Best Meinl 19" Crash Cymbals 2026
Alright, let's talk about 19" Meinl crashes. They're a sweet spot - big enough to get some serious wash and volume, but still manageable for quick, articulate accents. I've seen countless drummers build their core crash sound around a 19" Meinl, from rock and pop to jazz and beyond. Finding the right one can really elevate your kit's voice, so let's break down what makes these cymbals tick.
Last updated: April 15, 2026 • Next update: April 22, 2026
#1
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Meinl 19" Pure Alloy Custom Crash
by
Meinl
Orchestral
Extreme Music
Heavy Metal
Key Feature:
This 19in Meinl Pure Alloy Custom Crash is a beautifully made cymbal with a warm, controlled sound. It’s ideal for players seeking a responsive crash that cuts through without being overly splashy – think jazz, funk, or even quieter rock settings where you want a musical accent.
PROS
- • German craftsmanship delivers exceptional build quality and consistency
- • The smoke bronze finish provides a unique aesthetic and subtly alters tonal response
- • Medium-thin weight offers a responsive feel and quick attack for dynamic playing
- • Pure Alloy blend creates a warm, musical tone suitable for diverse genres
CONS
- • The shorter sustain might limit its effectiveness in louder, more complex arrangements
- • Pure Alloy series leans towards a darker sound, potentially lacking brightness for some players
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for budget-conscious drummers
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 510235
$373
#2
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl 19" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR
by
Meinl
Orchestral
Large Productions
Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
The Meinl Foundry Reserve CR is a seriously gorgeous cymbal. Its warm, dark tone and quick response make it surprisingly adaptable across genres, though it really shines in jazz, Latin, and soulful settings. This is a premium-priced investment for the discerning player seeking a truly hand-crafted sound.
PROS
- • Exceptional B20 bronze tonal complexity; warm, dark, and musical.
- • Hand-hammering creates a beautifully nuanced, responsive wash.
- • Fast attack and shortened sustain offer surprising versatility.
- • Foundry Reserve series represents Meinl's peak craftsmanship.
CONS
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
- • Darker sound may not suit brighter musical genres like metal.
- • Hammering introduces slight variations, impacting consistency.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 503765
$560
#3
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 19" Byzance Dual Crash
by
Meinl
Orchestral
Large Productions
Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
This Meinl Byzance Dual is a clever little cymbal. The contrasting finishes give you a surprising amount of sonic flexibility – you can get everything from a dry, controlled crash to a brighter, more cutting sound. It’s ideal for players wanting a unique crash that can handle a variety of styles without being overwhelming.
PROS
- • B20 bronze delivers warm, complex overtones and sustain.
- • Dual finish creates a surprisingly versatile sonic palette.
- • Thin profile allows for quick, responsive crashes and bell action.
- • Meinl’s hand-hammering ensures consistent quality and musicality.
CONS
- • The 'Extra Dry' side can be a bit dark for brighter genres.
- • Premium-priced, a significant investment for many drummers.
- • While versatile, it's not a 'do-it-all' cymbal – specialized.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 482836
$516
#4
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl 19" Byzance Medium Thin Crash
by
Meinl
Extreme Music
Heavy Metal
Large Productions
Key Feature:
This Meinl Byzance Medium Thin is a beautifully crafted crash – it’s got a really gorgeous, warm tone with a surprising amount of projection. It's perfect for players in jazz, fusion, or anyone looking for a refined, musical crash that responds beautifully to subtle dynamics. It's a serious upgrade for intermediate to advanced players.
PROS
- • Exceptional responsiveness across a wide dynamic range.
- • The B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex overtone profile.
- • Traditional finish enhances the cymbal's natural resonance and character.
- • Thin design allows for expressive swells and nuanced playing.
CONS
- • The medium thin weight might be too light for heavier hitters.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
- • While versatile, it excels in softer genres, less suited for aggressive metal.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 111373
$505
#5
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash
by
Meinl
Cinematic
Extreme Music
Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
This 19' Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash is a beautifully nuanced cymbal, perfect for players seeking a sophisticated, dry crash sound. It's a stellar choice for jazz, acoustic, and quieter studio settings where subtle textures and delicate washes are key. While not a powerhouse, its expressive qualities make it a real gem.
PROS
- • Exceptional clarity and stick definition thanks to the thin profile.
- • The 'Extra Dry' lathing creates a uniquely complex, shimmering wash.
- • B20 bronze provides a warm, musical tone with excellent sustain for its type.
- • Hand hammering adds character and responsiveness, avoiding a sterile feel.
CONS
- • The very thin profile makes it fragile and prone to cracking with aggressive playing.
- • Limited dynamic range; excels in softer passages, struggles with heavy grooves.
- • The 'dry' sound isn't a universal fit – lacks the bright, cutting edge of other crashes.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 334213
$516
#6
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Thin Crash
by
Meinl
Progressive Rock
Cinematic
Orchestral
Key Feature:
This 19” Byzance Extra Thin is a gorgeous crash for players seeking a warm, musical sound with incredible sensitivity. It excels in quieter settings like jazz, acoustic, and intimate gigs where you need to shape your dynamics. It's a premium-priced cymbal, but the feel and tone are truly rewarding.
PROS
- • Exceptional responsiveness for nuanced playing and quiet dynamics.
- • Hammered finish provides complex overtones and shimmering sustain.
- • B20 bronze alloy delivers warm, dark tonal character.
- • Extra thin profile allows for effortless, fast crashes.
CONS
- • Extremely thin nature makes it susceptible to cracking with rough handling.
- • Limited volume range; struggles in very loud, high-energy settings.
- • High-end price point puts it out of reach for many beginner drummers.
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 533356
$488
#7
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl Pure Alloy 19" Medium Crash
by
Meinl
Orchestral
Large Productions
Cinematic
Key Feature:
This Pure Alloy crash is a solid workhorse – it’s got a bright, clear sound with good projection, making it ideal for rock, pop, and funk players who need a cymbal that cuts through the mix. It’s not going to give you a huge, wash-y sound, but it’s responsive and versatile for a wide range of playing styles.
PROS
- • Excellent projection for a medium cymbal, cuts through dense mixes.
- • The Pure Alloy bronze offers a bright, focused fundamental.
- • Hammering creates complex overtones without excessive wash.
- • Well-defined bow and bell response offers dynamic control.
CONS
- • The medium weight limits extreme wash and swelling potential.
- • Sound leans bright, might not suit darker musical styles.
- • Pure Alloy bronze doesn't offer the same vintage patina as B8 or B10.
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 510236
$328
#8
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 19" Byzance Med. Thin Crash B.
by
Meinl
Cinematic
Progressive Rock
Large Productions
Key Feature:
This Meinl Byzance Med. Thin Crash B. is a seriously versatile crash – not too dark, not too bright, just a really musical, well-rounded sound. It’s a fantastic all-purpose crash for drummers in a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to jazz and beyond; it'll sit beautifully in most mixes.
PROS
- • The B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- • Hand-hammering creates a nuanced, responsive wash and stick definition.
- • Medium thin profile provides a quick, musical response across dynamic ranges.
- • Brilliant finish enhances shimmering overtones and visual appeal.
CONS
- • The medium weight might feel slightly heavy for some players.
- • Its balanced nature means it lacks extreme, specialized sonic characteristics.
- • Brilliant finish is prone to finger smudging and requires occasional cleaning.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 221556
$494
#9
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dual Crash
by
Meinl
Heavy Metal
Cinematic
Large Productions
Key Feature:
This 19" Classics Custom Dual Crash from Meinl is a real workhorse. It's got a fantastic warm core with a surprisingly powerful bell for cutting through a mix, making it a great choice for rock, pop, and heavier genres where you need both subtlety and impact. It’s a solid, reliable cymbal that won't let you down.
PROS
- • The B-12 bronze alloy delivers a uniquely warm and complex tonal foundation.
- • Dual bell design provides a powerful, cutting high-frequency accent when struck.
- • Dark surface combined with brilliant finish offers a dynamic range of sonic possibilities.
- • Responsive and explosive action makes it ideal for fast, intricate playing styles.
CONS
- • The warm character might be too subdued for players seeking aggressively bright crashes.
- • While versatile, it doesn't offer the extreme wash of larger, thinner crashes.
- • The medium weight can feel slightly heavy for players preferring lighter cymbals.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 528048
$263
#10
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 19" Classics Extreme Crash
by
Meinl
Orchestral
Heavy Metal
Extreme Music
Key Feature:
The Classics Extreme is a workhorse crash – it's loud, clear, and cuts through a mix like a knife. This is a solid choice for rock, metal, and genres needing a punchy, immediate crash. It's a reliable, budget-friendly option that delivers a lot of volume and presence.
PROS
- • B12 bronze alloy delivers a bright, cutting, and responsive sound.
- • The Brilliant finish enhances projection and visual appeal on stage.
- • Short decay provides quick, clean crashes ideal for faster tempos.
- • Robust construction ensures durability and longevity under heavy use.
CONS
- • Lacks the complex overtones preferred for more nuanced musical styles.
- • The bright tone might be too aggressive for quieter, more subtle playing.
- • Can be somewhat unforgiving with technique – requires precise striking.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 278496
$241
#11
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Meinl 19" Byzance Polyphonic Crash
by
Meinl
Progressive Rock
Cinematic
Heavy Metal
Key Feature:
This Byzance Polyphonic is a seriously cool crash – it's got that dark, shimmering wash you hear on countless recordings. It's fantastic for players who want a quick response and a complex, nuanced sound, especially in jazz, orchestral, and more atmospheric settings. If you're looking for a unique crash that cuts through the mix without being overly aggressive, this is a strong contender.
PROS
- • B-20 bronze delivers a complex, shimmering dark wash.
- • Thin edges provide exceptionally quick response and explosive attack.
- • The unlathed bell offers a focused, darker tone than a traditional bell.
- • Polyphonic voicing creates a wash of overtones and textural complexity.
CONS
- • Price point places it in a premium-priced category for crash cymbals.
- • Sustain, while short, might not suit players needing extended resonance.
- • The darker character limits versatility in brighter, more contemporary genres.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 533354
$494
#12
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dark Crash
by
Meinl
Progressive Rock
Heavy Metal
Extreme Music
Key Feature:
This 19' Classics Custom Dark Crash is a real workhorse. It's got a great dark, full sound that cuts through a mix without being overly aggressive – perfect for rock, pop, or anything needing a solid, dependable crash. A great all-around choice for intermediate to advanced players.
PROS
- • B12 bronze delivers a warm, complex tonal character.
- • Excellent responsiveness allows for nuanced cymbal swells and ghost notes.
- • Natural finish enhances the cymbal's inherent resonance and projection.
- • Well-laced hammering creates a balanced wash and avoids a harsh ring.
CONS
- • Dark sound may be too subdued for brighter musical styles.
- • The medium weight could feel a bit heavy for some drummers.
- • The Classics Custom series isn’t the absolute top-tier Meinl offering.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 344954
$230
How to Choose the Best 19" Crash Cymbals
1
Meinl Heritage
Meinl's been around a long time, and their alloy recipes have evolved, but there's a consistent focus on musicality. They generally avoid the brittle, overly bright sounds you hear from some other manufacturers - instead aiming for a balanced, complex tone.
2
Sound Characteristics
Meinl's 19" crashes aren't going to be ice-picky. You're looking at a warm, full tone with a defined attack and a good, controlled sustain. Some models offer a darker, more washy sound, while others have a more cutting, bell-dominant response - it's about finding the right voicing for your style.
3
Manufacturing Techniques
Meinl uses a combination of hand hammering and lathing. The hammering creates those beautiful swells and adds complexity to the tone, while the lathing refines the edge and influences the cymbal's response. The level of hammering varies by series, impacting sustain and overall darkness.
4
Build Quality & Lathed Edges
Meinl's build quality is generally solid. The lathed edges are consistently clean, allowing for a fast, responsive action. You won't find a ton of sloppy edges here like you do with some cheaper brands - it translates to a cleaner, more musical sound.
5
Series Differentiation
Meinl's different series (Byzance, Paiste-like, Professional, etc.) offer distinct sonic personalities. Byzance is their premium line, known for complex overtones and nuanced response. Professional series is a good balance of price and performance, while their entry-level lines are more straightforward and focused on volume.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the loudest cymbal - chase the cymbal that sits well in your band. A 19" crash is a versatile size, but it needs to complement your other cymbals. If you're on a budget, the Meinl Professional series is a safe bet. Spending more on Byzance will get you a more nuanced and complex sound, but it's not a night-and-day difference if you're not a seasoned player.
Our Methodology
We're not basing this on spec sheets or marketing buzzwords. We've spent years playing Meinl 19" crashes in studios, on stages ranging from dive bars to concert halls, and in countless rehearsals. Our evaluations involve direct A/B comparisons with other top brands, and we're paying attention to how they sit in a full band mix - because that's what matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, no. They're known for a warmer, more balanced tone than many competitors, although some models within their different series can lean towards a brighter response. Listen carefully to recordings or, ideally, play them in person.
Byzance is their premium line with more complex hammering patterns and a wider range of tonal possibilities. Professional series is a more straightforward, reliable choice with a good overall sound at a more accessible price point.
Absolutely. While not the loudest crash available, a well-chosen Meinl 19" will cut through a rock mix with the right stick technique and mic placement. Look for models with a slightly more prominent bell.
Regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner is key. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive pads. Rotate your cymbals occasionally to even out wear and tear.
It depends on the series. Byzance crashes are known for their complex overtones, while the Professional series tends to be more controlled and focused. Overtones aren't inherently bad, but too many can muddy the sound.
