What material is the Paiste 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash made from?

It is manufactured from 2002 bronze, also known as CuSn8 bronze, which is the same alloy used in Paiste's high-end professional series.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The typical price range for the Paiste 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash is approximately £148.

How does the finish affect the look of the cymbal?

The cymbal features a special finish that darkens the colour and highlights the lathing grooves, giving it a distinct aesthetic compared to traditional brilliant finishes.

Is this cymbal suitable for quiet jazz performances?

Generally no, as it is designed for medium to loud volume and produces aggressive, powerful tones better suited for rock or metal.

What kind of sustain does the 17" Heavy Crash have?

This cymbal is designed to produce a long sustain, allowing the 'mighty punch' of the crash to ring out significantly.

How does the weight affect the playability?

Despite being a 'Heavy' crash, it is engineered for a responsive feel, ensuring that the player can achieve explosive sounds without needing excessive force.

What volume levels is this cymbal intended for?

The 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash is specifically designed for medium to loud volume applications.

How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hats?

The 900 Series Heavy Crash is much more aggressive and modern sounding, whereas the Giant Beat series focuses on a warmer, more classic 1960s tone.

Does the 900 Series use the same manufacturing as professional cymbals?

Yes, it is described as being of professional quality and utilizes the same high-grade 2002 bronze alloy found in premium Paiste lines.

Can this cymbal be used for recording?

Yes, its versatile and meaty sound makes it a professional-quality option for recording, especially in genres requiring powerful drum sounds.

How does it differ from a thin crash like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?

The Paiste 900 Heavy Crash is designed for power, long sustain, and projection, while the Meinl Extra Dry Thin Crash is focused on a dark, trashy tone with very short sustain.

Is the Paiste 900 series considered a value-for-money range?

Yes, the manufacturer explicitly states that the 900 Series is designed with value for money in mind while maintaining professional standards.

Gear article

Paiste 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash Cymbal

The Paiste 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash is a professional-grade cymbal designed for high-volume performance and aggressive playstyles. Manufactured from 2002 bronze, it is engineered to deliver a powerful, explosive sound with long sustain while maintaining a focus on value for money.

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Overview and Construction

The Paiste 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash is part of a range that emphasizes both durability and tonal intensity. It is constructed from 2002 bronze, a legendary alloy known for its brightness and projection. A distinctive feature of the 900 series is its special finish, which darkens the overall colour of the cymbal while simultaneously highlighting the lathing grooves. This aesthetic treatment is paired with a clever design that ensures a responsive feel, despite the 'Heavy' weight designation, allowing for explosive crashes that remain under the player's control.

Sound Character

Characterised by fiery and assertive tones, the 17" Heavy Crash is designed for medium to loud volume environments. It produces a 'meaty' sound with a lively intensity and a notably long sustain. The frequency response is tuned to deliver a mighty punch that can cut through dense arrangements, making it particularly effective in live settings where high-gain guitars and loud stage monitors are present.

Applications

This cymbal is primarily suited for loud music styles, including hard rock, heavy metal, and punk. Its heavy weight and 2002 bronze composition make it ideal for drummers who require a reliable, high-volume crash that can withstand aggressive hitting. Due to its versatility and professional build quality, it also finds a place in recording studios where a clear, powerful crash is needed for rock productions.

Market Position and Comparisons

Positioned as a high-value alternative to premium lines, the 900 Series offers professional quality at a more accessible price point. When compared to the Paiste Giant Beat series, which has a more vintage and mellow character, the 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash is significantly more aggressive. It stands in contrast to dry, thin cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which focuses on short decay and complex overtones rather than the sustained, punchy power of the Paiste 900.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Paiste 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash made from?: It is manufactured from 2002 bronze, also known as CuSn8 bronze, which is the same alloy used in Paiste's high-end professional series.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The typical price range for the Paiste 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash is approximately £148.
How does the finish affect the look of the cymbal?: The cymbal features a special finish that darkens the colour and highlights the lathing grooves, giving it a distinct aesthetic compared to traditional brilliant finishes.
Is this cymbal suitable for quiet jazz performances?: Generally no, as it is designed for medium to loud volume and produces aggressive, powerful tones better suited for rock or metal.
What kind of sustain does the 17" Heavy Crash have?: This cymbal is designed to produce a long sustain, allowing the 'mighty punch' of the crash to ring out significantly.
How does the weight affect the playability?: Despite being a 'Heavy' crash, it is engineered for a responsive feel, ensuring that the player can achieve explosive sounds without needing excessive force.
What volume levels is this cymbal intended for?: The 900 Series 17" Heavy Crash is specifically designed for medium to loud volume applications.
How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hats?: The 900 Series Heavy Crash is much more aggressive and modern sounding, whereas the Giant Beat series focuses on a warmer, more classic 1960s tone.
Does the 900 Series use the same manufacturing as professional cymbals?: Yes, it is described as being of professional quality and utilizes the same high-grade 2002 bronze alloy found in premium Paiste lines.
Can this cymbal be used for recording?: Yes, its versatile and meaty sound makes it a professional-quality option for recording, especially in genres requiring powerful drum sounds.
How does it differ from a thin crash like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?: The Paiste 900 Heavy Crash is designed for power, long sustain, and projection, while the Meinl Extra Dry Thin Crash is focused on a dark, trashy tone with very short sustain.
Is the Paiste 900 series considered a value-for-money range?: Yes, the manufacturer explicitly states that the 900 Series is designed with value for money in mind while maintaining professional standards.