Meinl Byzance Dark 14 HiHat Cymbals (Pair)

Meinl's Byzance Dark 14" hi-hat pair delivers the dense, smoky character that comes from the maker's commitment to hand-hammered B20 bronze. These cymbals sit at the darker end of Byzance's tonal spectrum, shaped by an unlathed surface and intentional weight distribution. The result is an instrument that rewards precision in dynamic control rather than raw volume.

Construction centres on B20 bronze alloy with traditional hand-hammering throughout, creating natural inconsistencies that define each pair's fingerprint. The unlathed finish—left raw from the hammer—contributes to a short sustain and articulate chick that cuts through without ringing excessively. Open hihat articulation sits deliberately earthy and slightly unpolished, resisting the clarity found in brighter alternatives. The 14" format works across most playing contexts, from jazz trios to session work where definition matters over shimmer.

Players seeking dark-voiced hi-hats without sacrificing responsiveness will find the Byzance Dark pair suits applications where controlled decay and a somewhat gritty aesthetic align with the desired palette. The finish remains untreated, so oxidation and patina develop naturally over time, further personalising the sound. These cymbals favour precision and restraint rather than projection.

Features

• 14" hi-hat cymbal pair, hand-hammered B20 bronze alloy throughout.
• Unlathed surface finish for darker tone and natural appearance.
• Short sustain with articulate chick response and dry character.
• Earthy, unpolished open hi-hat sound without excessive ring.
• Untreated finish allows natural oxidation and patina development.
• Model designation B14DAH for easy identification and sourcing.
• Suits session, jazz, and recording contexts demanding controlled decay.
• Hand-finishing ensures unique sonic characteristics across individual pairs.