Detail 01
14-inch crash
On the small side for a crash. Faster attack, shorter decay, and higher pitch than a 16 or 18.
Product detailSKU #1274115063988
MEINLHCS Crash Cymbal - 14 In
1/7
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A 14-inch brass crash from Meinl's HCS line. Entry-level cymbal for first kits, practice rooms and backup use.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Filling out a starter kit without spending much per cymbal
- Practice-space or rehearsal kits you'd rather not risk
- A second crash when you want a smaller, faster voice
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Recording sessions where cymbal character matters
- Drummers wanting the complexity of hand-hammered bronze
- Heavy hitters — thin brass at this price is easier to crack
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
HCS line
Meinl's budget series — machine-made from brass, not B20 bronze. Brighter and more uniform, less tonal depth.
Detail 03
Brass construction
Cheaper and more consistent than bronze, but with a plainer sound and less headroom before it sounds harsh.
Detail 04
$49.99
Roughly a third of what a pro-line crash costs. The trade is character and durability, not basic function.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Sold as a single cymbal — this is not a cymbal pack
- 02You need a stand, felts and sleeve; none are included
- 03Play it with glancing strikes, not direct hits, to avoid cracking
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is a 14-inch crash too small?
It's smaller than a typical 16-inch main crash. It responds faster and pitches higher, which suits tight accents but gives less sustain.
02How is HCS different from Byzance?
HCS is machine-made brass at entry-level pricing. Byzance is hand-hammered B20 bronze. Byzance is darker and more complex; HCS is brighter and plainer.
03Will this crack easily?
Brass cymbals at this price are less forgiving than bronze. Strike at an angle across the edge rather than straight down, and they hold up fine.
04Can I use it as a ride?
Not well. A crash this thin washes out under steady stick patterns. You'd lose the clear ping a ride gives you.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- 14 In
