What material are these hi-hats made from?

They are constructed from Paiste's famous 2002 bronze, also known as CuSn8 bronze (92% copper and 8% tin).

How does the finish affect the look of the cymbals?

The cymbals feature a slightly darkened, semi-matted finish. This unique aesthetic highlights the surface hammering and gives the set a distinct look on stage.

Are these hi-hats suitable for quiet music?

Yes, their superb dynamic range allows them to be played softly. However, their 16-inch size and 2002 alloy construction mean they also possess plenty of power for louder genres.

What is the typical price for the Paiste 16" 2002 Big Beat Hi-hats?

The typical retail price range is approximately £439 in the UK market.

How does the 16-inch size compare to standard 14-inch hi-hats?

The 16-inch diameter provides a deeper pitch, a fatter 'chick' sound, and a more complex, washing tone when played open compared to traditional 14-inch models.

In which musical genres do these cymbals perform best?

They are highly versatile and recommended for pop, funk, rock, and any application requiring a blend of warmth and cutting precision.

Do these hi-hats have a bright or dark sound?

They represent a middle ground; they retain the brilliance and clarity of the 2002 range but are voiced to be warmer and darker than the standard 2002 models.

Is the hammering visible on the surface?

Yes, the semi-matted finish is specifically designed to highlight the intricate surface hammering of the cymbal.

How do they compare to the Paiste Giant Beat range?

While both share a vintage lineage, the 2002 Big Beat 16" hats are generally more powerful and offer a different tonal complexity due to the Big Beat-specific hammering and finish.

Are these cymbals sold as a pair or individually?

This product refers to a complete set, including both the top and bottom hi-hat cymbals.

What is the primary sonic difference between Big Beat and standard 2002 hats?

Big Beat hats are generally thinner and feature a different finish, resulting in a sound that is broader, darker, and more 'washy' than the standard 2002 line.

Can these be used for studio recording?

Absolutely. Their complexity and controlled brilliance make them excellent for recording, as they provide a rich character without being overwhelmingly harsh.

Gear article

Paiste 16" 2002 Big Beat Hi-Hat Cymbals

The Paiste 16" 2002 Big Beat Hi-hat is a professional-grade cymbal set constructed from the brand's renowned 2002 bronze alloy. Designed to offer a warmer, darker iteration of the classic 2002 sound, these oversized hats provide a blend of power, complexity, and dynamic range suitable for diverse musical genres.

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History and Development

The Big Beat series represents a modern interpretation of the legendary 2002 range, which has been a staple in rock and popular music since its introduction in 1971. Paiste developed the Big Beat models to celebrate the heritage of the 2002 bronze alloy while addressing the demand for thinner, darker, and more complex tones. The 16-inch hi-hats specifically cater to the contemporary preference for larger diameter hats that offer a broader frequency response and a more 'mushy' feel compared to traditional 14-inch models.

Construction and Aesthetics

These hi-hats are manufactured using Paiste’s signature 2002 bronze. A distinctive feature of the Big Beat series is the aesthetics; the cymbals undergo a specialized treatment resulting in a slightly darkened, semi-matted finish. This finish serves to highlight the extensive surface hammering, giving the cymbals a rugged, boutique appearance that distinguishes them from the brilliant high-polish look of the standard 2002 line.

Sonic Characteristics

The Paiste 16" 2002 Big Beat Hi-hats are characterised by a full, warm sound that retains the brilliance and precision expected from the 2002 alloy. Despite their warmth, they possess significant power and a 'cutting' tone that allows them to be heard in loud stage environments. The larger 16-inch diameter contributes to a deeper pitch and a complex wash, offering a unique tonality that balances modern depth with classic Swiss precision.

Suitability and Application

Due to their superb dynamic range, these hi-hats are versatile enough for several applications. They are particularly well-suited for:

Pop and Rock: Where the 2002 brilliance helps the hats sit well in a mix.
Funk: Where the large diameter provides a fat, 'sloshy' open sound.
Studio Recording: Where the darkened finish and complex overtones offer a more sophisticated character than standard bright hi-hats.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, the 16" Big Beats offer a much larger footprint and a darker, more modern sustain. While brands like UFIP offer the Bionic or Class series for focused projection, the Big Beat hi-hats lean towards a broader, more atmospheric sound. Those seeking extremely dry tones might look toward the Meinl Byzance series, but the Big Beat remains the choice for drummers who want the classic 2002 energy with added warmth and depth.

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Frequently asked questions

What material are these hi-hats made from?: They are constructed from Paiste's famous 2002 bronze, also known as CuSn8 bronze (92% copper and 8% tin).
How does the finish affect the look of the cymbals?: The cymbals feature a slightly darkened, semi-matted finish. This unique aesthetic highlights the surface hammering and gives the set a distinct look on stage.
Are these hi-hats suitable for quiet music?: Yes, their superb dynamic range allows them to be played softly. However, their 16-inch size and 2002 alloy construction mean they also possess plenty of power for louder genres.
What is the typical price for the Paiste 16" 2002 Big Beat Hi-hats?: The typical retail price range is approximately £439 in the UK market.
How does the 16-inch size compare to standard 14-inch hi-hats?: The 16-inch diameter provides a deeper pitch, a fatter 'chick' sound, and a more complex, washing tone when played open compared to traditional 14-inch models.
In which musical genres do these cymbals perform best?: They are highly versatile and recommended for pop, funk, rock, and any application requiring a blend of warmth and cutting precision.
Do these hi-hats have a bright or dark sound?: They represent a middle ground; they retain the brilliance and clarity of the 2002 range but are voiced to be warmer and darker than the standard 2002 models.
Is the hammering visible on the surface?: Yes, the semi-matted finish is specifically designed to highlight the intricate surface hammering of the cymbal.
How do they compare to the Paiste Giant Beat range?: While both share a vintage lineage, the 2002 Big Beat 16" hats are generally more powerful and offer a different tonal complexity due to the Big Beat-specific hammering and finish.
Are these cymbals sold as a pair or individually?: This product refers to a complete set, including both the top and bottom hi-hat cymbals.
What is the primary sonic difference between Big Beat and standard 2002 hats?: Big Beat hats are generally thinner and feature a different finish, resulting in a sound that is broader, darker, and more 'washy' than the standard 2002 line.
Can these be used for studio recording?: Absolutely. Their complexity and controlled brilliance make them excellent for recording, as they provide a rich character without being overwhelmingly harsh.