Paiste Signature 14" Crystal Hats

Group: Hi-Hats
Type: Crystal Hats
Size: 14 Inch
Series: Signature

Weight:	Top: 864g / Bottom: 1464g
	Top: 885g / Bottom: 1470g
	Top: 885g / Bottom: 1483g

Median Weight: Top: 885g (n=3) / Bottom: 1470g (n=3)
Weight table: <<< - >>>
Years of production: 2008 - ?
Sound file: Signature 14" Crystal Hats
Signature 14" Crystal Hats
Signature 14" Crystal Hats
Paiste's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "While the design has been applied to crashes before, the hi-hats are completely new. The fact that Jim Keltner liked using a pair of the old Sound Creation Short Crashes as hi-hats no doubt helped convince Paiste to make a dedicated pair. The new Crystals are included within the Signature range because Paiste concluded that the Signature alloy was the most appropriate bronze to work with for the particular sound it was seeking. The cymbals are dotted with a profusion of tidy hammer marks and are finely lathed from the centre hole to the edge, but the narrowness of the lathing bands means that the finish doesn't have same degree of brightness as regular Signature models.

The Crystal Hats are symmetrically matched in terms of shape, and are conventionally paired with the bottom cymbal being heavier than the top. They make a very pleasant sound, giving an extremely clean and smooth response. The top end is quite prominent but there is a silkiness to it that prevents it from grating. Loosened off they happily sizzle away, and again a velvety smoothness is present that leaves them sounding naturally EQ'd."

Review written by Adam Jones ("Paiste Signature Crystal Cymbals review", MusicRadar.com, July 22, 2008)

Review: "Crystal Hats, which are currently offered only in a 14" diameter, are reminiscent of hi-hats from the 1960s, mostly due to the fact that the top cymbal is very thin and light while the bottom cymbal is much heavier. This matching of light and heavy cymbals helps give the Crystal Hats a modern sound with the feel and character of a vintage instrument.

Like many '60s hi-hats I've played, the Crystals have a usable but very light foot "chick" sound and a soft playing feel. These cymbals would be right at home in any low-volume application. They have an interesting sizzle, even when played completely closed. These hats also respond well when played with multi-rods and bundle sticks. Don't expect them to project on their own in loud situations, but they will work great for quiet coffee-house gigs and other situations in which character and complexity are more important than volume."

Review written by Modern Drummer ("Paiste - Signature Crystal Thin and Reflector Series Cymbals", Modern Drummer, February 2009, p. 32)

Artist/song where it can be heard: unknown