Meinl Drums — Metal Drummers Who Use Meinl | MetalForge
Which metal drummers use Meinl cymbals? See every pro in MetalForge's database who endorses or plays Meinl gear — kit specs and prices.
About Meinl
Meinl is a German percussion company founded in 1951 that has become a major force in the cymbal world. Known for their innovative designs and diverse product range, Meinl has captured the attention of metal drummers seeking unique, dark tones.
Why Metal Drummers Choose Meinl:
- Byzance Series – Hand-hammered Turkish-style cymbals with dark, complex tones
- Classics Custom Series – Bright, powerful cymbals for aggressive playing
- Mb20 Series – Designed for loud music with excellent projection
- Pure Alloy Series – Premium B12 bronze for unique character
The Meinl Sound:
Meinl cymbals are known for their dark, complex overtones - particularly in the Byzance series. This makes them favorites among progressive metal drummers who appreciate nuanced cymbal work. However, their Classics Custom and Mb20 series deliver the volume needed for extreme metal.
Innovation:
Meinl constantly pushes cymbal design forward with unique models like the Dual Crash, Ghost Ride, and their extensive effects cymbal line. This innovation appeals to drummers looking for distinctive sounds.
Meinl History
Meinl was founded in 1951 in Gutenstetten, a small village in Bavaria, Germany, by Roland Meinl. The company began as a small workshop producing musical instrument parts before moving into percussion manufacturing.
Cymbal production began shortly after, in the early 1950s, and over the following decades Meinl built out a broad percussion catalog — congas, cajons, and effects percussion — growing into one of Europe's largest percussion manufacturers while remaining headquartered in the same rural region where it started, and family-owned to this day.
The turning point for Meinl's standing among metal and progressive drummers came in 2001 with the launch of the Byzance series: hand-hammered in Turkey using traditional B20 bronze techniques, Byzance gave Meinl a dark, complex cymbal voice that could compete directly with the established K-style cymbals from Zildjian and Sabian.
Meinl has continued to develop metal-specific lines since, including the Mb20 series aimed squarely at high-volume, heavy playing, extending the dark-toned identity Byzance established across different price points and playing styles.
Meinl Milestones
- 1951: Roland Meinl founds the company in Gutenstetten, Germany.
- early 1950s: Meinl begins cymbal production.
- 1980s: Meinl expands into a full percussion catalog, including congas and cajons, growing into one of Europe's largest percussion manufacturers.
- 2001: The hand-hammered Byzance series launches, becoming a favorite among progressive and technical metal drummers.
Meinl in Metal
Meinl's Byzance series became a favorite of progressive and technical metal drummers seeking dark, complex overtones rather than the brighter cut of traditional metal cymbals — players like Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) use Byzance extensively. Meinl's Mb20 "Pure Metal" ride, co-designed with Chris Adler (Lamb of God), extended that identity to drummers who need volume and cut for heavier, more aggressive styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Meinl cymbals do metal drummers use?
Progressive metal drummers often use Meinl Byzance for their dark complexity. Extreme metal drummers prefer Classics Custom or Mb20 series for their power and cut. Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) uses Meinl Byzance extensively.
Are Meinl cymbals good for metal?
Yes, Meinl offers excellent options for metal. Byzance series provides dark, complex tones for progressive metal, while Classics Custom and Mb20 deliver the volume and cut needed for extreme genres.
Meinl Byzance vs Zildjian K for metal?
Both offer dark, complex tones. Byzance tends to be slightly drier and earthier, while Zildjian K has more traditional warmth. For progressive metal, Byzance is often preferred. Both are excellent choices.