Paiste Hand Cymbals
The Hand Cymbals Paiste introduced in 1994 are the result of three years of painstaking research into the needs of classic percussionists as well as into the needs of the most diverse contemporary hand cymbal performance environments. For classic symphonic musicians, we have created the Paiste Line "Symphonic", a series which provides an extensive range of sizes and weights for virtually any imaginable score. These instruments were developed with the critical input of top symphonic percussionists in Europe and the United States. For contemporary applications demanding energy and versatility in Ensemble, Drum Corps, Concert and Marching environments, we have created the Sound Formula "Universal Hand". These instruments were designed with versatility in mind, allowing them to take on several musical tasks. Alpha "Band" cymbals were designed with versatile sound quality for all-purpose applications and represent basic professional sound and function. Paiste Line "Concert/Marching" are our latest hand cymbal series. Similar to Sound Formula "Universal Hand", the individual models offer wider versatility for contemporary applications but with a more traditional sound. Designed for light to medium heavy applications.

Paiste Line "Symphonic"

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Light (18", 19", 20")

Thinnest of all models, a light airy sound. Good response for softer, faster passages. Well suited for French Symphonic music. Dynamics: pp-f.

Medium Light (20")

Thickness falls between Light and Medium. Good mix of frequencies from light to dark. Stronger sound than Light, but good for "splashy" work. Dynamics: p-f/ff

Medium (18", 19", 20", 21")

Best described as "the symphonic cymbal for general work". Full, rich sound, medium long decay. Well suited for Viennese Symphonic music. 18" and 19" especially suited for marches in Symphonic context. Dynamics: pp-ff.

Medium Heavy (20", 21", 22")

Brilliant, shimmering and penetrating with long sustain. Versatile and ideal for long, single clashes and slower passages. Dynamics: p-fff.

Heavy (16", 18", 20", 22")

Heaviest model having broad dynamics, deep and full both in sound and sustain. Well suited for Russian and German Symphonic music. Dynamics: p-fff.

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Paiste Line "Concert/Marching"

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Medium (18", 20")

Lighter in weight than Medium Heavy with softer attack. Well balanced blend of high and low overtones. Perfect for indoor and Concert Band applications.

Medium Heavy (14", 16", 18", 20")

Silvery attack and full spectrum of overtones from high to low. Strong mid-range for projection with long decay. Excellent for marching and outdoor performances.

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"Sound Formula" Universal Hand Cymbals

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Medium (20")

Soft, yet pronounced attack. Quick response and medium decay. Well suited for indoor concert applications or outdoor concert/marching "pit" work.

Medium Heavy (14", 15", 16", 17", 18", 20", 21")

Silvery attack, well balanced spectrum from low overtones to brilliant highs, with medium-long decay. The smaller sizes work well for many marching applications. The larger sizes work well for outdoor concert and "big" marching performances.

Heavy (18")

Bright, strong and rich sound. Very good projection with long decay. Perfect hand cymbals for outdoor and marching applications.

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Alpha Band Cymbals

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Band (12", 13", 14", 15", 16", 18", 20")

Alpha Band Cymbals were designed for U.S. educational institutions and European marching bands. They represent a happy medium between concert and marching cymbals. They have a bright attack, a good mix of overtones with a medium sustain. For all-purpose use, smaller sizes are generally better for marching and larger sizes are better for concert applications.

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"502" Band Cymbals

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Band Medium (14", 16", 18")

Silvery attack, good mix of overtones, resulting in a full-bodied sound with warm brilliance. Application: general use, indoor and outdoor activities.

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"402" Band Cymbals

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Band Medium (14", 16")

A strong attack blends into a mid to high pitched crash, The pronounced mid range frequencies guarantee excellent projection and fairly long sustain. Application: all purpose band cymbals with excellent outdoor qualities.

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"302" Band Cymbals

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Band Medium (14", 16")

Clearly defined attack, followed by a well balanced mix of overtones. Medium sustain. Application: all purposes.

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