Paiste Percussion Set

Group: Other
Type: Paiste Percussion Set
Size: Varies
Series: Exotic Percussion
Weight: Varies
Years of production: ? - ?
Sound file: see links below
Paiste's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: While it may not fit into every drummer's setup, this set is unique in its offerings. It includes the following items:

Accent Gongs

7", 10", 13" & 22" sizes. The three small sizes (that hang off each other) are quick and punchy, especially the 7", which sounded more "doink" than like a traditional gong. Accent Gongs are unscraped on their surfaces, making these lower in pitch than Paiste's Symphonic Gongs. The 20" Accent was very warm and round-sounding, and a favorite piece of the entire Percussion Set.

Sound File: 7" Accent Gong
Sound file: 10" Accent Gong
Sound File: 13" Accent Gong
Sound File: 22" Accent Gong

Rotosound

8", or number "2" in Paiste terms. This is a fascinating piece - it produces a loud, high-pitched 'ding' when struck, but the real fun happens when spun, giving a "phaser" effect. This would be a great addition to a drummer's setup, but know that Paiste no longer produces the Rotosound, or the holder, so the secondhand market is one's only hope of finding these items.

Sound file: 2002 8" Rotosound
Sound file: Rotosound played by Stewart Copeland (at approximately 4:35)

Sound Disks

5¾ (no. 1), 4 7/8" (no.3), and 4 1/8" (no. 5) are mounted on the same rope. They're thick and high-pitched, with a dry 'ding'. These are great for accents. And, just like the Rotosound, these are also no longer made.

Extra Thins

Five cymbals, ranging from 11" to 15". These are paperthin, and mount using Paiste's proprietary cymbal holders that "fit" into place without tightening anything. They are whispery sweet, and great for glissando runs from the smallest to the largest. These are no longer made, but the cymbal holders are. These holders are included with the "Paiste Multi-Sound Holder (SP58000)", 5 of them in total.

Sound file: Paiste Sound Holder Demonstration

Sound Plate

13" x 9", no. 2, with a special mount that allows this to sway back and forth when struck. This reminds me a bit of a church bell, with a long, deep voice produced from this thick plate. These were offered in a set of four, or individually.

Sound file: Sound Disk set of 4

Cup Chimes

Set of five - 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 – sizes are 5", 5.5", 6.5", 7.5", and 8. (Paiste also offers a 7 piece set with all those Cup Chimes plus 6" & 7" models.) Paiste has offered yarn-wound mallets for playing these, but I couldn't find them in a Google search. I preferred playing these with sticks anyway, which produced a slightly louder, unmuffled sound that is similar to a Paiste Alu Bell, but not quite as dry as that. Individual ones can be used for interesting effects in a typical set up, played on either side.

Sound File: 7 Piece Cup Chime Set

Accent Cymbals

Set of six - 4", 6", & 8" inch, with two of each, hung on a rope. One of Paiste's most popular effects cymbal models, these are slightly ear-piercing and certainly can cut through. I found them great when played individually or doing a glissando from top to bottom.

Sound file: Accent Sound Tree

Finger Cymbals

There are two sets - one set of two, and one set of fifteen. Made of bronze and 2" in diameter, and thick. These are interesting, but probably my least favorites of the set. About the best thing to do with these is to take a hard plastic mallet and do a run from top to bottom, which produces a cool "white noise" sound.

Review written by Bluejacketsfan

Artist/song where it can be heard: Stewart Copeland