AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Meinl 19" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash Cymbal ($512). Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dark Crash gives you the most for the money at $246. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash Cymbal
19" Byzance Dual Crash · Meinl
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
Cons
- The 'Extra Dry' side can be a bit dark for brighter genres.
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for many drummers.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$512 now$512€455 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash Cymbal
19" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash · Meinl
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
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.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$550 now$550€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dual Crash Cymbal
19" Classics Custom Dual Crash · Meinl
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
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.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$269 now$269€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
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.
Cons
- Dark sound may be too subdued for brighter musical styles.
- The medium weight could feel a bit heavy for some drummers.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$246 now$246€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Medium-Thin Crash
19" Byzance Med. Thin Crash B. · Meinl
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
Cons
- The medium weight might feel slightly heavy for some players.
- Its balanced nature means it lacks extreme, specialized sonic characteristics.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$539 now$539€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Medium-Thin Crash
19" Byzance Medium Thin Crash · Meinl
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
Cons
- The medium thin weight might be too light for heavier hitters.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$539 now$539€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash
19" Byzance Extra Thin Crash · Meinl
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
Cons
- Extremely thin nature makes it susceptible to cracking with rough handling.
- Limited volume range; struggles in very loud, high-energy settings.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$512 now$512€455 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Byzance Foundry Reserve Crash Cymbal
19" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR · Meinl
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
- Darker sound may not suit brighter musical genres like metal.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$591 now$591€525 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Pure Alloy Custom Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
19" Pure Alloy Custom Crash · Meinl
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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
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
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$415 now$415€369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Cymbal
19" Byzance Polyphonic Crash · Meinl
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
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.
Cons
- Price point places it in a premium-priced category for crash cymbals.
- Sustain, while short, might not suit players needing extended resonance.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$539 now$539€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 19" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
19" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 109 models we track, not a sample.
Median $512 — half of all 19" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 109 models · 19"–19"
How to choose the best 19" crash cymbals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 19" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 109 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
Are Meinl 19" crashes bright?
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.
What's the difference between Meinl Byzance and Professional series?
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.
Can I use a 19" Meinl crash in a loud rock band?
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.
What's the best way to care for my Meinl crash?
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.
Do Meinl 19" crashes have a lot of overtones?
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.
