Paiste Dark Energy Series Cymbals

[Rock-On!!]

I did a search and didn't find all the answers I was looking for. http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

Would the Dark Energy series of Crash and Ride cymbals be a good versatile choice for Classic Rock?

I am asking this because there is no local shop to try these cymbals,
just going by sound files found on the net and they sound pretty good.

Say some old school stuff like;
Aerosmith
Bad Company
Dave Mathews
Eric Clapton
Foreigner
.
.
.
Skynyrd
.
.
.
ZZ Top

No need to list them all, but you get the idea.

If not, what would your suggestions be in the Paiste line up?

To complicate matters more, would they be strong enough (projection wise) to get into some of the heaver stuff like;
Saosin
Taking Back Sunday
Tool,etc......

Thanks,http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/Rockon4eBay/Untitled-2.gif

[RobertM]

I think Paiste cymbals are great! I've used Paiste Signature Fast Crashes since 1990, and they are still in good condition--and that's with playing rock, alt. country rock, funk. If you position your cymbals correctly--i.e., tilted vs. in a straight "T" shape--then you can avoid premature cracks.

If you are worried about projection, the Paiste Signature Full Crashes or Power Crashes may be better for you. The Dark Energies are great, but tend to be a bit thinner--better for rock/fusion/blues kind of stuff, and occasionally jazz.

John Bonham used Paiste, so they are definitely good for hard rock/rock cymbals! He used Paiste Giant Beats and Paiste 2002 mainly. You could also check out Paiste RUDE series--these are heavy duty cymbals for heavy rock, metal, hardcore/punk styles. Stewart Copeland of The Police even used some of the RUDE cymbals during the Ghost in the Machine tour in the early 1980s.

Overall, I'd say go with Paiste. I like Zildjian, Sabian, Bosphorus, and others, but when it comes to rock music, I would hands down pick Paiste. When it comes to Jazz or Fusion, then it gets trickier--Zildjian's K cymbals and Constantinoples take notice. Paiste make the best hi-hat cymbals out there, and their cymbals speak clearly and beautifully. Their cymbals have amazing articulation and bright crispness. I'd say try the Signature full crashes, 2002 series, or even the RUDE. The Dark Energies are good, too.

Hope that helps.

[RobertM]

Forgot to mention: for ride cymbals in rock/hard rock, I would definitely try out the Paiste Signature Heavy Dry Ride--a very clear ping that cuts through guitars and vocals. Beautiful sound. For proof, listen to Stewart Copeland's recent recordings with Oysterhead or others: proof that the Heavy Dry ride has great articulation.

[cornelius]

I was just checking out some Paistes yesterday. One of my favs is the Dark Energy 19" Crash. It's not too heavy so it speaks quickly, but the size gives it some more oomph and it works great as a crash/ride. That'll be my next crash, but I just picked up an 18" Giant Beat and a Signature 16" Full crash. They blend beautifully, a really versatile combo...

For a ride, a 21" Dark Energy Mk2 could work for classic rock, if you want something a little lighter.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

15" mark 1 hats
17" mark 1 crash
19" mark 1 crash
21" mark 2 ride

^that's what i'd go with if i were you. amazing cymbals.

the hats and 19" crash really stand out to me as being particularly beautiful.

check out the giant beats as well if you're not completely sold on the DEs. they're very versatile and would suit classic rock especially well.

[mr_hayward_99]

i have the 19" cash its so buitiful so many different layers of sound in 1 cymbal - it did cost me a lot of money more than my ride cymbal almost 100 pounds more and i have a hhx evolution ride. but worth evry penny and more

[driver]

Well if your talking classic rock and Paiste its hard to ignore 2002s BUT I tottally see why you would want the DEs, they are amazing and I wish I could use them (sadly my bands are abit louder than classic rock :( )

I do think if you get the larger sizes and the right types (mark II is supposed to be louder and abit brighter but it doesnt cover the whole line) than it should work fine if you treat them with some respect.

[Solaris]

*Hopefully* tomorrow I'll be receiving my 19" DE crash in the mail. I'll let you know what it sounds like.

[hateplow]

I wouldn 't recommend these for rock. I think they are more suited for jazz. They are VERY dark, and not very loud. I owned a 22" Mark II ride, which was supposed to be the loudest cymbal in the line, but found it too woody and quiet.

[harryconway]

How loud is your band? 2 gutarists each with Marshall stacks cranked full up and a bass player with an Ampeg SVT with matched 18/4-10 cabnet. Or something a bit more civil? If your bandmates know that the volume knob works both ways, the Dark Energy's will work and look very cool. If however, you're stuck with a bunch of guys that think "everything should be louder than everything else", better have mics on your kit, regardless of what cymbals you have.

[Fur drummer]

I wouldn 't recommend these for rock. I think they are more suited for jazz. They are VERY dark, and not very loud. I owned a 22" Mark II ride, which was supposed to be the loudest cymbal in the line, but found it too woody and quiet.

Yea they are dark. 2002s would be better. I play rock and jazz, signatures work good for me. You could try those if you don't like the 2002s.