Shimmer That Sits Right in the Mix
Some crashes demand attention — this one earns it. The Meinl Byzance Brilliant 18" Medium Thin Crash is the kind of cymbal that sounds like it belongs on a record from the moment you hit it. It opens up fast, blooms into a warm wash, and trails off without overstaying its welcome. That balance between power and control is exactly what makes the medium-thin weight so popular with drummers who need versatility across styles and settings.
The Byzance Brilliant series builds on Meinl's traditional Turkish approach, then takes it one step further. After being hand hammered into shape from cast B20 bronze, each cymbal goes through a two-step buffing process that polishes the surface to a mirror-like shine. That finish isn't just visual — it shapes the sound, toning down harsh high frequencies for a wash that sits more underneath your mix compared to a traditional-finish cymbal.
Whether you're behind a kit in a club, a studio, or your practice room, this crash responds cleanly at any dynamic level. Dig in hard and it opens up with authority. Play softly and it still articulates. That kind of sensitivity across your entire range of motion is what makes this cymbal worth the investment.
B20 Bronze, Hand Hammered in Turkey
Meinl makes the Byzance series in Turkey using cast B20 bronze alloy — the same material long associated with hand-crafted, traditionally-made cymbals. Each blank is individually cast, then hand hammered by skilled cymbal smiths into its final shape. No two cymbals come out exactly alike, which means the one you receive has its own character baked in from the process itself.
The B20 alloy gives the Byzance line its characteristic warmth and complexity. You'll hear it in the way the crash opens: there's body to the sound, not just brightness. The overtones are rich without being abrasive, and the decay has a silky, clear quality that blends well without muddying up your mix.
The Brilliant Finish — More Than Just a Look
The Brilliant finish on this cymbal starts with a fully lathed surface — the same foundation as the Traditional line — before Meinl's two-step buffing process brings it to that distinctive mirror shine. The result is a slightly smoother, more refined sound compared to a natural or traditional finish, with a lower frequency response and added shimmer on top.
If you've played a Byzance Traditional and found it a touch too dark for your setup, the Brilliant version of the same model often hits the sweet spot. You keep the warmth and texture that the B20 bronze delivers, but gain a bit more clarity and sheen on the attack — without tipping into harsh or brittle territory.
Product Features:
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Series: Byzance Brilliant
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Size: 18"
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Type: Medium Thin Crash
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Material: B20 bronze alloy (hand hammered)
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Origin: Handmade in Turkey
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Finish: Brilliant — two-step buffing process for a mirror-like shine
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Sound character: Bright, brilliant overtones with moderate, silky sustain
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Weight: Medium thin — responsive at all dynamic levels
Brand: Meinl
Model: Byzance Brilliant Medium Thin Crash
SKU: B18MTC-B
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
