Might switch from Zildjian to Paiste

[zambizzi]

I've been agonizing over this for a couple of months now...ever since I sold (stupid! stupid! stupid!) a vintage Paiste prototype ride I came across accidentally.

I bought my new cymbals about 6 mo. ago...all Zildjian. 20" K Custom Dry Ride, 18" A Custom crash, 16" A Custom crash, 12" A Custom splash, and 14" A Custom Mastersound hats.

I love 'em, they sound great, no real complaints except maybe they aren't versatile for *every* type of music...and I play many. Sometimes the hats and the ride are a little weak and don't cut if I'm playing loud music w/ the band. However, there's no doubting that they make pretty noises. ;)

About a month ago I started ebay-ing a similar setup...but Paiste all around this time. My drum teacher plays 2oo2 sound edge hats...and they're great. I got a used pair of the same, a 19" prototype 2oo2/Signature crash, a 20" 2oo2 ride, and a 16" Signature Mellow crash.

I'm not entirely sure yet...but there are characteristics about these cymbals that I like better than my Zildjians...mostly that they're brighter and have a little more character.

I'm trying to get a handle on the differences in craftsmanship, quality, etc. between the two brands. I've played other brands like Sabian, Istanbul, etc. - I just don't like them as much...so I'm not considering them (for now.)

I've been through the Paiste web site but I'd like to get a feel for what real-world drummers think. I've heard rumors that Paiste cymbals break easier...is that really true? I don't play headbanger metal but I don't always hit softly either. I haven't ever broken a cymbal...yet. The A Customs seem a bit fragile...they're very thin...however so does my Paiste Sig. crash.

I play mostly rock...but also some jazz, funk, blues, and anything in-between. I want something durable but not insanely loud. I've played Z Customs and they're just too heavy...the 2oo2 line seems more mellow. I'd rather not mix/match cymbals and I only use 2 crashes, 1 splash (optional), hats, and a ride.

Anyhow, I'll quit rambling...any thoughts, comments, whatever is appreciated!

[AlexM]

While Paiste does make some good sounding cymbals - I've always been partial to Zildjian. I own a few Sabian cymbals and i don't like them too much. I have played a lot of Paiste cymbals and have never felt them to be as quality. While I don't have any hard evidence as to the exact specs. as far as materials and craftsmanship to prove a cymbals superiority, I do feel that you should always go with what feels good to you. If you like the way something sounds then go for it man...

[IDDrummer]

Hard to say. There are lots of folks who will tell you that Paistes won't break if you use proper technique, and if you don't play very hard that's probably true. I've owned exactly two Paiste 2002's and broke both, unfortunately. This was back in the mid-eighties, so it's been awhile.

So, my personal experience is that the Paistes are more fragile than Zildjians (I've broken one, IIRC) or Sabians (never broke one). I think it's a fair enough comparison, because I used the same technique on all the cymbals I've played :) .

On the other hand, there are plenty of people who play the Paistes without problems.

Sorry to equivocate so much with my answer, but it's not an easy choice. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't buy the Paistes; You've never broken a cymbal, though, so you may not have an issue. In your case, I'd go for the sound I liked and protect my investment as much as possible.

Good grief, what a waffling answer...

[Velimor]

I've only used three Paiste cymbals for an extended period of time. These three were kept at my house for...maybe around 6 months. My friend had owned these for a few years before that. We both use proper technique and haven't had any problems with cracking, keyholing, etc. They were a 21" Sig Dry Heavy Ride, 16" Innovations Heavy Crash, and 10" Sig splash. The ride was definitely geared more towards heavy music and, while it wasn't very versatile, it did sound amazing. The other two were very good all-around cymbals. Very clean, bright, expressive. If you want a general idea of their sound, here's a link to our myspace, which has songs that we recorded using them. myspace.com/decayofsociety The cymbal that he's hitting when the heavy part begins on Retaliation is the crash (Also on the verse of Bloodlust). The splash is in the songs somewhere, but I couldn't pick out any specific part that shows it best.

[Ruok]

Personally, I've owned Zildjians, Sabians and Paiste. I find the Zilds and Sabs to be "generic" sounding. They sound very good, don't get me wrong, but Paiste's just sound better to me when heard mixed in with the music. Though I generally prefer Paiste, I don't care much for the Paiste Sigs, except for the crashes and dark crisp hats.

Anyway, IMHO I believe that the 2oo2 series are more durable than the Signature series. And again, IMHO, the 2oo2 sound rules!

[Steamer]

I think cymbal selection boils down to personal taste and how a cymbal sounds in the context of the music and a players touch and desired personal sound. I love the sound of Zildjians because they have to my ear the most "natural"{a subjective comment} cymbal sound in the context of the music I perform of all of all of the cymbals from different companies i've bought,played and sold and currently own for nearly 37 years of playing. Someone using my Zildjian collection in a completely different musical context might not like them at all or get a sound that suits them for there touch,style or music. Find what suits your ears from whoever and have fun.

On the issue of durability Zildjians have served me very well.

[The Ploughman]

Im fairly sure a person can break most anything if they try hard enough, and while whacking the begeeezus out of your cymbals with a stick isnt considered trying......eventually anything can happen. And that to any cymbal.

As for Paiste...
I used the same 2002 Black Label 18" Crash, 20" Ride, 14" heavy Hats for 25 years. Somewhere along the way I added Red label 22" Power Ride, 17" Crash, 20" black label China, 12" red label power splash..... They were great cymbals, and it was a mistake to sell them. But I did it. I also owned several Paiste Signatures, and Paiste Traditionals as well. I had three complete setups at one time. 02, Sigs, Trads. Great Cymbals.
For the past three years I played K Customs, and just recently sold my full set of K Customs and replaced them with 2002s. I couldnt be happier.

never broke one though.

[Solaris]

I play both Paiste and Zildjian cymbals, and I have to say I like my paistes a lot more than the Zildjians, but thats just personal opinion.

In the time I've had them I haven't had any problems with durability. If you play with proper technique and treat your cymbals well you shouldn't encounter problems with breaking.


Paistes are 100% machine produced aren't they? I think they have a more focused sound than other brands, and their hammering and lathing techniques are different from Zildjian's and Sabian's. Personally they took a bit of getting used to, but now that they've grown on me I love them.

The only thing I don't like are most of their china models. The only one I've found that i like is the Novo china.

[harryconway]

Why not keep the Zildjians, and buy Paiste. Use both. Use all. Use some. I have some 13+ plates and 2 sets of hats, Zildjian, Paiste, Ufip, Meinl, Soultone and Masterwork and Sabian. If you don't like/want to mix brands, build your Paiste vault as you can afford, and buy used when a good deal comes along. I wasn't even looking for a cymbal when a Zildjian 17" A Custom crash wandered into my sights with a $50 tag on it. Needless to say, it's a sweet sounding plate. Sits right between my 16" Soultone and Masterwork crashes.

[jangus]

Unless you're being sponsored, I see no reason to limit yourself to one brand. Nobody will rag on you because you have a mixed set up. I have Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian, and Wuhan on my kit. Paiste cymbals are quite nice though.

[zambizzi]

Yeah, I suppose I could mix/match them. I don't want to be surrounded by that many cymbals but it might be nice to have a left-side ride.

Mostly I'm down to choosing between the mastersound hats and the sound-edge hats. Both have great qualities but I really REALLY like the sound edge...they're crispy...mmmmm.

[iamtak]

Paistes are 100% machine produced aren't they?

there's a video series on youtube of the paiste factory. They've got guys who are hammering and lathing by hand.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

your mastersounds are cutting through the music? good lord, how loud are you guys playing? i think you're just trying to justify dumping all of the cymbals you just bought : )

paiste makes fantastic cymbals. some would argue that their signature alloy is more fragile than b20, others wouldn't. (apparently they have a decent return policy though)

you'd be very well off with sigs or 2002s or even the cymbals you have now for that matter.

[Solaris]

there's a video series on youtube of the paiste factory. They've got guys who are hammering and lathing by hand.

Just read their faq. Hand hammering and lathing

[zambizzi]

your mastersounds are cutting through the music? good lord, how loud are you guys playing? i think you're just trying to justify dumping all of the cymbals you just bought : )

Ha! Ok maybe I didn't phrase that quite right. :P Let me try again.

There are certain stickings that cut *differently* through the type of music we're playing, depending on whether I'm playing the 2oo2 sound-edge hats...or the mastersounds. The tapping while closed method is much more quiet (and dark) on the mastersounds...making it hard to hear, depending on what we're playing. The Paiste hats handle this scenario better. After playing the Paiste hats w/ the band a few times now, yesterday being the latest, I'm not sure I like them as much (overall.)

This one could take some time to decide on.

[hateplow]

I have done something similar. Started with Paiste, switched to Zildjian and just wasn't satisfied.
Now my hats, ride and china are paiste sigs. I kept my zildjian crashes and splash, they sound pretty good together.

[TopCat]

I went from sabian to Paiste last year, and i've yet to look back. I still use some sabian/istanbul cymbals however, but the Paiste's just stand out. What everyone seems to be decsribing is their character, there's nothing like it. They're certainly unique cymbals.

That's why I dig them.

[Fur drummer]

I love my Sigs. They give me the sound I have been looking for. I used to pay Zildjian Ks and A Customs but never really liked the sound. They sounded to pingy or gongy to me. My Sigs sound brighter and not pingy like the Zs. Paiste is my favorite cymbal maker.

[zambizzi]

Wow, definitely more Paiste favoritism than I expected! The thing I'm noticing is the range of the Paiste crashes I've tried. They have a low and high-end pitch at the same time when struck...soft of like "climbing" to a high and then washing-out warm...it's quite unique to any other brand of cymbal I've played so far.

I love my Zildjians, they're great...I just don't like the sound as *much*. I notice when I'm playing rock music w/ the band...the Zildjians do the job but they sound a little "flat". I'm not sure what it is...the tone is even and they don't have that same sharp, high pitch before the wash that my Paistes do.

I really like my K Custom Dry ride too...as far as sound...but I'm really liking the sound clips of the Paiste rides on their web site for the same reasons...that sweet tone!

All of this being said, what ride could I find in a Paiste that has the same dark, dry sound as my K...but with a little more "ping"? I'd like my ride to ping more but not wash out...I like a very controllable ride sound...which is why I got the K custom dry.

So far it seems like the New Signature Mark 1 is closest to what I'm looking for...any comments?

[2bsticks]

Hi,
My two cents is: I am in the process of going the other way with a couple of exceptions. I us a Paiste Sig. dry ride, it is a nice sounding cymbal and I have been happy with it but I am looking for a change something that has a nice ping and a contrlable dark wash so

[2bsticks]

Hi,
My two cents is: I am in the process of going the other way with a couple of exceptions. I use a 20" Paiste Sig. dry ride, it is a nice sounding cymbal and I have been happy with it but I am looking for a change something that has a nice ping and a controlable dark wash so I just purchased a Zildjian K Custom medium ride. I also use an 18" K Custom medium crash and a 16" K Custom fast crash. I use a 17" Paiste Formula 602 medium crash which I love and the thing has stood the test of time. Paiste sent it to me as a replacement because the lead singer at the time tripped on the stand, down it went and a nice crack appeared. Paiste customer service was great. What I'm saying is use your ears if the different brands sound good to you, why not mix them.

Also my sister works for Zildjian so lets just say I got a great deal. So that helps too.

[gmrakich]

To me the Paistes are more musical sounding...to my ear. If their formula is a small bit more prone to breaking, I don't care. I love the sound.

[JoeyWaters]

I say switch. I made went from Zildjian to Paiste 6 years ago, it was one of the best decisions that I have made in my drumming. Paistes just seem more musical and clean-sounding to me. I feel that they record better as well. I cannot say enough good about them. I have broken a crash and a hi-hat, but I broke Zildjians just as much. I will never switch cymbals again, 2002 all the way.

[aceman]

I don't know where Zildjian gets the fact that they're A Customs are fast and shimmering? To me they are anything but that. They have a very strange sound to me and have a terrible feel to them... Very stiff. I went to Sabian HH, AAX and Paragons and have never been happier. The Paistes are really nice but not nice enough to justify they're prices.

[latzanimal]

Unless you're being sponsored, I see no reason to limit yourself to one brand. Nobody will rag on you because you have a mixed set up.

Well put. Not many get to have the best of both worlds. I say keep them both and you'll always have a choice. Use what fits the music your playing at THAT moment. Variety is the spice of life for a reason....

[zambizzi]

I played my Paistes tonight in place of the Zildjians...w/ the band...and I'm now convinced. Since I play mostly rock, blues, and funk....I think Paiste is the sound I'm looking for.

My K Custom Dry ride is just way, way too dry. My drum teacher got one that's much brighter and that's what i was hoping for. However, I can't hear that thing when I'm playing rock unless I'm smackin' the bell.

I'll be puttin' my Z's up on ebay this weekend!

[The Levee Breaker]

Paiste is the king of cymbals. My school has Zildjians and they are the worst cymbals I've ever heard. You can't go wrong with some Paiste 2002's.

[The Levee Breaker]

Or some Giant Beats for that matter

[-tarek-]

I use almost all Paiste's Signatures and I love them. One thing most drummer's are always looking for in a cymbal is a completely clear tone. What I love about Paiste is that there is dissonance in the overtones which makes them shimmer throughout all of their resonance, where as Zildjians or Sabians shimmer and then quickly decay to a dull tone. Paiste's are amazing cymbals, and after playing with every popular brand, nothing comes close in my opinion. Most of their cymbals are much more dynamic than others as well, as I've noticed. And my favorite thing about them is that they all blend well with each other, whereas Zildjians or Sabians seem to be more separated sounding. Anyway, try everything, but Paiste Sigs are phenomenal. I'd reccommend 17" and 18" full crashes, 14" signature sound edge hats, 10" sig splash, and maybe a 22" dark metal ride? That's my favorite of their rides. It's very unique sounding.

P.S. I don't know whether or not Paiste's hold up better than others. I've broken an 18" Signature Full Crash twice. The first one cracked due to playing with poor technique when I was somewhat of a beginner and the other one cracked after 2 years of using it as my main crash, playing for at least 8 hours a week and hitting fairly hard when I got excited :) No other problems though, they seem to be pretty strong.

[Michael G]

Paiste is the king of cymbals. My school has Zildjians and they are the worst cymbals I've ever heard. You can't go wrong with some Paiste 2002's.

Well that makes perfect sense, school scimitars means all cymbals on the series suck!

Opinions aside, Zildjian and Paiste are equally good, it is all a matter of taste, what YOU want to hear in a cymbal. If Paiste fits you better, then by all means switch to Paiste.

[Steady Freddy]

I played A Zildjains for years and years. I was doing a session to help out a friend who was working up some demos. He had a friend named Dennis Dragon, the brother the Captain, of Captain and Tennille (sp?) fame. Dennis had a studio and was also a drummer.

We starting laying down some tracks and listening to the play back. One of my crash cymbals just didn't sound very good.
Dennis suggested I try one of his cymbals and brought out a Paiste 2002. From that day on I swore if I ever bought another set of cymbals it would be Paistes.

It would be quite a while before I needed cymbals again. I quit playing shortly there after. When I got back into it I kept my word to myself and bought Paiste signatures. Great cymbals! I broke a 16" crash recently, but I was always hard on cymbals.

They are very bright sounding cymbals and I really like that. Can't go wrong.

[YamahaDrummerAus]

I've used Paiste Alphas for 5 years now. Not even a chip or keyhole, and they aren't high end cymbals. Plus, I play hard.

[zambizzi]

OK...time for an update!

I'm ebay-ing all of my Zildjians...auctions are about 50% done as I write this....looks like I'll get pretty close to what I paid for them...maybe lose $100-$200 or so, total...not bad.

I've already bought and am awaiting a 20" Signature crash and a 20" Signature Dark Dry ride (this ride looks like it has the devil in it >:) They're basically new and the price was unbeatable...less than half of new, retail. They'll arrive Friday...I'm drooling in anticipation.

I'm going to bid on a new 16" Sig. Full crash tonight at about 60% off of retail...and some Sig. Sound Edge hats. Over the course of a the next couple of months I'll get a splash (or two) when I feel the urge.

I'll post pics when they're all in and setup!

Thanks everyone.

[zambizzi]

Haha! Ok, you'll all find this amusing, I'm sure. I've got a fairly severe personality defect (or a positive trait, depending on who you ask.) I'm extremely impulsive and I'm good at making snap decisions, for better or worse.

So, after replacing all of my Z's w/ P's...I decided it was a mistake (for now ;) After playing the Paistes w/ the band for a while...I decided I liked the Zildjians better. I can't exactly place it...but something was definitely missing.

So, now the Paistes are all up for sale and I've already placed my order (with our very own resident drum pro-shop - Groove!) for my new Zildjians. He's been great so far, I'll definitely be throwing my business his way in the future!

I did change some things this time around as I wasn't entirely happy w/ my last Zildjian setup.

The new lineup:

20" K Custom Ride
14" A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats
16" A Custom Medium Crash
18" A Custom Medium Crash
10" K Custom Dark Splash

The same hats I had last time...everything else is different.

I'll post again when I change my mind again! :D

[Ruok]

Haha! Ok,
So, after replacing all of my Z's w/ P's...I decided it was a mistake (for now ;) After playing the Paistes w/ the band for a while...I decided I liked the Zildjians better. I can't exactly place it...but something was definitely missing.

You should have gone with the 2oo2s or Giant Beats. You'd still be in love with them and wouldn't be selling! In my very humble opinion of course. ;)

[zambizzi]

You should have gone with the 2oo2s or Giant Beats. You'd still be in love with them and wouldn't be selling! In my very humble opinion of course. ;)

Yeah...maybe. I wasn't very happy w/ the Signature hats...pretty disappointed actually. I did like the 2oo2 hats but not as much as the Mastersounds.

I grew to hate the ride, honestly...after a while I just couldn't stand the sound of it. But, I've heard others tell me that they just LOVE it...goes to show how wildly our tastes can vary, eh?

[FullerBrushMan]

I don't like paste cymbals... I have heard one very good drummer play them and make them sound quite good (even though they were somewhat high pitched and he admitted this)
I just checked out sone 2002s yesterday at GC and compared to my Ks they seemed noticeably pale and wan and looked and felt and sounded just plain cheap.

For my money there's no comparison to my Ks... there ain't even a horse race there!

[evans_69]

how can u compare zildjian k's to paiste signatures .... u cant one is dark and the other is bright and cutting, i use paiste sigs and 2002's for rock and louder situations and zildjian k and a customs for a quiter situations i love the sound of both and could not part with either. so there is no such thing as better IMO... use what ever takes your fancy :D

[Ruok]

I don't like paste cymbals.......... I just checked out sone 2002s yesterday at GC and compared to my Ks they seemed noticeably pale and wan and looked and felt and sounded just plain cheap.

Fair enough. Actually, I used to think the same thing when I heard 2oo2s in a store. Not impressed. BUT! Put the 2oo2s on a kit and play along with some good musicians and they sound awesome. The moral of the story is not to judge a cymbal until it's heard mixed in with other instruments. Many Paiste cymbals sound boring, strange, harsh or plain weird when heard by themselves. But sound quite sweet when heard mixed in with the music.

[da cheese walks]

i have Paiste 802s...

i like Paiste....good cymbals...

but i dont want to play them....

WAYYYYYYY to bright......


i want some darkness!

[Steamer]

i have Paiste 802s...

i like Paiste....good cymbals...

but i dont want to play them....

WAYYYYYYY to bright......


i want some darkness!


I've become a recent convert to Istanbul Agop cymbals. These are simply amazing cymbals the best i've ever heard or played. You want darkness look no further many within their lines have that and many other superb qualities i've heard in no other current cymbal made today. Go to the darkside go Agop!.

[zambizzi]

Fair enough. Actually, I used to think the same thing when I heard 2oo2s in a store. Not impressed. BUT! Put the 2oo2s on a kit and play along with some good musicians and they sound awesome. The moral of the story is not to judge a cymbal until it's heard mixed in with other instruments. Many Paiste cymbals sound boring, strange, harsh or plain weird when heard by themselves. But sound quite sweet when heard mixed in with the music.

I actually agree w/ him and I think that's my issue w/ Paiste - the cymbals are very one-sided. They lack a certain versatility that I've heard in Zildjians. I play in a rock band but am also a jazz fan and am now focusing more on jazz, bop, blues, latin, and other styles that require a broader range in a cymbal.

I think as I have focused more jazz-oriented styles my distaste for the Paistes I have has grown. This is when I said to myself, "man, I miss that Zildjian tone!".

As for most rock music I'm playing, the Paistes fit very well...but that bright, piercing tone doesn't fit everywhere, IMO.

Also, the quality is not the same and you can feel it by simply picking up the cymbals and comparing them w/ your eyes and hands. Paistes look and feel relatively cheaply made...also just my opinion.

[-tarek-]

I play both Zildjian and Paiste. I'll put a list of everything below. Personally, I think you should pick the best sounding cymbals regardless of brand. I used to be picky about all of my cymbals looking the same (all paiste sigs), but then I heard a Zildjian china that sounded so good, it amazed me. I finally convinced myself to stop caring about the look of my kit and bought the Zildjian. Since then, I buy the best sounding cymbals I can find in my opinion, I'd buy a Wuhan if I liked it, and I think that's a much better method of chosing. I have broken an 18" Paiste Signature full crash, but it was due to bad technique, back in the dark ages haha. If I were a solo drummer, I might consider less Paiste, but over thick guitars (Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier and Peavey 6505 Plus) and 5 string bass, nothing shimmers like a Paiste Signature crash. Zildjian crashes and rides sound dull to me over music, whereas Paistes sound so brilliant and glassy. Ahhh I love cymbals. Anyway, be open minded, try EVERYTHING, and don't be biased against any certain brand or opinion. Mixing and matching just allows you to search deeper into creativity. I use drill bits and saw blades as cymbals on my kit for God's sake!

From left to right in driver's seat...

A drill bit, sounds like a bell, key of A
Another drill bit, key of G
8" ish circular saw blade, sounds interesting, key of C#
Paiste 16" Sig. Full Crash
Paiste 14" Sig. Sound Edge Hats
Zildjian 19" K Custom Hybrid China
Zildjian 6.5" Zilbel
Paiste 17" Sig. Full Crash
Paiste 8" Sig. Splash
Paiste 10" Sig. Splash
Paiste 18" Sig. Power Crash
Paiste 20" 2002 Novo China
Paiste 22" Sig. Dark Metal Ride
Paiste 14" Sig. Heavy China
Zildjian 9" K Custom Hybrid Splash
Zildjian 11" K Custom Hybrid Splash
Paiste 20" Sig. Power Crash

[FullerBrushMan]

I actually agree w/ him and I think that's my issue w/ Paiste - the cymbals are very one-sided. They lack a certain versatility that I've heard in Zildjians.

Also, the quality is not the same and you can feel it by simply picking up the cymbals and comparing them w/ your eyes and hands. Paistes look and feel relatively cheaply made...also just my opinion.

And check out that 2002 logo ... looks like it's made with a kids stamp ...it's like they don't even give a thought to the cymbals asthetics....
unless their plan was that the visual effect of the thing was to scream CHEAP ENTRY LEVEL PIE! at the top of it's lungs.

The way they look, they better be giving them away!

[zambizzi]

From left to right in driver's seat...

A drill bit, sounds like a bell, key of A
Another drill bit, key of G
8" ish circular saw blade, sounds interesting, key of C#
Paiste 16" Sig. Full Crash
Paiste 14" Sig. Sound Edge Hats
Zildjian 19" K Custom Hybrid China
Zildjian 6.5" Zilbel
Paiste 17" Sig. Full Crash
Paiste 8" Sig. Splash
Paiste 10" Sig. Splash
Paiste 18" Sig. Power Crash
Paiste 20" 2002 Novo China
Paiste 22" Sig. Dark Metal Ride
Paiste 14" Sig. Heavy China
Zildjian 9" K Custom Hybrid Splash
Zildjian 11" K Custom Hybrid Splash
Paiste 20" Sig. Power Crash

Sweet Jesus! You've got a half-ton of bronze sitting above your kit! You better hope you're not sitting behind that kit in the event of an earthquake...you'll be squashed!

I care not about looks if the sound is right...but I do care about physical quality (craftsmanship and durability)...and in both the sound and feel of Paiste, I just wasn't as impressed. The only characteristic that caught my attention was the brightness of the crashes...and I really like the 2oo2 hats I have (which I'm keeping.)

They're just not for me...that's all...and I don't use 300 cymbals on my kit...just a few...so I them sonically similar...and the A Custom crashes go really well together in different sizes. The 20" and 16" Paiste Sig. crashes I'm selling do not go together well, strangely enough...I think they sound awful together.

[zambizzi]

And check out that 2002 logo ... looks like it's made with a kids stamp ...it's like they don't even give a thought to the cymbals asthetics....
unless their plan was that the visual effect of the thing was to scream CHEAP ENTRY LEVEL PIE! at the top of it's lungs.

The way they look, they better be giving them away!

Yeah...I actually thought the same thing. After playing my 2oo2 hats for a week, I had smeared a bunch of the red ink from the logo onto my sticks...my heads...and my other cymbals.

The alloy itself is very pretty but I really like the look of Zildjians much better...though I don't make decisions based on looks alone. I like the Zildjian takes the time to etch that beautiful logo into every cymbal...and the ink seems more durable.

[zambizzi]

WAYYYYYYY to bright......


i want some darkness!

That's what I missed! I didn't think it would make such a big difference to me...but in hindsight...I missed that dark sizzle from my hats! Especially in Jazz and Blues settings!

[crazyhorse]

Ok... I'm cool with people differing in their tastes but I'm not sure how you can say the sigs feel cheap in your hands lol That's an awesome alloy and the sound is great if it's what you're looking for. If you want dark you should have tried the traditionals over the signatures or the dark energy stuff. Just the wrong ones for the sound you were looking for I guess. They're hardly cheaply made ;)

[-tarek-]

Sweet Jesus! You've got a half-ton of bronze sitting above your kit! You better hope you're not sitting behind that kit in the event of an earthquake...you'll be squashed!

I care not about looks if the sound is right...but I do care about physical quality (craftsmanship and durability)...and in both the sound and feel of Paiste, I just wasn't as impressed. The only characteristic that caught my attention was the brightness of the crashes...and I really like the 2oo2 hats I have (which I'm keeping.)

They're just not for me...that's all...and I don't use 300 cymbals on my kit...just a few...so I them sonically similar...and the A Custom crashes go really well together in different sizes. The 20" and 16" Paiste Sig. crashes I'm selling do not go together well, strangely enough...I think they sound awful together.


It's actually closer to 3/4 tons, but you were close :-D

I just love having tons of sounds to play with. I figured out the pitches of all my cymbals so that I can play melodies over my beats. It's so much funner for me that way! But then again, I'm more of a guitarist than a drummer, and more of a composer than a guitarist, so I'm always looking for lots of different pitches to satisfy my creativity! Anyway, I'll admit, Paistes actually don't sound all that amazing by themselves, but nothing else cuts it for me over music. Use to use Zildjian crashes, but they just seemed dead to me (over guitars). Got to have the shimmer! But hey, they are all GREAT cymbals, pretty much every brand makes great cymbals in my opinion, so to each his own.

[bonzolead]

I will always play Zildjians,I've played Paiste's but there just too tinny sounding.the thing with Zildjians for example is that you can have 2 idenical cymbals and there not going to sound the same.you just have got too look around to find your favorite.and if you know how to hit a cymbal and make sure you don't. have a metal to metal contact between the cymbal and the cymbal stand your cymbals should never break.i've had my 17 A thin crash for 16 yrs. and I play just as hard a Bonham or just as soft as Gadd.it's all about technique.but hey different strokes for different fokes.just like some people like chevy's and some people like fords.you got too please yourself before you can please everyone else.

Keep swatting(Zildjians),LOL

Bonzolead

[KzSgDrummer]

Also, the quality is not the same and you can feel it by simply picking up the cymbals and comparing them w/ your eyes and hands. Paistes look and feel relatively cheaply made...also just my opinion.

I realize it's just your opinion, but I honestly don't know how you could say that. Paistes are in general just as high in quality as Zildjians or Istanbuls or whatever. They have their own "European" way of making cymbals that is different from the Turks, which is obvious in how they feel different, be it to the hand or when absorbing a stick's blow (which I'd describe as more brittle feeling, less of a "cushion"). But while you may like the feel and "give" of a Turkish cymbal more, I just want to state that that does not make a Paiste or Meinl inferior in quality. Just a distinction to made..

And full disclosure, I used to be a Paiste man but now use mostly Zildjians, mainly for the same reasons you said -- I prefer the darker, earthier qualities of Zils to the glassy high-end bodies of Paistes. Having said that, I still regularly use a couple of Paiste crashes in my lineup, although all three of my rides are Zildjians (I'll go on record as saying I flat-out don't like Paiste rides).

[zambizzi]

I realize it's just your opinion, but I honestly don't know how you could say that. Paistes are in general just as high in quality as Zildjians or Istanbuls or whatever. They have their own "European" way of making cymbals that is different from the Turks, which is obvious in how they feel different, be it to the hand or when absorbing a stick's blow (which I'd describe as more brittle feeling, less of a "cushion"). But while you may like the feel and "give" of a Turkish cymbal more, I just want to state that that does not make a Paiste or Meinl inferior in quality. Just a distinction to made..

And full disclosure, I used to be a Paiste man but now use mostly Zildjians, mainly for the same reasons you said -- I prefer the darker, earthier qualities of Zils to the glassy high-end bodies of Paistes. Having said that, I still regularly use a couple of Paiste crashes in my lineup, although all three of my rides are Zildjians (I'll go on record as saying I flat-out don't like Paiste rides).

Well sure, i agree, it's just the 'impression that I get" (bah-bah, bahhh-bahhh....daduh, daduh)

I still have to go w/ the turks on this one :) I like that cushiony response and softer give that my A Customs had compared to the sig crashes.

[zambizzi]

OK, the new beauties made it in today (thanks Groove!) So, i suppose this voids the whole thread. I'm happy i tried both sides and found the grass wasn't greener, after all. It didn't cost me anything extra to waffle around, in the end...so it was worth the try.

Here they are!

[Just Drums]

OK, the new beauties made it in today (thanks Groove!) So, i suppose this voids the whole thread. I'm happy i tried both sides and found the grass wasn't greener, after all. It didn't cost me anything extra to waffle around, in the end...so it was worth the try.

Here they are!


They look good on ya baby!!

Glad we could help.

[nickg]

i haven't used anything BUT Paiste for the last 20 years. i'd rather pay for Paistes than accept free zildjians. just my humble opinion.

[zambizzi]

i haven't used anything BUT Paiste for the last 20 years. i'd rather pay for Paistes than accept free Zildjians. just my humble opinion.

Yep, there are definitely adherents on both sides of the aisle. i most definitely don't have any remorse going through this whole process and ending up w/ Zildjians again. They sound (and feel) superior to me.

I want to add that our buddy Groove did a spectacular job on getting me exactly what I wanted, when I wanted it, at a fantastic price. He outbid Guitar Center and quite frankly, the quality was better. The first set of Z's I had were from GC, and not only did it take them 4 weeks to get my hi-hats in, they ended up being floor models that someone had used cymbal cleaner on. That was the last time I bought anything from them. The new Mastersounds were *flawless* - as was everything else, and they're a better set, tonally, as well.

The ride is perfect for me...I couldn't be happier!

(disclaimer: I don't work for Just Drums and wasn't paid and/or physically threatened to say any of this)