Paiste PST X 2018 Additions

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| SUMMER 2018 WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM
GEAR REVIEW
P
a iste’s customary unveiling of new
models at January’s NAMM show
included additions to its PST X
series. Launched in 2015 under the
banner ‘Unlimited Noise For Limited Budgets’,
the range consists almost exclusively of effects
and specialist cymbals. Along with more typical
trashy offerings, the new models also include
dedicated Cajon cymbals.
Build
Something of an outlet for the more
eye-catching and ear-shredding concepts that
Paiste’s Sound Development team have dreamt
up, PST X cymbals feature lesser-used alloys,
such as aluminium and brass, as well as
conventional bronze. In keeping with their
affordable status, PST X cymbals are
manufactured in Switzerland through a
method that Paiste describes as hybrid
technology – ‘a combination of modern
innovative methods and traditional hand
craftsmanship’. With the exception of one
model (the Cajon Hats), all the new cymbals
feature holes – and plenty of them – in various
sizes and combinations.
Two all-new Splash Stacks in diameters of
10"/8" and 12"/10" join the only existing PST X
stack, the Flanger Stack. Unlike the Flanger
Stack, which piggybacks its pair of cymbals the
same way around, the Splash Stacks are
mounted more in the manner of hi-hats so only
the edges make contact (in fact, the edge of
the bottom cymbal touches the bow of the top
cymbal due to size difference). The larger top
cymbal is brass while the smaller bottom is
made from 2002 bronze and sports an
inverted bell. Holes are dotted around the
mid-portion of the top cymbal while its bronze
brother below is perforation-free.
The two new models designed for
accompanying a cajon are a pair of 12" hats
and a 16" crash/all-rounder. Cajons are
increasingly popular in busking and unplugged
environments and Paiste already markets
cajon-specifi c cymbals (within its PST 8 series);
the new PST X models provide ‘an improved
response and a wider range of dynamics’. Both
From £120 Paiste broadens its innovative PST X series
with a selection of new and interesting sounds
PAISTE PST X
2018 ADDITIONS
WORDS: ADAM JONES
IN A WORLD OF BETA CYMBALS
THIS IS VERY MUCH AN ALPHA
MALE – AGGRESSIVE AND
DOMINATING IN ANY SITUATION
models are made from 2002 bronze and share
the same brushed fi nish.
A 20" Swiss Medium crash joins an
established 18" model and is also made from
2002 bronze. The name Swiss is doubly apt as
it not only alludes to the cymbal’s place of
manufacture, but also to Switzerland’s
famously hole-ridden Emmental cheese. And
holes certainly are a feature... notwithstanding
the obvious characteristics that so many holes
impart, the fi ne brushed fi nish gives the Swiss
Medium a slightly deceptive air of refi nement.
Hands On
Setting the Splash Stacks up requires a
cymbal stand with a generous threaded top
and felts that err on the slender side due to
the gap between the two components,
despite the inverted bell of the bottom
cymbal. Once in place they waste little time in
delivering short, sharp slices of trashiness.
Somewhere between a choked splash and a
processed hi-hat sound – albeit with their own
individual twist – they reward pretty much any
kind of sticking, from single or multiple
Also try…
2
SABIAN 2017
EFFECTS
We say: “Effects
cymbals are one of the
biggest trends at the
moment and Sabian has
hit the brash, trashy nail
on its head.”
1
MEINL BYZANCE
SPLASHES AND
FX
We say: “These cheeky
kit additions offer
endless combinations of
new sounds, which
would make a strong
addition to most
set-ups.”
STACK ATTACK
The pair of Splash Stacks can
be incorporated into patterns,
accents, fills or all three
RHY284.gear_paiste.indd 88 11/07/2018 15:48