by Anika Nilles - 2707g (B20DAR-1111615T)

Video thumbnail for Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - Played by Anika Nilles - 2707g (B20DAR-1111615T) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - Played by Anika Nilles - 2707g (B20DAR-1111615T)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - Played by Chris Coleman (B20DAR-1050311O) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - Played by Chris Coleman (B20DAR-1050311O)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Meinl Cymbals B20DAR Byzance 20" Dark Ride Cymbal by MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Meinl Cymbals B20DAR Byzance 20" Dark Ride Cymbal

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Video thumbnail for Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - Played by Ramon Sampson (B20DAR-1110511I) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - Played by Ramon Sampson (B20DAR-1110511I)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride - 2680g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride - 2680g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Used Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - 2667g (UB20DAR-1050421D) by Memphis Drum Shop

Used Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride Cymbal - 2667g (UB20DAR-1050421D)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional stick definition and clear, cutting sound

  • Versatile for multiple genres: rock, pop, funk, metal

  • Loud and responsive bell with great stick response

  • Fast, immediate attack due to its 20" size

  • Unique raw, hand-hammered finish for a vintage look

  • Can be used for blast beats and metal ride work

CONS

  • Not ideal for jazz due to its heavier nature

  • Limited crashability; more of a "clang" than a "crash"

  • Heavier weight may not suit those seeking a washier, crashable ride

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride.

Features and functionality

  • The Byzance line excels at warm, complex, and trashy tones, making them versatile for various music styles.

    Source
  • The 20” Byzance Traditional Medium Crash is highlighted for its impressive sound quality by recent purchasers.

    Source

Build quality

  • Meinl Byzance cymbals are noted for their inconsistency in sound characteristics, leading to unique variations between identical models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners recommend testing the cymbals in person due to the sound variability and suggest buying from retailers with good return policies.

    Source
  • The Byzance series is praised for its aesthetic appeal, but some users find the sound unsatisfactory compared to online samples.

    Source
  • Some users opt to sell their Byzance Dark cymbals to invest in different gear, indicating varied personal preferences and usage needs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Meinl Byzance cymbals, especially the darker and thinner models, are prone to breaking if played too hard, especially in louder settings without microphones.

    Source
  • The Byzance Dark Ride is appreciated for its nuanced sound, suitable for both light funk/rock and heavier music styles.

    Source
  • The 22” Byzance Dark Ride offers more crash potential and less cut, making it sound different and potentially more versatile than the 20” model.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Polyphonic series is perceived by some as similar to Zildjian K Sweets, suggesting potential overlap in sound profiles.

    Source
  • Many find the Byzance Dark Ride too dark, preferring the Zildjian K Dark for a brighter tone.

    Source
  • The 20” Byzance Dark Ride is described as moodier than the AAX Raw Bell Dry Ride, with better blend in mixes, suitable for rock.

    Source

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