Meinl Byzance Trash Crash | Review and guide (2026)

Meinl Cymbals can often be seen leading the way with cymbal innovation. Back in 2021 they showed no signs of slowing down, adding a whole range of trash crashes to the Byzance series.

In total Meinl added eight trash crashes to the Byzance range that year, covering the full sound and finish spectrum. No matter what style of music you play, if you are in the market for a trashy sound to add to your kit you will likely find something here.

We first wrote this guide in January 2021, when those cymbals were brand new. Nearly six years on, are they still around, and are they still worth the money? Let’s find out.

What has changed since 2021?

If you read the original version of this guide, here is the short version.

• They are all still here. The Brilliant, Dark, Extra Dry, Vintage Pure and Traditional trash crashes we covered in 2021 are still stocked by the big shops in 2026.
• They are no longer new. These are now established members of the Byzance family rather than fresh launches, so you will find plenty of them on the used market too.
• Prices have gone up. Like most B20 cymbals, expect to pay roughly £350 to £450 in the UK, or $400 to $520 in the US, depending on size and finish.
• They sit alongside other Byzance trashes. The older Byzance Vintage Trash Crash and the Byzance Dual Trash Crash (16”, 18” and 20”, launched in 2020) are still available too, so there are more trashy Byzance options than ever.

What is a trash crash?

The trash crash is a unique type of cymbal that has grown hugely in popularity over the past decade. It sits nicely between a crash and a china cymbal. You get a nice crash sound with a shorter sustain like a china cymbal with a bit of that trashy sound added for good measure.

This sound is created by adding specially cut holes into a crash cymbal. Depending on the brand and model there has been may of different approaches taken. In a Meinl Trash Crash, you will see either 8 or 10 holes. Half larger and half smaller, alternating around the cymbal.

What cymbals were added to the Meinl Byzance Trash Crash range?

The Meinl Byzance range is broad, covering bright to dark cymbals with everything in between. Because of this, Meinl added a good selection of trash crashes in 2021 with something for every style of drummer. As far as we can tell, all of them are still available in 2026.

Meinl Byzance Brilliant Trash Crash - 16” and 18”

These are made from B20 bronze alloy and are hand-hammered. These give off a bright and rich sound. These would be great for a rock or metal drummer as they give you a crisp cutting sound.

Meinl Byzance Dark Trash Crash - 18” and 20”

These are made from B20 bronze alloy and are hand-hammered. These have an unlathed surface and produce a darker sound.

Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Trash Crash - 18”

These are made from B20 bronze alloy and are hand-hammered. These have a natural finish that produces an extra dry sound.

Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure Trash Crash - 18”

These are made from B20 bronze alloy and are hand-hammered. These have a special surface treatment for a vintage sound, look and feel. Apart from the great sound, this cymbal has a truly unique yet beautiful finish.

Meinl Byzance Traditional Trash Crash - 16” and 18”

These are made from B20 bronze alloy and are hand-hammered. These cymbals have the traditional finish that showcases individuality.

What do the Meinl Byzance Trash Crashes sound like?

Luckily Meinl has an incredible YouTube channel dedicated to what every cymbal they offer sounds like. The demo at the top of this page is theirs.

You can find the rest on the Meinl YouTube channel.

How much do the Meinl Byzance Trash Crashes cost?

These are hand-hammered B20 cymbals made in Turkey, so they are not cheap. In 2026, the 18” models typically sell for around £400 in the UK and $400 to $450 in the US. The 20” Dark Trash Crash is nearer £380 to £430, or around $520.

Prices move around a lot between shops, so it pays to shop around. And because these have been out for a few years now, it is worth checking used Byzance trash crashes on Reverb before paying full price.

Where can I buy the Meinl Byzance Trash Crashes?

If you are looking to purchase these cymbals online: Guitar Center in the Americas, Gear4music in the UK, or Thomann for Europe and the rest of the world.

Final thoughts

As a fan of trash crashes, I thought these were a great addition to the Byzance range in 2021, and nothing has changed my mind since. The Meinl Byzance range of cymbals are of the highest quality, and the fact that all of these are still going strong tells you drummers agree.

The only downside is the price. These are pro-level cymbals with pro-level price tags, so if you are on a budget, the used market is your friend.

If I could only choose one I would still pick up the 20” Meinl Byzance Dark Trash Crash. What a beautiful cymbal.

Want to see what else Meinl makes? Head over to our Meinl Cymbals hub, or if you are stuck choosing between trashy cymbals, ask our Gear Guru.