Paiste 900 Series Cymbals

94
| SUMMER 2017 WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM
GEAR REVIEW
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P
a iste’s 900 Series is an all-new line
that occupies the price point held
by the company’s now discontinued
Alpha series. Launched without
advance publicity at this year’s NAMM, it is
packed with a comprehensive selection of
crashes, splashes, hi-hats, rides and chinas.
Build
Paiste is keen to stress that, rather than be
considered as a direct replacement for the
Alpha series, 900 cymbals represent a new
direction in terms of sound and manufacturing.
In common with Alpha cymbals, 900s are
made from Paiste’s legendary CuSn8 bronze,
the B8 alloy that has powered 2002 cymbals
since 1971. Thereafter, all resemblances cease,
as 900 cymbals are more intensely worked,
have a wider sound palette and enjoy ruggedly
handsome looks.
Much of what goes on behind the doors of
Paiste’s HQ is shrouded in mystery and 900
series cymbals are no different. Paiste refers to
‘sophisticated hybrid techniques’, which
translates as a mixture of automated processes
and traditional hand hammering and lathing.
A darkening process – also a closely guarded
secret – imparts the equivalent of a patina,
that emphasises the lathing grooves and
hammer marks.
Rather than send a representative selection
of 900 cymbals Paiste sent the entire range to
Rhythm towers. Crashes are the most
abundant, with the 10 options taking in
diameters from 16" to 20" in two different
weights. A total of fi ve rides, four pairs of
hi-hats, three Chinas and two splashes
complete the series.
Hands On
The crashes seemed the logical starting point,
though setting all 10 up at once proved a
logistical challenge that made me grateful
From £69.59 Paiste’s 900 Series aims to set a new benchmark
for quality and choice in the hotly-contested mid-range sector
PAISTE 900
SERIES CYMBALS
WORDS: ADAM JONES
that I’ve never had to tech for Mike Portnoy.
Paiste 2002 crashes are renowned for
blending muscular warmth with a sparkling
top end, cutting through without ever
sounding harsh. That characteristic
smoothness is present in the 900 series
regular crashes from the 16" upwards. They
are quick to open and the balance between
the initial brightness and deeper note is spot
on. Each 1" increase in diameter brings a step
down in overall pitch and a notching up of the
volume. By the 20" model the response is
close to 11 territory, with a lingering – yet still
measured – decay. In a straight comparison,
the Heavy crashes are a fraction higher in
pitch whilst possessing a good deal more
projection. The extra weight and larger bells
I’M UNSURE WHETHER TO
CLASS THE 24
"
MEGA RIDE
AS A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
OR AN AURAL WEAPON
affords them extra zing and sharper focus.
They punch through with ease and, from the
18" model upwards, provide a meaty bell
sound to boot, adding a dash of versatility.
After the jostling-for-dominance dynamics of
the crashes, the splashes seem polite and
keen to avoid offence. The 10" is silvery-bright
and quick; the 12" no less sweet but a tad
richer in note and longer in fade.
Rides come in 20" and 22" diameters in
regular and heavy weights along with a single
24", which has the splendidly unambiguous
title Mega. The pair of straight rides offer a
clear stick sound with leanings of woodiness
over a good spread of unobtrusive wash. Of
the two, the 22" is naturally more expansive in
feel and tone.
1
MEINL MB8
We say: “Contemporary
sounding cymbals that
sit happily within
touching distance of
Meinl’s pro ranges. ”
2
ZILDJIAN S
FAMILY SERIES
We say: “ A
great-looking, extensive
set of cymbals to
cover near-all styles
and tastes. ”
RHY271.gear_paiste.indd 94 13/07/2017 12:01