Benny Greb, given his impressive skills behind the kit, has every right to be demanding. This fact is, of course, especially true when it comes to equipment. A ride cymbal, according to him, must have character as it defines his overall sound. Light ride cymbals have that nice shimmering sound and the ability to be used as a crash but lack that clear sounding bell in heavy ones; Benny Greb desired his perfect ride cymbal to have both qualities. Other demands included that "mature" sound like an old ride cymbal that has been in use for 30 years. While some of these demands blur the lines between objectivity and subjectivity, Meinl just pulled out a rabbit from a hat for Benny Greb with the Meinl Benny Signature Byzance Sand Ride.

The Benny Greb Signature Byzance Sand Ride has all those demands that Benny described. The 30-year-old aged sound has been attributed to this cymbal thanks to a special sandblasting process to deliver that vintage warmth, dryness, as well as a unique esthetic appeal. Along with a partially lathed bottom, this cymbal has a dry and fast sound with a very quick decay, much like a light ride cymbal. The bell on the other hand is comparable to that of heavy rides with a clear, bright, and articulate voicing.

With such a versatility of sound as well as that vintage warmth and appeal, you no longer will need to lug along a pair ride cymbals for your drum setup. The Meinl Benny Greb Signature Byzance Sand Ride has a suggested retail price of 560 USD.

Bottom view of Benny Greb Signature Byzance Sand Ride