Meinl is the epitome of efficient German engineering, combining over 50 years of instrument expertise with advanced manufacturing processes.
The company’s ever-expanding range of cymbals has models to suit all genres. The set we have for review contains a selection from Meinl’s entry-level HCS range, which it says “offers the best possible sounds at an affordable price”.
Build
HCS cymbals are created from a brass alloy, MS63 (MS = Mint State, 63 = percentage of copper). This brassy formula is used by many manufacturers for their entry-level cymbals, because it’s easy to work and is a relatively inexpensive material.
Rather than casting, each cymbal is formed from sheet brass which is pressed into shape, lathed and hammered on the top surface only and then, finally, polished.
Printed in black upon each cymbal is the series designation ‘HCS’, together with the familiar Meinl logo. Laser-etched into the upper surface is yet another, much smaller logo, country of origin and serial number.
Like most hi-hat pairs, the bottom cymbal is thicker and as a result, heavier than the top. The crash is reasonably thin with a shallow taper and, like the hi-hats, has wider sound grooves around the bow but much finer ones on the bell.
