Meinl 18" HCS Crash / Ride
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Meinl
18" HCS Crash / Ride
Product Info
Article Number:
111022
Brand:
Meinl
Model:
18" HCS Crash / Ride
Category:
18" Crash Cymbals
Price:
$93.50
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Meinl HCS 18' Crash/Ride is a solid entry-level option, perfect for students or gigging musicians on a tight budget. It's surprisingly versatile – decent as a crash, usable as a ride – and provides a clear, bright sound that cuts through a basic drum kit. Don't expect pro-level complexity, but it's a reliable workhorse for practicing and casual playing.
Product Description
- Meinl 18" HCS Crash / Ride
- Cash/Ride Cymbal
- HCS series
- Size: 18"
- Beginner cymbal series
- Combines quality and value
- MS63 mixture
- Soft response with an average decay
PROS
- • Bright, clear initial attack provides good cutting power.
- • MS63 bronze alloy offers a surprisingly warm undertone for the price.
- • Versatile enough to function as both a crash and a ride for beginners.
- • Relatively lightweight, making it comfortable for younger or less experienced players.
CONS
- • Sustain is short, lacking complexity for more nuanced playing.
- • Finish is prone to oxidation and requires more frequent cleaning.
- • Sound lacks the high-end shimmer of more expensive bronze cymbals.
Product Video
Key Features
Size
18 in
Material
MS63 Bronze
Finish
Machine
Sound Character
Bright, Warm Undertone, Medium Sustain
Weight
Medium
Similar Products
Gretsch Drums 10"x07" TT Catalina Club BS
10" Toms
$197
Gretsch Drums 10"x07" TT Catalina Club BS, Tom Tom, Model 2025, Club series, Size: 10" x 07", 7-ply mahogany shell,...
Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple Standard SG
Drum Shell Sets
$1,088
*Note:* Cymbals, stands and other hardware not included
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Anniversario 120 J-SB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$1,099
Classical Guitar, Special model for the anniversary of Guitarras...
Gretsch Drums Catalina Maple 7-piece LS
Drum Shell Sets
$1,428
Shell Set, Catalina Maple series, 7-ply maple shells, Chrome shell hardware,...
Frequently Asked Questions
HCS is a budget-friendly alloy; it’s not as responsive or complex as B8 or B20, and won’t develop a patina as nicely.
While it will work, the short sustain and bright sound won’t be ideal for heavier genres requiring a longer, darker decay; it'll sound thin.
It’s reasonably durable for a budget-friendly cymbal, but handle with care; frequent heavy impacts may lead to cracking sooner than higher-quality options.
