Paiste Signature Ride Cymbals

93
WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM JANUARY 2017 |
T
hese visually dramatic signature
rides are modifi cations of previous
Paiste models. The Vir2osity 20"
Duo was created in collaboration
with Carl Palmer; the Monad 22" Dry Heavy
ride drew inspiration from Tool’s Danny Carey.
Build
Carl’s ride has a dual main surface area. It’s
based on the original Signature Dry Dark ride,
which features large halo-like hammering
over a raw black fi nish, the result of intense
heat treatment. But the bell and outer area of
the top side are lathed down into Paiste’s
Refl ector fi nish. The intriguing look is
completed by Carl’s personal emblem. Danny
Carey has been playing a traditional Signature
Dry Heavy ride since 1990. Starting from this
base, his signature model has a lathed bell,
again in Refl ector fi nish, while the rest of the
surface is coated in translucent purple using
Paiste’s ColorSound process, decorated by
three intertwined metaphysical symbols.
From £443 Duo of distinctive, heavy, colourful and characterful
rides inspired by two individual giants of prog rock drumming
PAISTE SIGNATURE
RIDE CYMBALS
WORDS: GEOFF NICHOLLS
Hands On
Both being heavy, the Duo and the Monad
rides have vivid, pronounced stick responses.
Both are also relatively dry, but the smaller
20" Duo is perhaps more versatile.
The Duo’s outer Refl ector surface has a
softer and more malleable feel, while the inner
black surface is harder and ting-ier. The wash
that builds up as you ride has a higher, more
zinging tone. It’s still controlled, as the overall
vibe of the cymbal is quite dry, but it adds a
depth and complexity to the tone that would
otherwise be missing. Go to the dark inner
zone if you want a precise cutting ride, then for
a broader, deeper, more complex tone –
though still with a clean initial stick touch – go
more towards the outer zone. The weightiness
of the cymbal results in a dry, piercing bell,
disconnected from the body of the cymbal, the
Refl ector fi nish giving it transparency. This is a
complex cymbal and although quite dry and
controlled, there is an almost woody overall
timbre, a warmth that belies the sharpness.
PRICE S
Vir2osity 20" Duo ride,
£443;
Monad 22" Dry Heavy
ride, £527
ALLOY USED
Paiste Proprietary
Signature Bronze
FINISH AND
APPEARANCE
Duo: dual dark earthy
hammered inner and
Refl ector outer, with
Refl ector fi nish bell;
Monad: translucent
purple ColorSound body
and Refl ector bell
HAND OR
MACHINE
HAMMERED
Hand and machine
hammered
COUNTRY OF
MANUFACTURE
Switzerland
MODELS
AVAILABLE
Carl Palmer Signature
Vir2osity 20" Duo Ride;
Danny Carey Monad 22"
Dry Heavy Ride
SUITABLE FOR
Prog, Rock, Metal, etc
CONTACT
Korg UK Ltd
01908 304 601
[e-mail]
www.korg.co.uk
Essential spec
DUO RIDE
ELP and Asia virtuoso Carl Palmer’s
Duo Ride actually has a triple playing
surface when you count in the bell
MONAD RIDE
This powerful, dry and heavy purple
ColorSound 22" ride was inspired by
Tool drummer Danny Carey
REFLECTOR BELLS
Both cymbals have Paiste’s special
Refl ector lathing applied to their
clean and cutting bells
At 22" the Monad is bigger, defi nitely deeper,
though not necessarily more aggressive.
Responding to a heavier stick with a thicker
bead, there is a tough dry angle to the beat,
quite metallic but with the darker undercurrent
always present. I tried it on a classic rock gig
and it effortlessly did the business, always
strong and well-defi ned, the bell cutting
through the loud guitar. Although heavy you
can get a splanging crash if you work it hard
enough. And even when things got really tasty
and I ended up crash-riding it, it produced
plenty enough meat to propel the band.
VERDICT: These are top quality
hand-made cymbals. Relatively dry
and heavy, they suit bright and
powerful music.
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
RATING
RHY263.gear_paiste.indd 93 30/11/2016 11:07