Paiste Signature

Paiste Signatures

Introduction: 1989

Background: To create the ultimate cymbal sound reflecting typical traditional Paiste characteristics that expand sound horizons beyond 1980’s cymbal program known for 2002, Formula 602 and Sound Creation.

Paiste had hoped the 3000 series would replace the 2002 series as its most popular line. The 3000s, with their ribbon lathing and more complex sound weren't as popular as the company had hoped, and the series it was supposed to supplant was re-introduced a few years later. Knowing the supply of B20 blank discs to make both the Formula 602 and Sound Creation lines was nearing an end, the Signature series was introduced. The new line was not initially called Signature, but often called "Paiste" or "Paiste Line" in publications like Modern Drummer. The alloy for the series, now called Proprietary Signature Bronze (PSB), is still enigmatic. Some say each cymbal has a different amount of bronze while some believe otherwise. According to the US Patent, it seems that the amount of bronze could be between 13-18% per cymbal.

Some cymbals were absorbed into the Signature series from the Formula 602 and Sound Creation lines: Bright Ride, Mellow Ride, Crystal Crash (from the Short Crash). There were also some cymbals not directly copied, but somewhat inspired by these two lines: Reflector Bell Ride (from the Bell Ride), and the Rough Ride (from the Dark Ride).

Several new models were introduced, like the Dark Crisp Hi-Hat (pairing a light, dark top cymbal with an extremely heavy bottom), the Dry Ride, Dry Heavy Ride, and Heavy China, to name a few.

In Paiste's words:
"Paiste Line "Signature" cymbals were the first series to be made from "Paiste Sound Alloy", the patented bronze we invented specifically for creating cymbal sounds. "Signature" cymbals brought Paiste cymbal sound to new levels of excellence; their versatility and musicality continues to inspire artists in their creative endeavors. They are superb instruments for recording and live situations that require finely tuned instruments. Drummers and percussionists who pride themselves in their feeling and precise rhythmic and melodic craftsmanship will find them to be ideal. Their sounds can best be described as delicate, beautiful, transparent, rich, musical, sensitive and colorful with potent expression. Since their inception in 1989, Paiste Line cymbals have won widespread critical acclaim and are generally accepted as the ultimate in cymbal sound."

Innovation: First series created from patented bronze that was specifically researched and developed for cymbal sounds

Alloy: Patented Signature Bronze

Quality: Professional

Production: Manual craftsmanship • Hand hammering, hand lathing • Proprietary manufacturing methods

Applications: Most volume settings • Live and recording • Wide range of music styles such as Pop, Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Funk, R&B, Classic, Avant-garde, Big Band, Country, Blues and Gospel

Users: Professional musicians and enthusiastic drummers, refined drummers and sound specialists with precise requirements that need a fully developed character in their cymbal sound

Sound: Musical, transparent, beautiful, rich, colorful, full, clear, expressive sound • The model range features everything from particularly delicate, well balanced and sensitive to expressive, potent and powerful and projective qualities

Paiste Signature Reflector

Paiste Signature Reflector

Paiste Signature Reflector

Introduction: 2004

Background: Paiste first pioneered this featured production process with our innovative Reflector Cymbals back in the 1980’s • Unlike modern high speed buffing methods, Paiste Reflector Cymbals employ a proprietary surface treatment technique that generates a smooth, luminous, shimmering finish - without producing high levels of heat, which can substantially alter the natural condition of the bronze metal and dampen the cymbal sound Sonic Characteristics of the Reflector Finish: Paiste’s Signature Reflector cymbals basically share the same overall sonic parameters, feel and function as corresponding Signature models with a regular lathed finish. The general effect of the Reflector finish on these cymbals is very subtle and may be summarized as follows:

• The sonic timbre and color of these instruments is somewhat lower, which makes the cymbals feel a bit darker.
• The frequency range is wider due to the lower pitch of the fundamental note and higher overtones at the upper end of the frequency spectrum.
• The frequency mix is cooler and cleaner, as the high, middle and lower frequencies are more distinctly layered, due to the less dominant character of the middle layer - the “voice” of the cymbal.
• The stick sound and bell character tend to be slightly more distinct and separated, while the Hi-Hat chick sound tends to be a bit softer, warmer and more compact.
• The duration of the cymbal’s sustain is relatively similar, however the midrange frequencies fade faster.
• The overall feel is substantially the same, except Crashes and Chinas tend to feel a bit softer and more controllable.
• Weight, volume range, transient response and dynamic intensity are close to identical.

Signature Models in Production

Rides

• Blue Bell Ride - 22"
• Duo Ride - 20"
• Dry Heavy Ride "Monad" - 22"
• Full Ride - 20" 22"
• Mellow Ride - 20"
• Reflector Bell Ride - 22"

Crashes

• Fast Crash - 14" 15" 16" 17" 18" 19" 20"
• Fast Medium - 18" 20"
• Full Crash - 14" 16" 17" 18" 19" 20"
• Mellow Crash - 16" 17" 18"
• Power Crash - 16" 17" 18"
• Reflector Heavy Full Crash - 18" 19" 20"

Hi-Hats

• Combo Crisp Hi-Hat - 12"
• Dark Crisp Hi-Hat - 13" 14"
• Medium Hi-Hat - 14"
• Sound Edge Hi-Hat - 14"
• Reflector Heavy Full Hi-Hat - 14"

Chinas (& Swishes)

• Heavy China - 18"
• Thin China - 16" 18"

Splashes (& Bells)

• Reflector Splash - 10"
• Splash - 6" 8" 10" 12"

Percussive

• Mega Cup Chime - 13"

Discontinued Models & Sizes (Also includes Customs)

Rides

• Bright Ride - 20"
• Dark Crash/Ride - 20"
• Dark Full Ride - 20" 21"
• Dark Metal Ride - 20" 22"
• Dry Dark Ride - 20" 22"
• Dry Heavy Ride - 20" 21"
• Dry Ride - 19" 20" 21" 22"
• Flanger Ride - 20"
• Flatride - 18" 20" 22"
• Full Ride - 19" 21"
• Heavy Bell Ride - 20"
• Mellow Ride - 18" 22"
• Power Ride - 20" 21" 22"
• Reflector Bell Ride - 20"
• Reflector Dry Ride - 20"
• Reflector Power Ride - 22"
• Rough Ride - 20" 22"
• Silver Mellow Ride - 20"

Crashes

• Crystal Crash - 14" 16" 18"
• Crystal Thin - 16" 18" 20"
• Mellow Crash - 15"
• Power Crash - 19" 20"
• Reflector Heavy Full Crash - 16" 17" 22"
• Reflector Full Crash - 16" 17" 18" 20"

Hi-Hats

• Crystal Hats - 14"
• Heavy Hi-Hat - 12" 13" 14" 15"
• Medium Hi-Hat - 12" 13" 15"
• Micro Hat - 10" 12"
• Power Hi-Hat - 13" 14" 15"
• Reflector Dark Crisp Hi-Hat - 14"
• Sound Edge Hi-Hat - 13" 15"

Chinas (& Swishes)

• Heavy China - 20" 22"
• Thin China - 12" 14" 20" 22"
• Reflector Thin China - 18"

Splashes (& Bells)

• Bell - 8" 10" 12"
• Cool Bell - 10"
• Reflector Splash - 8"

Percussive

• Flanger Bell - 12"

Signature Precision

Paiste Signature Precision

File:Paiste Signature Precision 22 Heavy Ride 3.jpg

Paiste Signature Precision

Introduction: 2013

Background: The new series is created using Paiste's proprietary Signature Alloy, and features the typical hallmarks of Paiste's original Signature sound - brightness, fullness, strong presence and projection, with brilliant musicality. A particular quality of the Signature «Precision» is its clean and focused character in combination with a very articulate, straight-ahead sound. The finish of Signature «Precision» purposely follows the tradition established by the original Signature series. Fans of the original Signature sound, look and feel will thus find these cymbals a compelling choice for their cymbal sets.

«The goal for the Signature 'Precision' was to create a more affordable Signature sound. We specifically researched and designed the manufacturing process to achieve that goal. Part of the success of this project is the incredible sound potency that already exists within the Signature Alloy.»

- Erik Paiste

Applications: Medium low to loud settings • Live and recording • Wide range of music styles such as Pop, Rock, Alternative, Hard Rock, Funk, Country, Blues, Gospel and R&B.

Sound: Precise, bright, rich, warm, brilliant, full, transparent, colorful sound.

Rides

• Ride - 20"
• Heavy Ride - 20" 22"

Crashes

• Crash - 16" 17" 18"
• Heavy Crash - 16" 18" 20"
• Thin Crash - 16" 18"

Hi-Hats

• Heavy Hi-Hat - 14"
• Hi-Hat - 14"
• Sound Edge Hi-Hat - 14"

Chinas (& Swishes)

• China - 18"

Splashes (& Bells)

• Splash - 10"