Paiste John Bonham
John Bonham
Bands / Acts: Led Zeppelin
Paiste artist since: 1969
Styles: Rock, Blues
Cymbal Setups
1972 (left to right) - Paiste Profiles 1
- Formula 602 15" Sound Edge Hi-Hat
- Giant Beat 18" Multi
- Giant Beat 24" Multi
- Giant Beat 20" Multi
- 38" Symphonic Gong
1975 (left to right) - Paiste Profiles 2
- 2002 15" Sound Edge Hi-Hat
- 2002 16" Medium
- *2002 24" Ride *evidence shows Bonham still used a 24" Giant beat through the 1975 Physical graffiti tour see detail below.
- 2002 18" Ride
- 38" Symphonic Gong
Extras:
1978 (left to right) - Paiste Website 2021
1998 - Paiste Ad
- 2002 15" Sound Edge Hi-Hat
- 2002 16" Medium
- 2002 18" Medium
- 2002 18" Ride
- 2002 24" Ride
- 38" Symphonic Gong
Recommended Media
CD's
- Led Zeppelin I
- Led Zeppelin II
- Led Zeppelin III
- Led Zeppelin IV
- Houses of the Holy
- The Song Remains The Same
- Physical Graffiti
- Presence
- In Through The Out Door
- BBC Sessions - Led Zeppelin
DVD's
Notes
Other Gear - Paiste Profiles 1
- Drums: Ludwig
Other Gear - Paiste Profiles 2
- Drums: Ludwig
- Sticks: Ludwig Hickory 2A
A word about Bonham's use of Giant beats (and 2002's) throughout his career:
Since he was by far the most famous user of both of these lines of cymbals, it's important to understand when and where he used them and on what albums and tours:
It is believed that when Zeppelin went on tour in the U.S. opening for Vanilla fudge (Dec 1968 through early 1969), Carmine Appice introduced him to and possibly loaned him a set of Giant beats (Carmine also helped him get a Ludwig endorsement which could've led to his 1st. use of Paiste's considering Ludwig was the U.S. distributor!).
It is generally agreed that Bonham started using Giant beats full time in Feb. of 1970 (previously, throughout 1969 he was using a set of 602's possibly mixed with Carmine's Giant beats or a set from Ludwig).
Photos show that Bonham was using 15" 602 sound edges very early in 1970, he may have switched back and fourth between Giant beats and 602's, but it looks and sounds like the 602 sound edges were his main hi-hats until the U.S. tour in May of 1973 (then 2002's).
Album/tour usage*:
Led Zeppelin II: Possibly all 602's or a mix of both, this album was recorded while on tour in the U.S in 1969, he could’ve used Carmine's Giant beats that were loaned to him or a set from Ludwig.
Led Zeppelin III (and tour): 18", 20", 24" Giant beats, 15" 602 sound edges
Led Zeppelin IV (and tour): 18", 20", 24", Giant beats 15" 602 sound edges (yes, "Rock and roll" was recorded with 602 sound edges!)
Houses of the Holy: 18", 20", 24", Giant beats 15" 602 sound edges (early part of the 1973 tour shows him using a 16" 2002 on his far left)
The Song remains the same (May 1973 U.S. tour): 18", 20", 15" sound edges, (all 2002's), 24" Giant beat
Physical Graffiti (and tour): 18", 20", 15" sound edges, (all 2002's), 24" Giant beat
(important note: half the songs on Physical Graffiti were leftovers from the three previous albums, you can compare the differences in cymbals by listening to some songs back to back e.g: "night flight" vs. "in the light")
Presence: 16", 18", 24" , 15" sound edges, (all 2002's)
In through the out door: 16", 18", 24" , 15" sound edges, (all 2002's)
As you can see, on half of the Zeppelin albums he used Giant beats and continued to use his 24" on Physical Graffiti and the subsequent tour in 1975.
It wasn't until the last two albums that he used all 2002's with a 20" 602 thrown in for good measure!
(*) This chart is based on data from various sources, we have made our best effort to ensure it's accurate but it cannot be guaranteed 100%
BONHAM'S CYMBALS - THE CRASHES - ANALYSIS AND DEMO
BONHAM'S CYMBALS - THE RIDES - ANALYSIS AND DEMO
BONHAM'S CYMBALS / THE HI-HATS / ANALYSIS AND DEMO
Links / Back
Band / Act Website: Official Led Zeppelin Website
Paiste.com Artist Profile: Paiste Setup Page
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia
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