Meinl Percussion Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This meinl percussion meinl cymbals mj401 18 mike review focuses on the Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set. It includes a 14” Extra Dry Medium Hihat, a 20” Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash, and a 21” Extra Dry Transition Ride. The set adds an 18” Extra Dry Thin Crash. These cymbals are hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. This material choice provides a specific tonal character suited for various musical styles. The total package weighs 19 pounds and measures 22 by 22 inches in width and height. You get a complete collection designed for versatility.
What stands out
- Hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze for traditional craftsmanship
- Includes Mike Johnston’s signature 21” Extra Dry Transition Ride cymbal
- Features 14” Extra Dry Medium Hihats for tight response
- Contains a 20” Byzance Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash for dynamic range
Who it fits
Good fit for
This set suits players in rock, pop, R&B, fusion, funk, jazz, and acoustic settings. The extra dry profiles work well for songwriters and alternative musicians who need clear articulation. If you prefer a traditional sound with modern responsiveness, the B20 bronze construction is ideal. The variety of sizes allows you to cover multiple roles in one pack. It is a strong choice for drummers seeking a cohesive, professional-grade tone across different genres.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need a bright, cutting crash sound. The extra dry and extra thin profiles are designed for warmth and quick decay. If you play loud metal or require heavy attack, these may not project enough. The set also lacks a traditional crash or bell-focused ride. Buyers wanting a single, heavy-hitting crash cymbal will need to purchase additional items. This is a cohesive pack, not a custom builder’s choice.
Verdict: The Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set offers a versatile, hand-hammered collection for diverse musical styles. It is best for drummers who value traditional B20 bronze tones and dry, articulate sounds.
Key specs explained
Material: Cast B20 bronze
This alloy contains twenty percent tin, which provides a complex tonal range and faster response than standard bronze. For electronic drum kits, this means the cymbals trigger accurately and consistently across various velocity levels. You get rich harmonic content that blends well with digital samples, offering a professional sound without the need for extensive post-processing.
Country of Origin: Turkey
Cymbals manufactured in Turkey are known for traditional hand-hammering techniques that create unique tonal characteristics. This heritage ensures consistent quality and authentic acoustic properties. When comparing electronic drum sets, this origin signals a focus on craftsmanship. It suggests the physical cymbals will provide realistic triggering behavior and dynamic response that mirrors high-end acoustic setups.
Model: MJ401+18
This specific model number identifies the Mike Johnston signature pack, which includes curated cymbal selections. It indicates a preset configuration designed for versatility across genres like rock, jazz, and fusion. For electronic drum users, this means you receive a balanced set of sounds. You do not need to hunt for individual pieces to build a complete kit.
Weight: 19 pounds
The total weight of the set determines how much physical mass you are handling during play. A nineteen-pound box suggests substantial cymbals that offer realistic feel and durability. This weight helps with stability on your drum rack. It ensures the cymbals do not shift during vigorous playing, providing a secure and consistent performance environment for your electronic setup.
Design and Build Analysis
According to the listing, this Meinl set is hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. This alloy contains twenty percent tin, which provides a complex tonal range and faster response than standard bronze. For electronic drum kits, this means the cymbals trigger accurately and consistently across various velocity levels. You get rich harmonic content that translates well to digital triggers. The finish is bronze, which is standard for this material type and does not affect electronic performance directly. The physical construction relies on traditional methods adapted for modern needs. This approach ensures durability while maintaining the specific sound characteristics you might expect from a signature model.
The packaging dimensions are listed as twenty-two inches in width and length, with a height of five inches. The total weight is nineteen pounds. This weight reflects the mass of the cymbals and the protective box. The layout includes a 14” Extra Dry Medium Hihat, a 20” Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash, and a 21” Extra Dry Transition Ride. An 18” Extra Dry Thin Crash is also included. This configuration covers a wide dynamic range. The transition ride is noted as Mike Johnston's signature cymbal. This suggests a specific tonal profile designed for clarity and articulation. The extra dry thin crash adds versatility for softer playing styles. The set is designed for rock, pop, R&B, fusion, funk, songwriter, alternative, and jazz genres. This broad suitability means the build can handle various playing intensities. The bronze material ensures the cymbals remain responsive during fast passages. The hand-hammered process creates unique surface variations. These variations influence how the cymbals react to different striking forces. You get consistent performance regardless of the genre you play. The physical design supports both studio and live electronic setups.
Setup and everyday use
Setting up this Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set involves integrating four distinct acoustic pieces into your electronic drum configuration. The package includes a 14” Extra Dry Medium Hihat, an 18” Extra Dry Thin Crash, a 20” Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash, and a 21” Extra Dry Transition Ride. You must mount each cymbal securely on your rack. The weight of the set is 19 pounds. This mass requires sturdy mounting hardware to prevent slippage during vigorous playing. The 22-inch width and height of the packaging suggest you need adequate storage space when not in use.
Daily use centers on the versatility of the included sizes and finishes. The Extra Dry Medium Hihat provides clear, fast response for precise sticking patterns. The 18” Thin Crash offers quick decay, suitable for dynamic accents in rock or pop. The 20” Hammered Crash delivers a complex tonal range, while the 21” Transition Ride serves as a primary time-keeping tool with a controlled wash. These cymbals are designed for genres including rock, pop, R&B, fusion, funk, songwriter, alternative, jazz, and acoustic styles. You will find the cast B20 bronze construction essential for consistent triggering on electronic pads. The hand-hammered finish in Turkey ensures each piece has unique tonal characteristics. You should adjust your electronic module sensitivity to match the specific decay and volume of each cymbal. This setup allows for a hybrid approach, blending acoustic feel with digital control. The bronze material ensures durability and a rich harmonic profile that translates well through electronic sensors. You get a comprehensive toolkit for various musical contexts without needing additional purchases.
Before You Buy This Set
This Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set adds specific tonal character to your electronic drum kit. You will need compatible acoustic cymbal pads or triggers that support the 19-pound weight and 22-inch width of the packaging. Ensure your rack hardware can hold the 14” Extra Dry Medium Hihat and the 21” Extra Dry Transition Ride securely. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth maintains the B20 bronze finish. This set suits players in rock, pop, or fusion who want traditional sounds in a digital setup. If you prefer compact, lightweight plastic pads, this heavy bronze set may not fit your space or playing style. Check your module’s sensitivity settings to handle the complex harmonic range of the hand-hammered surface. It is a premium addition for those who value acoustic authenticity within an electronic framework.
Check before you buy
- Verify your rack can hold the 19-pound weight.
- Check module sensitivity for B20 bronze triggers.
- Ensure space for the 22-inch width.
- Confirm compatibility with your existing acoustic pads.
The product at a glance
Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set
Best for: drummers needing a complete four-piece bronze set
- 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 set includes a 14" extra dry medium hi-hat, an 18" extra dry thin crash, a 20" extra thin hammered crash, and a 21" extra dry transition ride. Crafted from cast B20 bronze in Turkey, the cymbals are hand-hammered for traditional tone. The collection weighs 19 pounds and fits rock, pop, jazz, and fusion styles.
Pros
- Includes four distinct Byzance cymbals
- Made from cast B20 bronze
- Hand-hammered in Turkey
- Features Mike Johnston signature ride
Cons
- Heavy 19-pound package
- No remote control included
- Limited to four pieces
Good fit if
- You play rock, pop, or fusion
- You want a complete four-piece set
- You prefer hand-hammered bronze tones
Skip if
- You need more than four cymbals
- You want a lighter setup
- You prefer electronic drum triggers
Verdict: Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Set offers a complete four-piece bronze collection for drummers seeking traditional Turkish craftsmanship. It suits players who need a versatile set for rock, pop, or jazz styles without wanting to buy cymbals individually.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast B20 bronze |
| Country of Origin | Turkey |
| Color | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 22 × 22 × 5 inches |
| Weight | 19 pounds |
| Size | -inch |
| Model | MJ401+18 |
Frequently asked questions
What cymbals are included in the Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Box Set?
The set contains four specific cymbals: a 14-inch Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat, an 18-inch Extra Dry Thin Crash, a 20-inch Traditional Extra Thin Hammered Crash, and a 21-inch Extra Dry Transition Ride. This collection provides a complete range of sounds for various musical styles.
Who is the best fit for this Meinl cymbal box set?
This set is best for drummers who need a complete four-piece bronze collection. It suits players seeking traditional Turkish craftsmanship who want versatility for rock, pop, or jazz. You avoid buying individual cymbals by getting a curated set designed for mixed genres.
What material are these Meinl cymbals made from?
These cymbals are crafted from cast B20 bronze. This alloy contains twenty percent tin, which delivers a complex tonal range and faster response compared to standard bronze. The bronze construction ensures rich harmonic content and accurate triggering for electronic drum kits.
How heavy is the Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston cymbal set?
The packaged set weighs 19 pounds. You must ensure your rack hardware can support this weight. The packaging dimensions are 22 inches in width and 22 inches in length, with a height of 5 inches, so check your storage space accordingly.
Is this set suitable for electronic drum kits?
Yes, the B20 bronze construction provides faster response and complex tones. This allows for accurate and consistent triggering across various velocity levels on electronic drum kits. The set integrates well with acoustic cymbal pads or triggers that support its specific weight and size.
What is the model number for this Meinl cymbal set?
The model number is MJ401+18. This identifies the specific Byzance Mike Johnston collection. You can use this code to verify compatibility with your existing gear or to locate replacement parts for individual cymbals within the set.
Does this set include a hi-hat?
Yes, it includes a 14-inch Extra Dry Medium Hi-Hat. This provides a tight, controlled sound suitable for precise rhythmic patterns. The hi-hat is paired with three crash and ride cymbals to form a complete four-piece acoustic setup for your kit.