What material is the Paiste Color Sound 900 Black 19" Crash made from?

It is manufactured from CuSn8 bronze, which is commonly referred to as '2002 Bronze'. This is the same alloy used in Paiste’s legendary 2002 series to ensure professional-grade durability and tone.

How does the black finish affect the sound of the cymbal?

The unique black finish makes the sound slightly drier than the standard 900 series. It also shortens the sustain and results in a more focused, articulate attack upon being struck.

What is the typical price for this 19-inch crash?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £178. This positions it as a mid-to-high tier option within the Paiste catalogue.

Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?

Yes, it is designed for both live performances and studio recording sessions. The shortened sustain and focused attack make it easier to control in a mix compared to cymbals with longer, more resonant decays.

How does the 19-inch size impact the sound compared to smaller crashes?

The 19-inch diameter produces a full-bodied sound with more volume and warm undertones than smaller crashes. It offers a larger 'wash' while remaining controlled due to the Color Sound coating.

Does the black coating wear off easily during play?

Paiste utilizes a durable, thin coating technology designed to withstand regular playing. While no finish is permanent under heavy abuse, it is engineered to maintain its appearance during standard live and studio use.

What is the general sound character of this cymbal?

The sound character is described as medium-bright. It balances the brightness of the 2002 bronze with the warmth and dryness provided by the black finish.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 19" Crash?

The Paiste 900 Black is medium-bright and focused, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is significantly earthier and 'trashier' in tone. The Paiste retains more of a traditional bronze character despite its dry finish.

Can this cymbal be used for heavy music styles?

Yes, its focused attack and 19-inch size provide enough projection to cut through loud music. The 2002 bronze alloy is also well-regarded for its durability in high-energy playing environments.

Does the Color Sound 900 series feel different to play than uncoated cymbals?

Despite the coating, Paiste claims the Color Sound cymbals deliver an authentic feeling playability. The response under the stick remains natural and responsive to the drummer's dynamics.

Is the finish opaque or translucent?

The Color Sound finish is known for being a unique, luminous coating that allows the natural grain and hammering of the bronze to remain visible under the black tint.

What are the primary tonal benefits of the '900 Series' design?

The 900 series provides a full-bodied sound with a range of undertones. The design focuses on providing professional sound quality and versatility at a competitive price point.

Gear article

Paiste Color Sound 900 Black 19" Crash

The Paiste Color Sound 900 Black 19" Crash is a medium-weight cymbal manufactured from 2002 bronze that features a distinctive black coating. Based on the standard 900 Series design, this model is engineered to provide a focused attack and a slightly drier response for live and studio applications.

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Background and Construction

The Paiste Color Sound 900 series represents an evolution of the brand's expertise in coloured cymbal coatings, a technology they pioneered in the 1980s. This specific 19-inch crash is constructed from '2002 Bronze' (CuSn8), the same alloy used in Paiste's professional-grade 2002 series. While it shares the foundational architecture of the standard 900 Series crash, the addition of the translucent black finish serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose.

Technical Characteristics

The 19-inch diameter provides a significant surface area that contributes to a full-bodied sound. The 'Color Sound' treatment involves applying a thin, durable coating that interacts with the vibration of the bronze. This results in three primary deviations from the standard finish:

Drier Response: The coating slightly dampens the higher-frequency overtones.
Shortened Sustain: The decay is more controlled compared to the non-coated version.
Focused Attack: The initial strike is more prominent and articulate.

Sound Profile

Musically, the Color Sound 900 Black 19" Crash is described as having a medium-bright character with warm undertones. Despite the dampening effect of the finish, the 2002 bronze ensures the cymbal retains an authentic feel and high levels of playability. The 19-inch size ensures it has enough volume and presence to cut through dense musical arrangements while maintaining a rich, full-spectrum crash sound.

Comparison and Suitability

This cymbal is positioned as a versatile tool for both live performance and studio recording. Its controlled sustain makes it particularly useful in recording environments where long, bleeding decays might be undesirable. Compared to more traditional alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, which offer a different frequency spectrum, the 900 Black 19" Crash provides a modern, visual-forward alternative. It is distinct from extremely dry cymbals, such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, as it maintains a medium-bright core rather than a fully earthy or trashy tone.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Paiste Color Sound 900 Black 19" Crash made from?: It is manufactured from CuSn8 bronze, which is commonly referred to as '2002 Bronze'. This is the same alloy used in Paiste’s legendary 2002 series to ensure professional-grade durability and tone.
How does the black finish affect the sound of the cymbal?: The unique black finish makes the sound slightly drier than the standard 900 series. It also shortens the sustain and results in a more focused, articulate attack upon being struck.
What is the typical price for this 19-inch crash?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £178. This positions it as a mid-to-high tier option within the Paiste catalogue.
Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?: Yes, it is designed for both live performances and studio recording sessions. The shortened sustain and focused attack make it easier to control in a mix compared to cymbals with longer, more resonant decays.
How does the 19-inch size impact the sound compared to smaller crashes?: The 19-inch diameter produces a full-bodied sound with more volume and warm undertones than smaller crashes. It offers a larger 'wash' while remaining controlled due to the Color Sound coating.
Does the black coating wear off easily during play?: Paiste utilizes a durable, thin coating technology designed to withstand regular playing. While no finish is permanent under heavy abuse, it is engineered to maintain its appearance during standard live and studio use.
What is the general sound character of this cymbal?: The sound character is described as medium-bright. It balances the brightness of the 2002 bronze with the warmth and dryness provided by the black finish.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 19" Crash?: The Paiste 900 Black is medium-bright and focused, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is significantly earthier and 'trashier' in tone. The Paiste retains more of a traditional bronze character despite its dry finish.
Can this cymbal be used for heavy music styles?: Yes, its focused attack and 19-inch size provide enough projection to cut through loud music. The 2002 bronze alloy is also well-regarded for its durability in high-energy playing environments.
Does the Color Sound 900 series feel different to play than uncoated cymbals?: Despite the coating, Paiste claims the Color Sound cymbals deliver an authentic feeling playability. The response under the stick remains natural and responsive to the drummer's dynamics.
Is the finish opaque or translucent?: The Color Sound finish is known for being a unique, luminous coating that allows the natural grain and hammering of the bronze to remain visible under the black tint.
What are the primary tonal benefits of the '900 Series' design?: The 900 series provides a full-bodied sound with a range of undertones. The design focuses on providing professional sound quality and versatility at a competitive price point.