Paiste cymbals are a staple in the world of drumming. Known for their quality and craftsmanship, Paiste cymbals have been used by professional drummers for decades.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned drummer, finding the right cymbals can be a daunting task.

With so many options available, it's important to know what to look for when making a purchase.

When it comes to Paiste cymbals, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, you need to decide on the type of cymbal you need.

Paiste offers a wide range of cymbals including hi-hats, crash cymbals, ride cymbals, and more.

Each type of cymbal has a unique sound and purpose, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the cymbal.

Paiste cymbals come in a variety of sizes, and each size produces a different sound.

Larger cymbals tend to have a louder and more sustained sound, while smaller cymbals have a shorter sustain and a brighter tone.

Lastly, you should consider the material of the cymbal.

Paiste offers cymbals made from a variety of materials including bronze, brass, and nickel silver.

Each material has its own unique sound and characteristics, so it's important to choose the material that best suits your playing style and preferences.

Best Paiste Cymbals

We have researched and tested various Paiste cymbals to come up with a list of the best products that you can buy.

Paiste is a renowned brand in the music industry, and their cymbals are known for their quality and durability.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional drummer, a good set of Paiste cymbals can make all the difference in your performance.

Here are our top picks for the best Paiste cymbals that you can add to your drum kit.its

Best Paiste Cymbals for Professional Drummers

Paiste Accent Cymbal - 2002 Series

If you're looking for a high-quality accent cymbal to upgrade your drum kit, the Paiste Accent Cymbal - 2002 Series is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The bright, brilliant, and warm sound of this cymbal is truly exceptional, making it an excellent choice for any percussion performance.
• With its narrow range and clean mix, the Paiste Accent Cymbal offers a sharp attack with a mellow bell-like fade that will add definition to your performance and set you apart from the rest.
• This cymbal is built-to-last, so you can be sure that your investment will pay off in the long run.

Cons

• While the sound of the Paiste Accent Cymbal is versatile, it may not be suitable for all types of music.
• The cymbal's size may be a drawback for some drummers who prefer larger cymbals.

We've had the chance to use the Paiste Accent Cymbal - 2002 Series, and we can say that it's definitely a great addition to any drum kit.

The sound is bright, brilliant, and warm, with a slightly shattering, explosive attack and a soft and mellow bell-like fade.

The cymbal is also very responsive, making it easy to play with a variety of different styles.

One thing we particularly like about the Paiste Accent Cymbal is its clean mix.

With a narrow range and mellow bell-like fade, this cymbal adds definition to your performance and really sets you apart from the rest.

It's also built-to-last, so you can be sure that your investment will pay off in the long run.

Of course, no product is perfect, and the Paiste Accent Cymbal is no exception.

Some users have reported that it's overpriced for what it is, and while the sound is versatile, it may not be suitable for all types of music.

Additionally, the cymbal's size may be a drawback for some drummers who prefer larger cymbals.

Paiste PST 7 Thin Crash 14 in. 14" Natural

If you're looking for an affordable cymbal that offers a traditional sound, look, and feel, then the Paiste PST 7 Thin Crash 14 in. is worth considering.

Pros

• The CuSn8 bronze base produces a warm and clear overall sound.
• The cymbal is lathed by Paiste's Swiss hand craftsmen to achieve a distinctive traditional look and finish.
• The three weight classes available (light/thin, medium, and heavy) make it versatile for a wide range of music styles.

Cons

• Some users may find the sound too bright and lacking in depth compared to higher-end cymbals.

We've had the chance to use the Paiste PST 7 Thin Crash 14 in. in several live performances and recording sessions.

We found that the cymbal produces a bright, lively character with a warm, airy finish and a pinch of a brilliant sizzle. The sound is suitable for various genres, including rock, pop, and jazz.

One of the standout features of this cymbal is the CuSn8 bronze base, which provides a warm and clear overall sound.

The Swiss hand craftsmen at Paiste have also done an excellent job of lathing the cymbal to achieve a distinctive traditional look and finish.

We appreciate the attention to detail that went into the manufacturing process.

However, we did notice that the sound lacked depth compared to higher-end cymbals.

Additionally, some users have reported that the cymbal may crack or break more easily than other models.

We recommend taking extra care when handling and transporting the cymbal to prevent damage.

Paiste PST X Swiss Thin Crash Cymbal

If you're looking for a cymbal that can provide an exotic, warm, and trashy sound, the Paiste PST X Swiss Thin Crash Cymbal is an excellent choice.

It's perfect for adding stylish effects to various types of music, and it has a fast and responsive feel with a fairly quick decay.

Pros

• The cymbal provides an exotic and warm sound with a medium range and complex mix, perfect for stylish effects in various types of music.
• It offers an explosive crash sound that is accompanied by a strong, low wash, allowing for unique sounds that can be played around with.
• The cymbal is built to last, ensuring greater durability and sound quality, and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the cymbal can be a bit brash in certain contexts, making it difficult to control.
• The cymbal may not be suitable for those looking for a perfect quick decay crash.

The Paiste PST X Swiss Thin Crash Cymbal is an excellent choice for those looking for a cymbal with an exotic, warm, and trashy sound.

It's perfect for adding stylish effects to various types of music, and it has a fast and responsive feel with a fairly quick decay.

However, some users have reported that it can be a bit brash in certain contexts, making it difficult to control.

Additionally, there have been a few reports of the cymbal cracking quickly, which may be a concern for some users.

Paiste 2002 Classic Crash Cymbal (1061418) Natural

If you're looking for a versatile cymbal that can handle a wide range of musical styles, the Paiste 2002 Classic Crash Cymbal is a great option.

With its bright, rich tones, this cymbal offers excellent crash and ride functionality, making it a great choice for drummers of all levels.

Pros

• The cymbal's bright, rich tones offer excellent crash and ride functionality, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of musical styles.
• The cymbal is built on the foundation of the original classic cymbals, but is expanded by modern sounds for today's progressive popular music.
• The cymbal provides a balanced sound and exceptional full-bodied crash and ride functionality, making it perfect for all kinds of percussion applications.

Cons

• The cymbal may not be loud enough for some live settings, particularly in larger venues.
• Some users may find the cymbal's sound to be too bright or harsh for certain musical styles.
• The cymbal may be more expensive than other options on the market.

Overall, we would recommend the Paiste 2002 Classic Crash Cymbal to drummers who are looking for a versatile cymbal that can handle a wide range of musical styles.

While it may not be the loudest or most affordable option available, its bright, rich tones and exceptional crash and ride functionality make it a great choice for drummers of all levels.

In our experience, the cymbal offers a smooth, responsive feel that is perfect for a variety of musical genres, including classic rock, blues, punk, hard rock, heavy metal, and more.

Whether you're playing live or recording in the studio, the cymbal's balanced sound and full-bodied functionality make it a reliable choice that you can trust.

Paiste PST X Swiss Splash Cymbal

If you're looking for a high-quality cymbal that delivers a noisy, dirty, and trashy sound quality, then the Paiste Swiss Splash Cymbal is worth considering.

Pros

• The Swiss models deliver a warm, airy, and breathy mix of sounds in the medium range with an explosive response and quick decay, offering an exotic and trashy effect.
• The Pure Bells provide warm, calm, and sustaining sounds for versatile playing options.
• The CuSn8 Bronze used to make this cymbal delivers a warm, calm, and sustaining sound, making it perfect for many musical styles and all volume settings.

Cons

• Some users reported that the cymbal may not last for longer than a year, so getting an extended warranty is recommended.
• The price point may be a bit high for some musicians.
• The cymbal may not be suitable for those who prefer a brighter sound.

We've had the pleasure of using the Paiste Swiss Splash Cymbal, and we can confidently say that it's an excellent addition to any percussion performance. The cymbal's quick responsiveness and dynamic range make it easy to become a fan, and its aluminum Pure Bells stand out due to their distinct character and concept.

Whether you're live playing or casual recording, the Paiste Swiss Splash Cymbal works perfectly at all volume settings for an entire range of music styles. The cymbal's quality-material selection, including CuSn8 Bronze, MS63 Brass, and Aluminum, makes it a reliable source for cymbals.

Paiste 2002 Cup Chime Cymbal 6 in.

If you're looking for a cymbal that adds a unique touch of sparkle to your set's tone, the Paiste 2002 Cup Chime Cymbal is a great option.

With its bright, warm, full, and brilliant sound character, this cymbal has a wide range and clean mix. It's soft and extremely responsive, with an explosive, shattering, glassy attack and modulating warm, full, long fade. The cymbal features an exotic, very dominant center tone with lively, flanging over- and undertones. It's well suited for upside-down mounting over a ride bell.

Pros

• The Paiste 2002 Cup Chime Cymbal has a unique sound that adds a touch of sparkle to any set.
• This cymbal is well-suited for upside-down mounting over a ride bell, which adds to its versatility.
• The cymbal is soft and extremely responsive, making it easy to play.

Cons

• The cymbal's exotic sound may not be for everyone.
• The Paiste 2002 Cup Chime Cymbal is not the most affordable option on the market.

If you're looking for a cymbal that adds a unique touch to your sound, the Paiste 2002 Cup Chime Cymbal is definitely worth considering.

This cymbal has a unique sound that's both bright and warm, with a wide range and clean mix. It's also soft and extremely responsive, which makes it easy to play. However, the cymbal's exotic sound may not be for everyone, and it's not the most affordable option on the market. Additionally, some users may find that the cymbal doesn't cut through the mix as well as they'd like.

The Paiste 2002 Cup Chime Cymbal was introduced in 1971 as the first cymbal series fully developed for electronically amplified music. It's made from CuSn8 Bronze, also known as "2002 Bronze," and is crafted using manual craftsmanship with hand hammering and hand lathing. This cymbal is well-suited for medium to very loud settings in live and recording situations, and it's used by working musicians and enthusiasts in many different genres, including country, R&B, rock, jazz-rock, progressive, metal, grunge, and modern hybrids rooted in those styles.

Paiste Swiss Splash Cymbal

If you're looking for a cymbal that can deliver a noisy, dirty, trashy sound quality, the Paiste Swiss Splash Cymbal is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The Swiss models deliver a warm, airy and breathy mix of sounds in the medium range with an explosive response and quick decay, offering an exotic and trashy effect.
• The Pure Bells are warm, calm, and sustaining for versatile playing options.
• The CuSn8 Bronze used to make this cymbal delivers a warm, calm, and sustaining sound.

Cons

• The sound may not be ideal for certain music genres.
• The cymbal may be too expensive for some budget-conscious buyers.

We've had a chance to use the Paiste Swiss Splash Cymbal, and we're impressed with its performance.

The cymbal delivers a unique sound that is perfect for many musical styles and all volume settings. The stick sound is washy, lively, and has a short sustain, making it ideal for a variety of playing styles.

The Pure Bells are another standout feature of this cymbal. They provide warm, calm, and sustaining sounds that are perfect for versatile playing options.

The cymbal is crafted from CuSn8 Bronze (2002 Bronze), MS63 Brass & Aluminum, making it a high-quality cymbal that can stand up to rigorous live playing and casual recording.

One thing to keep in mind is that the sound of the cymbal may not be suitable for those who prefer a clear and bright sound. Additionally, the sound may not be ideal for certain music genres. However, if you're looking for a cymbal that can deliver a unique and exotic sound, the Paiste Swiss Splash Cymbal is definitely worth considering.

Paiste PST X Pure Bell 9 Inch

If you're looking for a warm and balanced ping with a tight range, the Paiste PST X Pure Bell 9 Inch is a great choice.

Pros

• The aluminum Pure Bell produces a distinct character and concept that stands out.
• The warm and balanced ping is perfect for mallet use.
• The cymbal's distinct character and surface make it visually appealing.

Cons

• The cymbal may not be suitable for all skill levels.

We were impressed with the Paiste PST X Pure Bell 9 Inch's distinct character and concept.

The aluminum Pure Bell produces a warm and balanced ping that is perfect for mallet use. The cymbal's distinct character and surface make it visually appealing, and it is sure to stand out in any drum set.

However, we did notice that the cymbal may dent easily, which could be a concern for some users. Additionally, the noise, dirty, and trashy sound quality may not be suitable for all music genres, and the cymbal may not be suitable for all skill levels.

Paiste Cymbal (900C16)

If you're looking for a high-quality crash cymbal that offers warmth, brilliance, and strength, then the Paiste 900 Series Crash Cymbal is a great choice.

Crafted from 2002 Bronze and refined by Swiss craftsmanship with hand hammering and lathing, this cymbal has a warm and full sound with subdued, discreet brightness.

Pros

• The innovative design offers greater flexibility, giving feel and outstanding playability, making it perfect for all applications.
• With quick response time, this 900 Series sets the new standard for advanced sound at a reasonable investment.
• The special finish slightly darkens the cymbals and amplifies the lathing grooves and hammer marks for a spectacular appearance that fuses roughness and elegance.

Cons

• The price point may be too high for some drummers on a budget.
• The cymbal may not be suitable for drummers who prefer brighter, more cutting sounds.

Overall, the Paiste 900 Series Crash Cymbal is a reliable and versatile cymbal that delivers exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

It offers a wide range of sounds plus a clean mix, making it perfect for all drumming styles. While it may not be suitable for drummers on a budget, its durability ensures it'll keep up with you for years to come. Upgrade your drum kit today with Paiste Crash Cymbal.

Paiste PST 7 Crash 16 in.

We highly recommend the Paiste PST 7 Crash 16 in. for drummers who want a traditional sound, look, and feel at an affordable price.

Pros

• Produces a brilliant, warm tone with a giving feel and a wide range.
• Offers three weight classes, light/thin, medium, and heavy, covering a wide range of different music styles.
• Made from CuSn8 bronze, which stems from the legendary 2002 series, and lathed by Paiste's Swiss hand craftsmen to achieve their distinctive traditional look and finish.

Cons

• May have some overtones that are not exactly ear-pleasing.
• The 16-inch size may not be suitable for all drumming styles.

The Paiste PST 7 Crash 16 in. is a warm and clear-sounding cymbal that is perfect for drummers who want a traditional sound. It is available in three weight classes, light/thin, medium, and heavy, so it can be used for a wide range of different music styles. The cymbal is made from CuSn8 bronze, which stems from the legendary 2002 series, and is lathed by Paiste's Swiss hand craftsmen to achieve their distinctive traditional look and finish.

One of the best things about the Paiste PST 7 Crash 16 in. is that it produces a brilliant, warm tone with a giving feel and a wide range. It is also affordable, making it an excellent choice for drummers on a budget.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. The cymbal may have some overtones that are not exactly ear-pleasing, and the 16-inch size may not be suitable for all drumming styles. Additionally, the cymbal may become bent during shipping.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best Paiste cymbals, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Sound

The sound of a cymbal is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Different types of cymbals produce different sounds, and it's important to choose one that suits your musical style and preferences.

For example, if you play rock music, you might want a cymbal with a bright, cutting sound. Meanwhile, if you play jazz, you might prefer a cymbal with a darker, more complex tone.

Size

The size of a cymbal can also affect its sound. Generally, larger cymbals produce louder, more sustained sounds, while smaller cymbals have a quicker decay and are more suited to intricate playing.

Consider the size of your drum kit and the type of music you play when choosing the size of your cymbals.

Material

Paiste cymbals are made from a variety of materials, including bronze, brass, and nickel silver. Each material has its own unique sound and characteristics.

Bronze cymbals are the most common and are known for their warm, rich tones. On the other hand, brass cymbals are brighter and more cutting, while nickel silver cymbals have a more complex, shimmering sound.

Finish

The finish of a cymbal can also affect its sound and appearance. Some cymbals are polished to a high shine, while others have a matte or raw finish.

A polished cymbal will generally produce a brighter, more cutting sound, while a raw cymbal will have a darker, more complex tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Paiste cymbal series for professional drummers?

For professional drummers, the top Paiste cymbal series are the Signature, Masters, and Twenty lines. These cymbals are known for their high-quality sound and exceptional craftsmanship. They are perfect for drummers who demand the very best from their cymbals.

Which Paiste cymbals are recommended for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend the PSTX and 101 series. These cymbals are affordable and offer great value for money. They are also durable and easy to play, making them perfect for novice drummers.

What are the standout qualities of the Paiste 2002 Cymbal Pack?

The Paiste 2002 Cymbal Pack is known for its bright, lively sound and excellent projection. These cymbals are perfect for rock and metal drummers who want to cut through the mix and make a statement. They are also very durable and can withstand heavy playing.

How do Paiste Signature cymbals compare to other models for studio recording?

Paiste Signature cymbals are known for their clear, articulate sound and excellent projection. They are perfect for studio recording and can cut through even the densest mixes.

Compared to other models, Signature cymbals are more expensive, but they offer a higher level of quality and craftsmanship.

Which Paiste cymbals are preferred by jazz drummers?

Jazz drummers typically prefer the Masters and Twenty series cymbals from Paiste. These cymbals offer a warm, dark sound that complements the more subtle nature of jazz music. They are also very responsive and offer great dynamic range.

What specific cymbals did iconic drummers like John Bonham favor from Paiste?

Iconic drummers like John Bonham favored the Paiste Giant Beat and 2002 series cymbals. These cymbals are known for their powerful, explosive sound and excellent projection. They are perfect for drummers who want to make a statement and leave a lasting impression.