Wanting to give Paiste cymbals a try. Where should I start?

[yammyfan]

So, my early impressions are VERY positive. I'm loving the 18" medium crash already. It's "rock" pedigree is clear.

The 20" light ride is nice as a crash too. I've never played anything bigger than an 18" before so finding its place in my setup will take a bit of time.

The cymbals themselves are well made and feel good in the hand. They sound much more sophisticated than I thought they would. Really, they sound like you would expect typical rock/pop cymbals to sound. That's a good thing.

I also like medium cymbals much more than I expected. I tend to play cymbals a little too loudly but because the mediums take a bit more energy to excite, they take some of the edge off of my playing. Also a good thing I appreciate the higher pitches too. I mistakenly assumed that thinner generally meant higher pitched.

Can't wait to get the rest of the set this week. I'm waiting for the Hi Hats, the Ride and another crash to arrive. I'll add the 19" crash, 10" splash and 18" china next week, if I can.

 

[jdavis]

Paiste have a comparison video on youtube that'll give you a general idea of how the different lines sound. It doesn't include the newer lines like PST 7 or Big Beats but it's still pretty good:

FWIW, I loaded the audio into a DAW to help me better compare them. If it helps anyone, I'll share the session file here.

All you need is a copy of the session folder and download a copy of Reaper (which is free to demo indefinitely): https://www.reaper.fm

All the loops are split up onto their own tracks so simply click the "solo" button on any of the tracks and compare away. Enjoy!

 

[theseer2]

Those videos are entertaining but the sound is too compressed to really hear the differences.

 

[jdavis]

Those videos are entertaining but the sound is too compressed to really hear the differences.

Yes, that video is definitely compressed... but, so is virtually ALL recorded popular music these days.

Compression or not, you can clearly hear the differences in the video if you listen.

 

[theseer2]

Yes, that video is definitely compressed... but, so is virtually ALL recorded popular music these days.

Compression or not, you can clearly hear the differences in the video if you listen.

True, there's a newer video on YT with some older dude that includes the PST 7's and less compression.

Paistes site has great samples that truely represents the sound of their cymbals, amazing how consistent their stuff is and captured so well.

Btw, I just picked up a 22" Big Beat 2002 for $100 off the going price. Cant wait for it to arrive!

 

[jdavis]

True, there's a newer video on YT with some older dude that includes the PST 7's and less compression.

Cool, I'd love to hear that too. I'm a sucker for comparison videos, LOL!

The thing that I found by watching a lot of these videos is they reinforce my preference for Giant Beats. To me, GB's sound like the best parts of the 2002 and 602 lines. What I wasn't expecting was how much I liked the Signature, Dark Energy and the even the old Alphas.

Paistes site has great samples that truely represents the sound of their cymbals, amazing how consistent their stuff is and captured so well.

Btw, I just picked up a 22" Big Beat 2002 for $100 off the going price. Cant wait for it to arrive!

Sweet! Please let us know how you like it when it arrives.

 

[yammyfan]

Yup, I like the PST7's. The medium hats and ride are a nice surprise. The shop let me trade the 16" crash for a 17" at no extra charge. The 17" and 18" are pretty similar in timbre but different enough to be distinctive.

The real test will be when I hear them on a recording which I will after tomorrow night's gig. I think they're going to be fine.

I've ordered the 19" crash, the 10" splash and 18" China already. That should give me plenty of options!

I know myself and I'm going to want the pro grade Paiste's sooner than later. Better start saving now

 

[jdavis]

I know myself and I'm going to want the pro grade Paiste's sooner than later. Better start saving now

You can say that again! I'm in the same boat, LOL

 

[Bonzo_CR]

Out of the Paiste lines I love the Big Beats, and the 602's best

 

[Jeff Almeyda]

The Signature Full Crash Line is the cymbal crash sound I hear in my head. The perfect balance of power and shimmer. They are also a favorite of many producers. I have the 17",18" and 20".

Whatever you do, don't go for thick crashes. They suck.

 

[Destroyer772]

I'm currently using 15in 602 ME hats, 17in Sig Fast, 19in full, 20in 602 thin, and a 22in Sig full Ride and they have been my favorite combo I've ever played. I would love to try out the Giant and Big Beat line someday.

 

[braincramp]

2002’s I prefer the Thin crashes and standard ride

 

[kevinmac]

My likes are 602’s, 602 modern essentials, Signature Traditional, Master series

 

[GetAgrippa]

I was getting bad Paiste GAS but finally got happy with my Zildjian's again-till the Hi Hat comparison and those Dark Energy hats appeared. Now the "Dark" side of the force is echoing Paiste, Paiste, Paiste............

 

[jdavis]

I was getting bad Paiste GAS but finally got happy with my Zildjian's again-till the Hi Hat comparison and those Dark Energy hats appeared. Now the "Dark" side of the force is echoing Paiste, Paiste, Paiste............

Hahaha, I hear that too.

 

[yammyfan]

I was getting bad Paiste GAS but finally got happy with my Zildjian's again-till the Hi Hat comparison and those Dark Energy hats appeared. Now the "Dark" side of the force is echoing Paiste, Paiste, Paiste............

Yup. I detoured a bit and picked up a nice big Zildjian crash recently to more or less "finish" that collection before moving on to Paiste's good stuff.