Paiste Alpha 18" China

Group: Chinas (& Swishes)
Type: China
Size: 18 Inch
Series: Alpha
Weight: 1225g, 1228g, 1234g, 1280g, 1400g
Median Weight: 1234g (n=5)
Years of production: 1991 - ?
Sound file: Alpha 18" China
Paiste's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The 16" and 18" China Types didn't produce what I would call a typical "Chinese" sound. Now, don't misunderstand me here: I much preferred these cymbals to more traditional China types. I found them more musical and much less "trashy"— and yet they were still a strong contrast to the other Alpha models. So as far as I'm concerned, they served the function of China types completely; they simply did it in a slightly different manner from the norm"

Review written by Rick Van Horn ("Product Close-Up - Paiste Alpha Cymbals", Modern Drummer, Nov. 1992, p. 44)

Review: "The new 14" model produced a very brief explosion, and not as much spread or wash as I like to hear from a China cym-bal. It seemed a bit thick and thus sounded a little clangy. The 18" model, however, had much more spread (owing to its larger size) and sounded much trashier."

Review written by Rick Van Horn ("Product Close-Up - New Paiste Cymbals And Sounds", Modern Drummer, Jan. 1997, p. 37)

Review: "...while the 18" offered a range of sounds from the edge to the interior."

Review written by Martin Patmos ("Paiste's Redesigned Alpha Cymbals - Updated Looks And Sound", Modern Drummer, September 2006, p. 36)

Review: "Alpha Chinas come in 14" ($175), 16" ($221), and 18" ($270) sizes. All three have squared-off bells and deep flanged edges. While not as trashy as traditional Chinese-made crashes, these accent cymbals provided a quick and explosive attack with a fairly short, hissing decay. The 18" produced the gnarliest tones, while the 14" sounded the closest to a traditional Chinese hand cymbal. Again, for a tighter and trashier accent, I'd recommend stacking some splashes or crash cymbals on top."

Review written by Michael Dawson ("Paiste Alpha Brilliant Series Cymbals", Modern Drummer, May 2010, p.23)

Artist/song where it can be heard: Brad Roberts (JiZMak Da Gusha)