Meinl 20" Byzance Vintage Sand Ride Cymbal
“My expectations for a ride cymbal are very high. Until recently, I was going back and forth changing models all the time within different projects and styles. Sometimes I even used two different rides in my setup. For me the ride is the most important cymbal in my drum kit. It has to have character. It defines the overall sound of the drummer and the whole band immensely.
I always loved the shimmering but transparent stick sound of lighter cymbals and also their ability to be crashed. But then I usually missed a great sounding clear bell that wasn't too washy, that was more likely to be found in heavier models. And I like my ride to sound, feel and look like it has been played for 30 years.
With the Sand Ride I have now found the cymbal that combines all of my expectations into one fantastic ride with a lot of character. It has the beautiful light wash and stick sound of a thinner cymbal and the clear bell of a heavier cymbal. It has been aged through a special procedure where the surface of the cymbal is sandblasted to give more vintage warmth, dryness and a fantastic look. It has superhuman, modern abilities with that great vintage sound...unreal! Check it out - for me it’s simply THE Ride.” - Benny Greb
