Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (12)
$89.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (13)
$89.99
Amazon
4.5 (714)
$89.99
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$79.39 New
$89.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (13)
$89.99
Thomann
4.3 (43)
$77.00

Average Price: $86

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal, a sonic marvel crafted for those who tread the line between beginner and intermediate prowess. This cymbal melds the explosive attack of a traditional crash with the distinctive, short decay of a china, thanks to its innovative perforated design. Perfect for drummers seeking to add a unique texture to their kit without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • Made with "Mint State" MS63 Alloy (63% copper, 37% tin) for a balanced sound.
  • Features perforations throughout the bow for a blend of crash and china tones.
  • Designed for beginner to intermediate players, offering premium quality at an accessible price.
  • Part of the HCS series, known for its durability and versatile sound palette.

Product specs

Type Trash Crash
Size 16"
Weight Thin
Finish Traditional
Material MS63 Brass
Pitch Low/Medium
Sound Medium/Bright
Sustain Short/Medium
Volume Low/Medium

FAQs

What is the sound characteristic of the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal?

The Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal offers a medium to bright sound with a low to medium pitch, providing a short to medium sustain. Its trashy tone is ideal for adding a unique, cutting accent to your drumming.

What material is the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal made from?

This cymbal is crafted from MS63 brass, which is known for its durability and bright tonal qualities, making it suitable for various music styles.

Is the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal is great for beginners due to its affordability and versatile sound, allowing new drummers to explore different musical styles.

What type of finish does the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal have?

The Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal features a traditional finish, which contributes to its classic appearance and helps produce its distinctive sound.

How does the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal perform in a live setting?

With its low to medium volume and trashy sound, the Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal can effectively cut through live mixes, adding texture without overwhelming the overall sound.

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Meinl HCS Expanded Cymbal Set (14" Hats, 16" Trash Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride)

Video thumbnail for Meinl HCS Expanded Cymbal Set (14" Hats, 16" Trash Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride) by Peter Lewis

Meinl HCS Expanded Cymbal Set (14" Hats, 16" Trash Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride)

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a distinct, trashy sound that stands out in a drum kit

  • Excellent value for money, especially for budget-conscious drummers

  • Short sustain with a sound between a china and crash cymbal

  • Great for electronic and metal styles, versatile for various genres

  • Durable despite having numerous cut-outs; not easily bent

  • Quick response and cuts through during solos

  • Complements other Meinl cymbals well

  • Ideal for accents and adding unique tones

  • Recommended for both beginners and experienced drummers

  • Comparable in sound to higher-end cymbals at a lower price

CONS

  • Concerns about durability due to the design with multiple holes

  • Rough edges around circular cutouts could be improved

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash Cymbal.

Comparisons

  • The Meinl HCS 16" Trash Crash has been compared to a "trash can lid" in sound quality, contrasting more favorable with unconventional stacks like a broken Holy China and an Ozone Crash.

    Source
  • HCS cymbals are described as having a dominant note that can clash with musical tones, unlike bronze cymbals which blend better due to producing a wider range of frequencies.

    Source
  • Compared to other entry-level cymbals like Sabian B8 and Zildjian ZBTs, some users find Meinl HCS hi-hats to be superior in sound quality.

    Source
  • The 16" AA cymbal is described as "fully professional quality," contrasting with the HCS's entry-level status and emphasizing the stark quality difference experienced by users.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being part of Meinl's affordable HCS line, the 16" Trash Crash is considered pricey for its range, prompting recommendations to explore used cymbals for better value.

    Source
  • For $150, almost new Sabian AAX freq hats can be found, offering a significant quality increase over new 14" HCS hats priced at $100.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The cymbal might not meet the expectations for genres like Haken's music where a more refined stack sound is desired, suggesting it's less suited for complex progressive styles.

    Source
  • HCS hi-hats are noted for being more acceptable due to their closed "chick" sound, which minimizes the negative tonal qualities of brass.

    Source
  • The cymbal's deadened sustain disrupts band play, highlighting its limitations in settings where consistent crash resonance is crucial.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users with electric drum backgrounds may not initially discern the tonal differences between HCS brass cymbals and higher-quality bronze options.

    Source
  • Owners note the HCS 16" Trash Crash lacks sustain, sounding "completely dead" compared to more professional cymbals like the 16" AA.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
I

nice!

very trashy great for a lot of music genres

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