Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $462

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride, an artisan-crafted cymbal that promises a rich sonic palette for musicians exploring diverse genres. Handcrafted in Turkey, this ride cymbal boasts a proprietary B20 bronze alloy that infuses each strike with complex, musical tones. Its unique design features a specially crafted bell that delivers shimmering, harmonious overtones, while the bow area offers both crisp stick definition and a more washier ride sound, making it perfect for jazz, rock, fusion, and world music.

The Polyphonic Ride's medium-thin weight coupled with strategic hammering opens up an array of tonal possibilities. Whether you're aiming for articulate ping sounds or want to unleash a wooly crash, this cymbal is adaptable to your every whim. The unlathed bow area and the strikingly raw bell add visual appeal alongside their sonic contributions. This balance of aesthetics and functionality is why drummers find the Byzance Polyphonic Ride a versatile and indispensable addition to their setup.

Key Features:

  • Handcrafted in Turkey using traditional cymbal-smithing techniques
  • Proprietary B20 bronze alloy for complex, musical tones
  • Medium-thin weight allows for versatile crash qualities
  • Specially designed bell for shimmering overtones
  • Non-lathed bow area for dynamic playing techniques
  • Suitable for jazz, rock, fusion, and world music styles
  • Two-year warranty from Meinl

Product specs

Type Ride
Size 21"
Weight Medium
Material B20
Volume Medium
Sound Bright, Warm
Sustain Medium
Pitch High-Mid

FAQs

What musical styles is the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride suitable for?

The Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride is versatile and well-suited for a variety of musical styles, including Rock, Pop, Fusion, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Reggae, and World music, making it an excellent choice for both live performances and studio recordings.

What is the sound character of the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride?

This ride cymbal features a warm and smooth sound character with a mid-bright timbre, providing a balanced blend of brightness and warmth suitable for diverse musical applications.

How would you describe the sustain and volume of the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride?

The sustain of this ride cymbal is medium, offering a balanced decay that complements its medium volume, making it suitable for both dynamic and controlled playing environments.

What material is the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride made from?

The Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its rich tonal qualities and durability, ideal for professional and serious drummers.

Is the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride is suitable for studio recording, thanks to its warm, smooth character and balanced sustain, providing clear and articulate cymbal tones in a recording setting.

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Meinl Cymbals B21POR Byzance 21" Traditional Polyphonic Ride Cymbal

Video thumbnail for Meinl Cymbals B21POR Byzance 21" Traditional Polyphonic Ride Cymbal by MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Meinl Cymbals B21POR Byzance 21" Traditional Polyphonic Ride Cymbal

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Video thumbnail for Meinl Byzance 21" Polyphonic Ride Cymbal - Drummer's Review by Drummer's Review

Meinl Byzance 21" Polyphonic Ride Cymbal - Drummer's Review

Drummer's Review

Drummer's Review

Video thumbnail for Meinl Byzance 21" Polyphonic Ride Cymbal by Peter Lewis

Meinl Byzance 21" Polyphonic Ride Cymbal

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Video thumbnail for Meinl Byzance 21" Polyphonic Ride Cymbal by Peter Lewis

Meinl Byzance 21" Polyphonic Ride Cymbal

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride.

Comparisons

  • The Polyphonic ride is noted for its more complex tone compared to the Traditional Medium Ride, which resembles the A Zildjian sound with pin lathing and smaller hammering.

    Source
  • The Meinl Byzance rides are generally quieter, with some users suggesting heavier rides like the Spectrum for better cut in loud environments.

    Source
  • Users find Meinl's Classics Custom line better for rock due to more pingy rides, unlike the Byzance Polyphonic which is crashable but less cutting.

    Source
  • The Byzance Spectrum Ride is highlighted for its unique 'spooky' vibe and standout bell sound, making it a contender against traditional options.

    Source
  • The Meinl MB20 ride is recommended for its heavier weight and cutting ability, making it suitable for louder mix environments.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Polyphonic ride is favored for its big bell and preferred wash sound, making it appealing for drummers who prioritize these features in various musical styles.

    Source
  • The Polyphonic ride may not suit metal unless paired with other gear; Meinl Pure Alloy or Brilliant rides are more recommended for metal by some users.

    Source
  • The Polyphonic ride's washiness is suited for drummers seeking a more crashable ride sound in rock settings with loud guitars.

    Source
  • The Ghost Ride is praised for its versatility with a glassy ping, especially on the bell, making it ideal for various genres.

    Source

User experience

  • Users who have listened extensively to both the Polyphonic and Traditional Medium rides report difficulty in choosing between them due to their appealing qualities.

    Source
  • Despite preferring Meinl, some owners switch from the Polyphonic to the 22" Equilibrium ride for a more pronounced ping.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bell is described as lower pitched and semi-dry, offering a middle-ground sound between very pingy and dark/dry tones.

    Source
  • The Ghost Ride's bell is noted for its exceptional clarity and glassy ping, adding to its versatility across music styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Consider seeking a used Spectrum Ride due to its high cost at full price, with some owners valuing patience in finding a well-priced option.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Cymbal Review - Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride - Drummer's Review

drummersreview.com

Aiming for versatility, the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride falls short of delivering a consistently satisfying sound. While it features a raw bell and traditional finish, the cymbal's broad range often leads to a muddled tone that lacks clarity. Drummers may find its buttery feel appealing, but the overall performance can feel uninspired in more complex arrangements. It's a mixed bag that might fit some styles but won't please everyone. For the price, expectations are high, and this cymbal may leave serious players wanting more.

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Artist usage

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See how Jay Postones uses Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

Jay Postones

Drummer, Podcasters & Streamers

TesseracT

...
Verified via YouTube

Jay Postones uses the Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride as part of his cymbal setup, as seen in the MEINL Cymbals YouTube video featuring him performing "The Grey" by TesseracT.

T

Trey Celaya

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:24 in this video

This is a work of art. This is a masterpiece of a cymbal, I think. You can ride on it; the bell is super cutting and loud and nice-sounding and it crashes so well. (…) When I play with Fit For A King, I honestly crash it the majority of the set and it sounds great for big choruses.

Album Usage

The Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride has been featured on the following albums:

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 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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jonahseago

jonahseago

Gear IQ 68

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