What material is the Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat made from?

The cymbal is constructed from B8 bronze, specifically known as CuSn8 bronze. This is the same high-quality alloy used in the standard Paiste 2002 series.

What is the weight classification of this cymbal?

The 19" Black Big Beat is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This allows for a fast response and a versatile dynamic range.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

It features a darkened semi-matte finish. This visual treatment contributes to its specific sound character and is paired with a simplified black logo.

What is the typical volume range for the Big Beat 19"?

It is designed for medium to loud volume applications. This makes it suitable for various settings from club dates to louder rock performances.

Does the 19" Black Big Beat have a long sustain?

No, it features a medium sustain. This ensures that the sound remains controlled and does not ring out excessively in a mix.

Is this cymbal suitable for jazz?

Yes, its warm, resonant character and medium-thin weight make it versatile enough for jazz. It can be used as a large, dark crash or a light ride.

How does the hammering differ from standard 2002 cymbals?

The Big Beat series features a new, specific hammering pattern developed by Paiste. This pattern is designed to produce a broader, darker sound compared to the classic 2002 line.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price range for the Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat is approximately GBP 306. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can the 19" Big Beat be used as a ride cymbal?

While primarily used as a crash, its 19-inch diameter and medium-thin weight allow it to function as a light ride. It provides a warm wash and clear stick definition for lighter playing styles.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

The Big Beat is generally more resonant and warm due to its B8 bronze construction. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 19" is typically much drier and has a shorter decay.

What logo is used on the Big Beat series?

Paiste uses a simplified black logo for the Big Beat series. This differs from the iconic red logo found on the standard 2002 series cymbals.

Is the construction of the Black Big Beat sturdy enough for touring?

Yes, it features professional-quality, sturdy construction. It is designed to handle high-performance capabilities in demanding live environments.

Gear article

Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal

The Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat is a versatile, medium-thin cymbal constructed from CuSn8 Bronze, commonly known as 2002 Bronze. It is designed to offer a modern, darkened aesthetic and a warm, resonant sound profile suitable for a wide range of musical applications.

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Background and Design

The 2002 Black Big Beat series represents a modern interpretation of the legendary Paiste 2002 sound. While utilizing the same CuSn8 bronze alloy that defined rock drumming in the 1960s and 70s, the Big Beat series introduces specific manufacturing deviations to achieve a distinct character. This 19-inch model features a unique hammering pattern and a darkened semi-matte finish, visually distinguished by a simplified black logo rather than the traditional red branding found on standard 2002 models.

Technical Specifications

The cymbal is classified as medium-thin in weight, providing a balance between durability and sensitivity. It produces medium-loud volumes, making it effective for both live performance and studio recording. The construction focuses on providing a medium sustain, ensuring the wash does not overwhelm the initial attack while still providing a resonant decay.

Sonic Character

In terms of sound, the 19" Black Big Beat is described as crisp, resonant, and warm. The B8 bronze foundation ensures a bright clarity, but the specific hammering and finish techniques broaden the frequency response to include darker, more complex overtones than standard 2002 crashes. This creates a versatile sound that can function as a large crash or a light, wash-heavy ride.

Target Audience

Due to its versatile nature, this cymbal suits drummers across a spectrum of genres. It is particularly effective for players who require a single cymbal to handle multiple roles within a kit. Its professional-grade construction makes it a reliable choice for touring drummers, while its warm character appeals to those who find traditional B8 cymbals too abrasive.

Market Comparisons

Within the Paiste catalogue, the Black Big Beat is often compared to the Giant Beat series, sharing a similar heritage but offering a different tactile feel and visual aesthetic. In the wider market, it competes with other large-diameter thin cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. While the Meinl options often lean into extreme dryness, the Paiste Big Beat maintains a more classic resonance and shimmer associated with B8 bronze.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat made from?: The cymbal is constructed from B8 bronze, specifically known as CuSn8 bronze. This is the same high-quality alloy used in the standard Paiste 2002 series.
What is the weight classification of this cymbal?: The 19" Black Big Beat is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This allows for a fast response and a versatile dynamic range.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: It features a darkened semi-matte finish. This visual treatment contributes to its specific sound character and is paired with a simplified black logo.
What is the typical volume range for the Big Beat 19"?: It is designed for medium to loud volume applications. This makes it suitable for various settings from club dates to louder rock performances.
Does the 19" Black Big Beat have a long sustain?: No, it features a medium sustain. This ensures that the sound remains controlled and does not ring out excessively in a mix.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz?: Yes, its warm, resonant character and medium-thin weight make it versatile enough for jazz. It can be used as a large, dark crash or a light ride.
How does the hammering differ from standard 2002 cymbals?: The Big Beat series features a new, specific hammering pattern developed by Paiste. This pattern is designed to produce a broader, darker sound compared to the classic 2002 line.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat is approximately GBP 306. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can the 19" Big Beat be used as a ride cymbal?: While primarily used as a crash, its 19-inch diameter and medium-thin weight allow it to function as a light ride. It provides a warm wash and clear stick definition for lighter playing styles.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: The Big Beat is generally more resonant and warm due to its B8 bronze construction. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 19" is typically much drier and has a shorter decay.
What logo is used on the Big Beat series?: Paiste uses a simplified black logo for the Big Beat series. This differs from the iconic red logo found on the standard 2002 series cymbals.
Is the construction of the Black Big Beat sturdy enough for touring?: Yes, it features professional-quality, sturdy construction. It is designed to handle high-performance capabilities in demanding live environments.