AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Meinl 17" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Meinl 17" Classics Custom Dark Crash Cymbal 2019 ($211). Meinl 17" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Meinl 17" Classics Custom Dark Crash Cymbal 2019
17" Classics Custom Dark Crash · Meinl
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
The Classics Custom Dark is a solid, reliable crash—a real workhorse. It’s got a lovely warmth and responsiveness, perfect for rock, pop, and even some jazz where you don't want a super-splashy sound. It's a great all-arounder for drummers seeking a dark, articulate crash without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- B12 bronze offers a warm, complex tonal character.
- Natural finish preserves the bronze's inherent sonic qualities.
- Responsive attack allows for dynamic playing and clear articulation.
Cons
- Dark cymbals can lack brilliance for brighter musical styles.
- The 17 in size might feel small for players needing a bigger crash.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Classics Custom Dark Crash Cymbal 2019
17" Classics Custom Med. Crash · Meinl
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This Classics Custom crash is a real workhorse – reliable, sounds great, and holds up well to regular gigging. It's a fantastic choice for drummers needing a solid, go-to crash that won't break the bank and delivers a pleasing, musical response across various styles.
Pros
- Excellent all-around versatility across many musical genres.
- The Brilliant finish provides a clean, professional aesthetic.
- Meinl’s B12 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex tone.
Cons
- The medium weight may feel slightly heavy for some players.
- Brilliant finish shows fingerprints and marks easily, requiring frequent cleaning.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash
17" Byzance Thin Crash · Meinl
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
The Meinl Byzance Thin is a beautifully voiced crash – it’s got a gorgeous dark shimmer and a really responsive feel. If you’re a gigging musician needing a refined, versatile crash that blends well in a variety of settings, this is a fantastic choice. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s incredibly musical.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and warmth thanks to B20 bronze alloy
- Thin profile delivers a quick, responsive feel and wash
- Beautiful, dark shimmer avoids harshness or overtones
Cons
- Thinness makes it susceptible to cracking with aggressive playing
- Higher price point places it out of reach for many beginners
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$421 now$421€377 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash
17" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash · Meinl
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This Meinl Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash is a beautifully crafted cymbal, perfect for drummers seeking a sophisticated, nuanced sound. Its quick decay and darker tone shine in jazz, orchestral, and quieter studio settings, offering a unique alternative to brighter, more bombastic crashes.
Pros
- Thin B20 bronze construction yields incredibly fast, complex decay.
- Hammered texture creates a unique, nuanced wash and shimmering overtones.
- Extra Dry lathing minimizes stickiness and provides a drier, more controlled sound.
Cons
- The very thin profile makes it somewhat fragile and prone to cracking with aggressive playing.
- Its dry, dark character limits its versatility across a wide range of musical genres.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash
17" Byzance Med. Thin Crash B. · Meinl
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This 17 in Byzance Med. Thin Crash B. is a versatile workhorse, offering a refined and musical sound. It's a great choice for drummers seeking a balanced crash that cuts through a mix without being harsh – ideal for modern pop, rock, and funk applications where you need clarity and projection.
Pros
- Exceptional B20 bronze tonal complexity and sustain.
- The medium-thin profile delivers a responsive, articulate wash.
- Meinl’s hand-hammering creates a uniquely musical, shimmering quality.
Cons
- Can be overly bright for very dark or vintage-focused kits.
- The medium weight might feel a bit heavy for some players.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$435 now$435€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
This Meinl Byzance Dark 17' crash is a beautifully crafted cymbal, perfect for players seeking a dark, controlled crash that doesn't dominate a mix. It excels in jazz, orchestral, or any genre where a subtle, nuanced crash is needed – think quieter passages or delicate fills. It's a premium option for serious drummers prioritizing a unique tonal quality.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, dry character minimizes wash and unwanted overtones.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a complex, nuanced sonic palette.
- Hand-hammering provides a responsive feel and subtle variations in tone.
Cons
- The extremely dry sound isn’t suitable for brighter, more cutting musical styles.
- Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many drummers.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Pure Alloy Custom Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
17" Pure Alloy Custom Crash · Meinl
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This Pure Alloy crash is a fantastic option for drummers seeking a warm, responsive crash without the harshness sometimes found in brighter cymbals. It's a versatile choice for genres like jazz, acoustic, and lighter rock styles where a controlled, musical crash is desired. The build quality is superb, as you'd expect from a German-made Meinl.
Pros
- The Pure Alloy blend delivers a surprisingly warm, musical initial attack.
- Meinl’s hammering creates complex overtones without being overwhelming.
- The medium-thin weight provides responsiveness for quieter dynamic playing.
Cons
- The short sustain limits its effectiveness for large, reverb-heavy spaces.
- Pure Alloy isn't as bright or cutting as traditional B12 bronze cymbals.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$334 now$334€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Byzance Traditional Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
17"Byzance J.Medium Thin Crash · Meinl
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This cymbal hits hard with a bright attack but fades fast. The B20 bronze and hand-hammered work give it a warm feel that sits well in a jazz band. It works as a crash or a light ride, fitting players who want quick responses without long sustain.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a bright, explosive attack
- Hand-hammered construction creates a warm tone
- Medium thin profile offers quick decay
Cons
- Thin gauge may lack sustain for some users
- Heavy hammering could increase manufacturing cost
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$435 now$435€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Byzance Traditional Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
17" Byzance Medium Thin Crash · Meinl
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This Meinl Byzance Medium Thin is a serious upgrade for players seeking a warm, expressive crash. It's fantastic for genres like jazz, R&B, and even softer rock where a controlled yet powerful crash is needed – it’s a go-to for drummers wanting a sophisticated sound without excessive volume.
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and sustain for a 17 in crash.
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex overtones and shimmering wash.
- Byzance alloy delivers a refined, musical character avoiding harshness.
Cons
- Relatively high-priced compared to entry-level crash options.
- Medium-thin weight can feel fragile under aggressive playing.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$435 now$435€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 17" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Crash
17" Byzance Jazz Thin Crash · Meinl
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This Meinl Jazz Thin crash is a serious contender for players seeking a vintage vibe without the extreme fragility of older cymbals. It's fantastic for jazz, blues, and smaller ensemble settings where a nuanced, responsive crash is key—just be mindful of its lighter build and play accordingly.
Pros
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex overtone series.
- Thin profile and hammering provide a remarkably fast and explosive response.
- Jazz finish maintains brilliance while softening high-frequency harshness.
Cons
- Thinness makes it less durable, susceptible to cracking with aggressive playing.
- The vintage sound might lack the modern clarity some players prefer.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 17" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
17" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 100 models we track, not a sample.
Median $423 — half of all 17" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 100 models · 17"–17"
How to choose the best 17" crash cymbals
Sound Profile
Meinl's approach varies wildly. Some 17" crashes are bright and articulate, perfect for funk or cut, others offer a darker, more washy tone ideal for softer genres. Knowing which series (Byzance, Traditional, etc.) you're looking at is crucial.
Weight & Lathing
Lighter crashes have quicker response and a more shimmering wash, but can lack power. Heavier crashes offer more sustain and a more defined "stick attack," but can feel sluggish. The lathing - the depth of the holes - affects the cymbal's breathiness and decay.
Bell Definition
The bell of a crash is where a lot of the initial attack and fundamental tone comes from. A sharply defined bell delivers a more focused, cutting sound, while a more rounded bell creates a smoother, more blended tone. It's a subtle difference, but it makes a big impact.
Sustain & Decay
Sustain isn't just about how long a cymbal rings; it's about the quality of that ring. A good crash shouldn't just sustain, it should decay gracefully, without becoming muddy or harsh. Meinl's higher-end lines really excel here.
Build Quality & Durability
Meinl's manufacturing is generally solid, but cheaper lines sometimes show signs of stress cracking or uneven hammering. Gigging drummers need to be aware of this - a fragile cymbal is a liability, no matter how good it sounds in the store.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 17" Meinl crashes. They're a sweet spot - not too big, not too small - often the go-to for a versatile wash that still cuts without being overwhelming. If you're looking for something that works in everything from indie rock to jazz, a 17" is a solid starting point, and Meinl's take on them is consistently good, though they offer a lot of options. Finding the right one depends on your overall kit voicing and the kind of vibe you're chasing.
Don't fall for the hype. A 17" crash is a tool, not a magic wand. Listen critically - record yourself playing and listen back.
The 'expensive' Meinls (Byzance, for example) offer a refined complexity of tone that's noticeable in a well-miked recording, but sometimes a cheaper Traditional series crash will cut better live. Pay attention to the weight - lighter isn't always better, and heavier doesn't always mean louder. It means different.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 12 17" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 100 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between Byzance and Traditional Meinl 17" crashes?
Byzance are B20 bronze (92% copper, 8% tin) and hand-hammered, offering a complex, nuanced sound with a quicker response. Traditional are B8 bronze (higher tin content) and machine-latted, generally brighter and more affordable, but with less complexity and sustain.
Are Meinl 17" crashes good for beginners?
Absolutely. They're versatile enough to learn on and develop your technique. Just be mindful of the weight - a lighter crash is easier to control initially.
I play mostly rock music - which Meinl 17" crash should I consider?
Check out the Meinl Traditional Medium or Dark series. They offer a good balance of power and articulation without being overly splashy. Avoid anything labeled 'light' or 'thin' if you need to cut through a loud band.
Can I use a 17" crash as a ride cymbal?
Technically, yes, but it won't be ideal. The stick attack will be harsh and the wash won't be as controlled as a dedicated ride. It's a decent backup in a pinch, but not a long-term solution.
What's the deal with the 'reverse bell hammering' on some Meinl crashes?
It's a technique to alter the bell's tonal characteristics - it typically softens the bell's attack and adds a warmer, more complex tone. It's a subtle change, but it can make a difference in a dense mix.
