Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$309.99
Reverb
$281.41 13 available New
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$291.00
Gear4Music
£260.50

Average Price: $302

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Meinl Pure Alloy China". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal is where tradition meets innovation, redefining what a classic china sound can be. With its fully lathed surface, this cymbal embodies a timeless voice that resonates with a blend of trashy tonality and bright, aggressive attack. Crafted from B12 bronze, it offers a dynamic range that's perfect for any style, from orchestral to metal.

The Pure Alloy China delivers a well-rounded sound that's ideal for crash riding, boasting a reactive touch that extends through all dynamic levels. Its polished definition is met by a velvety wash, producing a full tonal spectrum that blankets a superb stick definition with the right amount of strength and balance. This cymbal's unique formulation offers tremendous musical expressiveness, cutting with agility and leaving a lingering, sweet sustain.

Whether you're drawn to the traditional craftsmanship or the modern touch of Meinl's innovation, this cymbal offers a shimmering, smooth sound that drummers of all genres will appreciate.

Key Features:

  • Fully lathed surface for a cutting attack and sweet sustain
  • Crafted from B12 bronze for dynamic range and musical expression
  • Mid-range blend of trashy tonality and bright attack
  • Ideal for crash riding with a well-rounded, classic china sound
  • Polished definition with a velvety wash and full tonal spectrum
  • Tremendous expressiveness and agility across dynamic levels
  • Protected by a 2-year manufacturer warranty

Product specs

Brand Meinl
Model 18" Pure Alloy China Cymbal
Finish Traditional
Year 2017 - 2025
Categories Splash, China, and Effects Cymbals
Diameter 18"

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal?

The Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal offers a mid-dark timbre with shimmering clarity, providing a high-mid pitch and medium to short sustain. It's suitable for adding a cutting accent in genres like Rock, Pop, and Fusion.

Is the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal is well-suited for studio recording due to its shimmering clarity and medium to low volume, allowing for precise sound capture without overwhelming other elements in a mix.

What musical styles is the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal best suited for?

The Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal works well in Rock, Pop, Fusion, R&B, Reggae, and studio settings, thanks to its versatile sound characteristics and ability to cut through different musical textures.

How does the finish of the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal affect its sound?

The traditional finish of the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal contributes to its shimmering clarity and mid-dark timbre, enhancing its ability to produce a balanced and articulate sound across various dynamics.

What is the sustain like on the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal?

The Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal has a medium to short sustain, making it ideal for quick, impactful accents without lingering overtones.

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Meinl Cymbals PA18CH Pure Alloy 18" China Cymbal

Video thumbnail for Meinl Cymbals PA18CH Pure Alloy 18" China Cymbal by MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Meinl Cymbals PA18CH Pure Alloy 18" China Cymbal

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

MEINL Cymbals - Official Product Videos

Video thumbnail for Meinl 18" Pure Alloy China Cymbal - 1287g (PA18CH-1122619R) by Memphis Drum Shop

Meinl 18" Pure Alloy China Cymbal - 1287g (PA18CH-1122619R)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Meinl Cymbals - Pure Alloy 18" China Cymbal Demo by drummerszone

Meinl Cymbals - Pure Alloy 18" China Cymbal Demo

drummerszone

drummerszone

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl Pure Alloy China.

Comparisons

  • The Meinl Pure Alloy is compared to Paiste's Signature line, noted for its brightness and less hand-crafted refinement.

    Source
  • The Meinl Pure Alloy line is noted to have a "glassy high pitch frequency," similar to other models in the line, despite deeper hammering.

    Source
  • The Meinl Pure Alloy China is often compared to the Wuhan China, with some users preferring Wuhan for its sound and lower cost despite Meinl's higher-end status.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners confirm the Pure Alloy's effectiveness in metal and rock due to its ability to cut through mixes.

    Source
  • The China cymbal did not integrate well when used as a ride within a kit, according to one owner's experience.

    Source
  • The Meinl Pure Alloy China, especially models with holes, may not withstand heavy playing styles, as they are more fragile by design.

    Source

User experience

  • The Pure Alloy China, particularly the 12" model, is favored by users for its bright sound and feel under the stick, even for non-heavy hitters.

    Source
  • Some buyers found the Meinl Pure Alloy China sounded unpleasant in person, despite impressive online demos, leading to returns.

    Source
  • Limited cymbal options at local Guitar Centers, noted primarily as used HCS, makes it difficult for buyers to test a broader range of cymbals.

    Source
  • One owner received a replacement cymbal via warranty after a crack developed, indicating Meinl's warranty process can be effective.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Pure Alloy China was returned for a refund of $827 CAD, highlighting potential dissatisfaction with price-to-performance ratio.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Pure Alloy Chinas with holes are prone to cracking, especially at the holes; some owners report cracks within months of purchase.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest avoiding the 16" model due to its propensity for quicker breakage; the 18" model reportedly lasts longer.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Meinl Pure Alloy Cymbal Selection - Mike Dolbear

mikedolbear.com

The Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal line delivers a clean, defined sound and a visually appealing design, but may not stand up in louder settings. While the cymbals excel in medium to low volume environments, their piercing frequencies can pose challenges for players without hearing protection. The 18" china offers a soft trashy tone, but lacks a cutting bell sound. Overall, these cymbals work well together, making them suitable for various genres, particularly in studio settings. However, their limitations in high-decibel situations may deter aggressive players.

Meinl Pure Alloy Cymbals review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Meinl's Pure Alloy China cymbal offers a stunning clarity and a clean sound that shines in any mix, especially for rock and amplified genres. While the rides can initially seem overly bright and sharp, they reveal a complex character with a strong dynamic range. The crashes are the standout feature, delivering a richly resonant tone. However, players seeking a darker, jazz-oriented sound might find the Pure Alloy series a bit too bright for their taste. Overall, these cymbals are a fantastic choice for those looking to add a professional edge to their rig.

positive

BeatIt Test: Meinl Pure Alloy | Beatit.tv

beatit.tv

Meinl's Pure Alloy China cymbal delivers a mighty punch, cutting through soundscapes with impressive clarity, making it a go-to for heavy genres. The entire cymbal set showcases versatility, catering to rock and jazz while maintaining a warm, classic tone. The 15-inch hi-hat and 10-inch splash stand out for their control and responsiveness. However, the China cymbal may overpower others in quieter settings, making it less ideal for subtle performances. Overall, it’s a robust offering with great value, though players might need to consider mix dynamics during live performances.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Samus Paulicelli uses Meinl Pure Alloy China

Samus Paulicelli

Guitarist, Bassist

Decrepit Birth

...
Verified via YouTube

In this post samus shows the home studio he has in his new house. In the video he shows his drum setup. Samus has a pur alloy china in his setup. this replaced his old china which had cracked

See how Travis Regnier uses Meinl Pure Alloy China

Travis Regnier

Drummer

Carcosa

...
Verified via Photo

Travis Regnier features the Meinl Pure Alloy China cymbal in his drum kit, as seen on his Instagram post by @travis.r.drummer.

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 Pure Alloy China, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Meinl China Cymbals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar