Paiste Signature

Signature

Robert Paiste and Fredy Studer watch Jeff Porcaro as he demos a set of Signatures

Introduction: 1989
Background: To "create the ultimate cymbal sound while reflecting traditional Paiste characteristics that expand sound horizons beyond the 2002, Formula 602 and Sound Creation". Robert Paiste had hoped the 3000 series would replace the 2002 series as its most popular line in 1986. The 3000s, with their ribbon lathing and more aggressive sound weren't as popular as the company had hoped, and the 2002 series it was supposed to supplant never went away, it was "officially" re-introduced a few years later. This 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. According to the US Patent, it says that the amount of tin could be between 13-18% per cymbal but from accurate sources, we believe the tin content is right at 15%. Some cymbals names 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
Offered as: Signature - Signature Reflector - Signature Precision
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.

Signature Models in Production

Rides

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" 19" 20"

Hi-Hats

Discontinued Models & Sizes (Also Includes Customs)

Rides

Crashes

Hi-Hats

Chinas (& Swishes)

Splashes (& Bells)

Bell - 6" 8" 10" 12"
Cool Bell - 8"

Other

Concert/Marching Medium - 18" 20"
Concert/Marching Medium Heavy - 14" 16" 18" 20"
Flanger Bell - 12"
Symphonic Heavy - 16" 18" 20" 22"
Symphonic Light - 18" 19" 20"
Symphonic Medium - 18" 19" 20" 21"
Symphonic Medium Heavy - 20" 21" 22"
Symphonic Medium Light - 20"
Universal Heavy - 18"
Universal Medium - 20"

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.

Offered as: Signature - Signature Reflector - Signature Precision

Rides

Bell Ride - 20" 22"
Dry Ride - 20"
Power Ride - 22"

Crashes

Heavy Full Crash - 15" 16" 17" 18" 19" 20" 22"
Full Crash - 16" 17" 18" 20"

Hi-Hats

Chinas (& Swishes)

Thin China - 18"
Heavy China - 20" 22"

Splashes (& Bells)

Splash - 8" 10"

Signature Precision

Signature Precision

Introduction: 2013
Discontinued: late July 2024
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
Offered as: Signature - Signature Reflector - Signature Precision
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

Hi-Hats

Chinas (& Swishes)

China - 18"

Splashes (& Bells)

Splash - 10"

Nicko's Treasures

Since joining Iron Maiden, Nicko McBrain has become one of the most admired and influential drummers in modern times. Tours of the British top metal band are breaking all records, including the 2016-17 The Book of Souls world tour, which featured a unique cymbal set crafted for Nicko by Paiste. Inspired by the Mayan theme of the tour stage set, Paiste and Nicko collaborated to create special silk screens for the cymbals. Elements of the artwork include the sun god Tonatiuh, and the date January 9, 1983 written in Mayan calendar glyphs, the day of Nicko's very first session with Iron Maiden. Paiste logos are rendered in Iron Maiden script.

83 sets of "Nicko's Treasures" were made available worldwide. Each set was shipped in its own special wooden box.