5 Best Alternatives to the Meinl Percussion Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston (2026)

Comparing the top cymbal sets

Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus

The Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus offers a complete four-piece configuration for drummers seeking a bright tone. It weighs 16.9 pounds, which is lighter than the Meinl set at 19 pounds. This model is designed for beginners who need a full range of sounds without complex maintenance. The B8X bronze construction provides a solid entry-level option. You get a convenient practice trial included. This set is ideal if you value brightness and simplicity over the deep, traditional craftsmanship of the Meinl Byzance series. It suits those who want a ready-to-play acoustic setup with a focus on clarity and ease of use.

Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze

The Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze provides two specific cymbals for targeted sound needs. It weighs only 4.26 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the Meinl box set. This pack is designed for drummers who need splash and Chinese tones without buying a larger set. It fits players who want specific effects rather than a complete traditional kit. The bronze construction ensures consistent quality for these specialized sounds. You pick this if you already have core cymbals and need to expand your palette with unique textures. It is a practical choice for adding color to your setup without the bulk and weight of a full four-piece package.

Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack

The Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack focuses on a single ride and standard hi-hats. It weighs just 1 pound, offering a minimal footprint compared to the Meinl set. This pack is ideal for drummers who already have crash cymbals and need a reliable ride sound. The A391 model provides a focused ride characteristic that complements existing gear. You choose this if you are building a kit piece by piece and need a high-quality ride. It gives up the variety of the Meinl pack but delivers specialized performance for players who prioritize ride cymbal response over a complete acoustic ensemble.

Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack

The Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack includes five cymbals made in the USA. It is designed for bright and cutting sounds suitable for gospel music. The set includes sizes like 14-inch pairs, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch cymbals. It weighs 0.32 ounces, which appears to be a data error for the total weight, but the composition is bronze. This pack suits musicians who need a bright tone for worship performances. You pick this if you require a larger number of cymbals with a specific bright character. It differs from the Meinl set by offering more pieces and a brighter profile, ideal for genres that demand cutting clarity in a mix.

Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set

The Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set provides a complete, balanced acoustic kit. It weighs 14.6 pounds, which is lighter than the Meinl pack. This set includes four cymbals in standard sizes for a traditional setup. It suits players who value balanced tones and quick-decay crashes. The bronze construction ensures a classic acoustic sound. You choose this if you need a versatile set that covers all bases without the specific signature tones of the Meinl Mike Johnston pack. It offers a practical, balanced alternative for drummers who want a complete kit with a focus on traditional bronze characteristics and ease of integration.

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1 Best overall

Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set

Best for: acoustic rock, pop, and jazz drummers

Material

Cast B20 bronze

Country of Origin

Turkey

Dimensions

22 × 22 × 5 inches

Weight

19 pounds

View on Amazon: Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set Affiliate link

This pack includes a 14" Extra Dry Medium Hihat, 18" Extra Dry Thin Crash, 20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash, and 21" Transition Ride. All cymbals are hand-hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. The set weighs 19 pounds and measures 22 by 22 by 5 inches. It suits rock, pop, R&B, fusion, funk, jazz, and acoustic styles.

Pros

• Includes four distinct cymbals: 14" hihat, 18" crash, 20" crash, and 21" ride
• Constructed from traditional cast B20 bronze
• Hand-hammered in Turkey for authentic tonal characteristics
• Features Mike Johnston's signature 21" Transition Ride

Cons

• Total weight of 19 pounds makes it heavy to transport
• Packaging dimensions of 22 by 22 by 5 inches require significant storage space
• No remote or app control for sound adjustment

Good fit if

• You play rock, pop, R&B, fusion, funk, or jazz
• You prefer traditional hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbals
• You want a complete set with a signature ride cymbal

Skip if

• You need a lightweight cymbal pack under 15 pounds
• You require compact storage options smaller than 22 inches
• You prefer electronic cymbals over acoustic bronze

Verdict: Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Pack offers a versatile four-piece set of hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbals ideal for musicians playing rock, pop, or jazz who value traditional craftsmanship and a complete acoustic setup.

2 Also great

Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus

Best for: beginners seeking a complete 4-piece setup

Material

Bronze

Included Accessories

90-Day Drumeo Trial

Cymbal Type

Performance

Dimensions

20 × 20 × 2 inches

Weight

16.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus Affiliate link

This Sabian B8X Performance Set includes 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch and 18-inch thin crashes, and a 20-inch ride. The bronze construction delivers a bright, responsive tone suitable for practice and live performance. The set weighs 16.9 pounds and comes with a 90-day Drumeo trial. It offers a complete cymbal configuration for drummers seeking reliable, entry-level sound without excessive bulk.

Pros

• Includes four essential cymbals: 14-inch hats, 16-inch and 18-inch thin crashes, and a 20-inch ride
• Constructed from bronze for a bright, responsive tone
• Comes with a 90-day Drumeo trial included
• Compact 16.9-pound weight for easy transport

Cons

• Bronze material may lack the complexity of higher-end alloys
• No remote or app connectivity features listed
• Limited to performance-grade specifications

Good fit if

• You need a complete 4-piece cymbal setup
• You prefer a bright, responsive tone
• You want to test cymbals with a Drumeo trial

Skip if

• You require advanced connectivity features
• You need premium alloy cymbals
• You prefer a smaller 3-piece set

Verdict: Sabian B8X 4-Piece Bronze Set provides a solid, entry-level configuration for drumers needing a full range of sounds. It is ideal for those who value a bright tone and the convenience of a included practice trial.

3 Best budget

Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze

Best for: drummers needing splash and Chinese tones

Included Cymbals

10" Splash, 18" Chinese

Material

pure Sabian B20 Bronze

Finish

Bronze

Dimensions

19 × 19 × 4 inches

Weight

4.26 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze Affiliate link

The Sabian XSR Effects Pack includes a 10-inch splash and an 18-inch Chinese cymbal. Crafted from pure B20 bronze, this set offers versatile sound options. It weighs 4.26 pounds and measures 19 by 4 inches. You will find this bundle suitable for drummers seeking specific effect tones without a full cymbal expansion. The materials suggest durability and a distinct acoustic profile for your electronic drum setup.

Pros

• Constructed from pure Sabian B20 Bronze
• Includes a 10-inch Splash cymbal
• Includes an 18-inch Chinese cymbal
• Compact 4.26-pound weight

Cons

• Limited to only two cymbals
• No included mounting hardware
• Bronze finish may require specific care

Good fit if

• You need a splash and Chinese cymbal
• You prefer B20 bronze construction
• You want a lightweight effects set

Skip if

• You need a complete cymbal set
• You require a traditional crash or ride
• You prefer nickel silver materials

Verdict: Sabian XSR Effects Pack provides two specific bronze cymbals for targeted sound needs. It fits drummers who want splash and Chinese tones without buying a larger set.

4 Best drummers

Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack

Best for: drummers needing a focused ride

Included Cymbals

New Beat HiHats, 21" Sweet Ride

Material

Cast Bronze

Target Audience

Drummers

Dimensions

26 × 6 × 26 inches

Weight

1 pounds

View on Amazon: Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack Affiliate link

The Zildjian A391 includes New Beat HiHats and a 21-inch Sweet Ride. This bronze set offers out-of-the-box versatility with bright, focused overtones. It produces volume to match your music. The pack is designed for drummers who value historical cymbal tones. It suits players needing a focused ride sound paired with standard hi-hats.

Pros

• Includes 21-inch Sweet Ride cymbal
• Features New Beat HiHats
• Bronze material construction
• Bright and focused overtones

Cons

• Only two cymbals included
• No crash or splash cymbals
• Hi-hats are fixed size

Good fit if

• You need a focused ride sound
• You already own crash cymbals
• You prefer standard hi-hats

Skip if

• You want a full cymbal set
• You need multiple crash sizes
• You prefer dark overtones

Verdict: Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Cymbal Pack provides a focused ride and standard hi-hats. It fits drummers who already have crash cymbals and need a reliable ride sound.

5 Best premium

Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack

Best for: Gospel and worship music performances

Included Cymbals

14" pair, 17", 18", 21"

Color

Bronze

Dimensions

25 × 5 × 25 inches

Weight

0.32 ounces

View on Amazon: Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack Affiliate link

This set includes a 14-inch pair, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch cymbal. It is designed for gospel music with a bright and cutting sound. All cymbals are hand-picked A Custom models made in the USA. The bronze finish provides a classic look. You should choose this if you need a complete kit for worship settings.

Pros

• Includes five cymbals: 14-inch pair, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch
• Bright and cutting sound profile
• Hand-picked A Custom models
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Limited to gospel and worship styles
• No electronic connectivity features listed
• Standard bronze finish only

Good fit if

• You play gospel or worship music
• You need a bright and cutting sound
• You want a complete cymbal set

Skip if

• You prefer dark and complex tones
• You need electronic drum triggers
• You want a smaller set

Verdict: Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack is a solid choice for musicians who need a bright and cutting sound for gospel music. It includes five cymbals made in the USA.

6 Also great

Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set

Best for: Complete acoustic drummers needing balanced tones

Included Cymbals

14" Hats, 16" Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride

Material

Bronze

Dimensions

22.3 × 22.3 × 3 inches

Weight

14.6 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set Affiliate link

The Sabian Stratus set includes 14" hi-hats, 16" and 18" crashes, and a 20" ride. Made of bronze, this 14.6-pound package offers balanced tones for modern playing. The thin crashes provide quick decay, while the ride allows for both stick definition and crashable undertones. It fits drummers needing a complete, versatile acoustic setup.

Pros

• Includes 14" hi-hats, 16" crash, 18" crash, and 20" ride
• Thin crashes produce quick decay with deep tone
• Bronze material construction
• Ride offers balanced stick and crashable undertone

Cons

• Heavier at 14.6 pounds compared to lighter packs
• No electronic connectivity for e-drum integration
• Limited to four cymbals in the set

Good fit if

• You need a complete four-piece acoustic set
• You prefer bronze cymbals for traditional tone
• You want thin crashes for quick decay

Skip if

• You require electronic cymbal triggers
• You need more than four cymbals
• You prefer ultra-lightweight portable setups

Verdict: Sabian Stratus 14-20" Bronze Cymbal Set is a solid choice for drummers who need a complete, balanced acoustic kit. It suits players who value traditional bronze tones and quick-decay crashes over electronic features.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• turbro 18 alternatives
• laguna 18 alternatives