Who designed the Paiste Vir2osity cymbal?

The cymbal was designed as a collaboration between Paiste and legendary drummer Carl Palmer, known for his work with Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Asia.

What is the primary size of the Vir2osity ride?

This specific signature model is a 20-inch ride cymbal, a standard size for versatility in both rock and jazz contexts.

What does the 'Duo' designation refer to?

It refers to the distinct playing zones on the cymbal surface, combining different lathing and hammering techniques to provide multiple sound characters in one instrument.

How does the bell sound on the Vir2osity?

The central bell is designed to be definitively loud with a clear, piercing ping that stays distinct from the rest of the cymbal's wash.

What is the tonal quality of the outer edge?

The outer edge is engineered for a complex yet controlled tone, offering a dryer response than the more lively lathed sections.

Are there visible hammer marks on the cymbal?

Yes, the Vir2osity features pronounced hammer marks across its surface, which are used to further refine the tonal qualities and add character to the appearance.

What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?

While versatile, its design for clarity and distinct zones makes it ideal for progressive rock, fusion, and technical drumming styles.

How does the lathed area differ from the rest of the cymbal?

The lathed area is specifically designed to produce a livelier sound with a high degree of clarity compared to the more controlled outer zones.

What is the typical price for the Paiste 20" Vir2osity?

The typical retail price for this signature ride cymbal is approximately £509.

Does the Vir2osity have a bright or dark character?

It possesses a balanced character; the lathed sections provide brightness and clarity, while the hammering and unlathed zones add darkness and control.

How does this compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?

Unlike the Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats which focus on a vintage, mellow warmth, the Vir2osity is a modern, complex ride with higher definition and multiple strike zones.

Is the Vir2osity suitable for low-volume playing?

While it has controlled zones, it is a professional bronze cymbal designed for projection; for strictly low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music Silver Low Volume pack are more appropriate.

Gear article

Paiste 20" Carl Palmer Signature Duo Ride 'Vir2osity'

The Paiste 20" Vir2osity is a signature ride cymbal developed in collaboration with legendary Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer. It is distinguished by its unique 'Duo' construction, featuring multiple playing zones with different finishes to provide a wide range of sonic textures from a single instrument.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Paiste 20" Vir2osity is a specialized ride cymbal designed to meet the technical demands of progressive rock drumming. Developed alongside Carl Palmer, the cymbal is engineered to offer maximum variety in sound through a zoned surface design. It features a combination of lathed and unlathed areas, supplemented by heavy, pronounced hammer marks across the surface. This physical layout allows the drummer to access different tonal characters depending on where the stick strikes the cymbal.

Playing Zones and Construction

The Vir2osity is divided into three primary functional areas:

Outer Edge: This zone is designed to provide a complex yet controlled tone, suitable for nuanced rhythmic work where excessive wash needs to be avoided.
Lathed Area: Moving inward, the lathed section offers a livelier sound profile with significant clarity, providing the traditional shimmering response expected from high-end Paiste bronze.
Central Bell: The bell is physically separated in terms of its tonal profile to deliver a definitively loud, piercing 'ping' that can cut through high-volume stage environments.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the Vir2osity is defined by its versatility. Because of the distinct zones and pronounced hammering, the cymbal produces a range of harmonics from dry and earthy to bright and cutting. The combination of these zones ensures that the cymbal does not wash out during fast, technical passages, a trait essential for Carl Palmer's signature playing style. The appearance is equally distinctive, reflecting the complex manufacturing processes used to achieve its tonal variety.

Market Position and Comparisons

Sitting at a premium price point of approximately £509, the Vir2osity is a professional-grade instrument. In the market for signature or specialized rides, it competes with other artist-series cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride. While many rides offer a singular character, the Vir2osity's 'Duo' design places it in a category of multi-functional cymbals similar to those found in the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, though it retains the classic Paiste clarity and projection.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Paiste Vir2osity cymbal?: The cymbal was designed as a collaboration between Paiste and legendary drummer Carl Palmer, known for his work with Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Asia.
What is the primary size of the Vir2osity ride?: This specific signature model is a 20-inch ride cymbal, a standard size for versatility in both rock and jazz contexts.
What does the 'Duo' designation refer to?: It refers to the distinct playing zones on the cymbal surface, combining different lathing and hammering techniques to provide multiple sound characters in one instrument.
How does the bell sound on the Vir2osity?: The central bell is designed to be definitively loud with a clear, piercing ping that stays distinct from the rest of the cymbal's wash.
What is the tonal quality of the outer edge?: The outer edge is engineered for a complex yet controlled tone, offering a dryer response than the more lively lathed sections.
Are there visible hammer marks on the cymbal?: Yes, the Vir2osity features pronounced hammer marks across its surface, which are used to further refine the tonal qualities and add character to the appearance.
What genre of music is this cymbal best suited for?: While versatile, its design for clarity and distinct zones makes it ideal for progressive rock, fusion, and technical drumming styles.
How does the lathed area differ from the rest of the cymbal?: The lathed area is specifically designed to produce a livelier sound with a high degree of clarity compared to the more controlled outer zones.
What is the typical price for the Paiste 20" Vir2osity?: The typical retail price for this signature ride cymbal is approximately £509.
Does the Vir2osity have a bright or dark character?: It possesses a balanced character; the lathed sections provide brightness and clarity, while the hammering and unlathed zones add darkness and control.
How does this compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?: Unlike the Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats which focus on a vintage, mellow warmth, the Vir2osity is a modern, complex ride with higher definition and multiple strike zones.
Is the Vir2osity suitable for low-volume playing?: While it has controlled zones, it is a professional bronze cymbal designed for projection; for strictly low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music Silver Low Volume pack are more appropriate.