Detail 01
China cymbal
Inverted flanged edge kills the smooth wash, so hits sound explosive and dirty with a fast decay.
Product detailSKU #1274115063488
MEINLByzance China Traditional Cymbal 16 in.
1/6
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A 16-inch china cymbal from MEINL's Byzance line. For drummers who want a short, trashy accent that cuts over loud material.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Rock and metal drummers wanting a hard accent over distorted guitars
- Adding a trashy voice to a kit that already has crashes
- Song-section punctuation: build hits, stops, and downbeat stabs
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Quiet jazz, acoustic, or worship sets where china wash overwhelms
- A first crash cymbal — chinas are an add-on, not a foundation
- Drummers wanting long, shimmering sustain to ride on
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
16 inch
Mid-sized for a china. Quicker and more focused than an 18 inch, louder and fuller than a 12 or 14.
Detail 03
Byzance line
MEINL's upper-tier hand-hammered series, so expect more character and a darker voice than their entry lines.
Detail 04
Traditional finish
Lathed surface. Reads darker and less glassy than a raw or brilliant-finish cymbal of the same size.
Detail 05
$349.99
Pro-tier pricing. You are paying for hammering and alloy quality, not for a bigger or louder cymbal.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01No stand, felts, sleeve, or wing nut included — you need a free cymbal arm
- 02Most players mount a china upside down, so leave clearance above the kit
- 03Chinas crack faster than crashes if you hit the edge straight on
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is 16 inch too small for a china?
No. 16 inch is a common size and sits in the middle of the range. It speaks faster and decays sooner than an 18, which is what most players want from an accent.
02Do I mount it upside down?
Usually yes. Flipping it bell-down puts the flanged edge in a natural striking path and gives the sharper attack chinas are known for. Right side up works too and sounds slightly fuller.
03Can I use it in a stack?
Yes. Chinas are common stack components, paired under or over a crash or splash for a shorter, choked sound. You will need a stacker or an extra sleeve to mount two cymbals.
04Will it work for metal?
Yes. A 16 inch china is a standard metal accent — short, cutting, and audible over high-gain guitars and double kick.
