Important thing, please watch Meinl's video where Matt Halpern talks about what this product is. The crash cymbal stacks on top of the China in two different configurations:

Bell-down configuration: This is what he uses when he plays live with Periphery. It's very loud. This will cut through any heavy mix.

Bell-up configuration: This is a dry stack configuration. It is much quieter than the bell-down configuration. It sounds really good in a jazz combo if you really tighten the stack. I've even used this as pseudo-smack stack.

The individual cymbals sound fantastic outside of the stack. I have used the 17" jazz crash by itself on numerous occasions. The 18" China sounds good, but I personally think 20 inches is the sweet spot for Meinl's Chinas. I would never use the 18 inch outside of the stack. Just my personal preference (everyone's ear is slightly different).

I decided to buy this stack because I knew that I would use both configurations. I play music ranging from the heaviest of metal to combo-style jazz. If you're on the fence because of the price, ask yourself if you plan to play both configurations. If not, there are plenty of other great cymbal stacks from which to choose to suit your budget.

I personally have no regrets about this purchase.

Read More Show Less

A big part of the reason I bought this stack is that I am a huge Matt Halpern and Periphery fan. The stack sound on Periphery albums is what I hear in my head, so I wanted to have it on my kit. My expectations for this stack were extremely high and it exceeded them.

This thing sounds absolutely amazing in both configurations. I had always wondered if the second configuration was mostly a marketing gimmick, but after testing it out myself I find the descriptions online to be 100% accurate. The standard configuration (bells facing down) is very loud and aggressive and works amazing for anything heavy. This loud and abrasive sound is not very well suited to softer styles of music though. This is where the second configuration (bells up) comes in. The second configuration sounds just as good, but is much quieter and softer. This makes the stack absurdly versatile and fun to experiment with.

You would think having two great configurations in one stack would be enough, but if you play the cymbals by themselves they also sound great. I especially loved the 17" crash.

I doubt this stack will ever leave my setup. If you are looking for a good stack for your kit and you love the stack sound on Periphery albums I would 100% suggest this.

Read More Show Less

If you are thinking about buying this stack, chances are you play heavier styles of music. As such, this stack will do exactly what you want it to. Having said that, for all drummers, know that this is the most musical and versatile stack I've ever played and heard. The fact that you can use it in two configurations gives you such a wide range of musical possibilities. Playing it with the cups down (as typically pictured) gives you an abrasive, cutting, trashy hit that can pierce through anything. Even though it is loud and cutting, it produces a musical timbre that accentuates and supports the mix. Playing it with the cups facing up, gives you quicker, denser bite that can work for so many different genres. Played as a stack you will be surprised at how well it supports the music you play. Additionally, the cymbals by themselves make an amazing crash and china. So when you don't need a stack you have two killer cymbals to add to your arsenal. Bottom line, it sounds amazing, it's versatile, and, - I think most importantly - it is incredibly musical.

Read More Show Less