What material is the Paiste Color Sound 900 18 China made from?

It is manufactured using 2002 bronze, which is also known as CuSn8 bronze. This alloy is famous for its use in Paiste's legendary 2002 series and provides a bright, energetic foundation for the cymbal.

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

The Color Sound coating acts as a slight dampener. This results in a drier sound with a shortened sustain and a more focused attack compared to a standard, non-coated 900 series China.

Is the finish durable enough for heavy hitting?

Yes, Paiste uses a tough, translucent finish that is designed not to chip or crack under normal playing conditions. It is specifically formulated to maintain the authentic feel of the bronze while providing a unique aesthetic.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch China?

The typical price for the Paiste Color Sound 900 18 China is approximately £169. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?

Absolutely. The drier character and shortened sustain make it highly controllable in a studio environment, preventing the trashy wash from becoming overwhelming in overhead microphones.

How would you describe the 'trash' level of this cymbal?

It features a complex, trashy wash that is characteristic of the China cymbal family. However, the Color Sound treatment keeps that wash more contained and focused than many traditional, thin Chinas.

Does the coating make the cymbal feel like plastic?

No, Paiste has designed the Color Sound series to deliver authentic feeling playability. Drummers generally find that the stick response remains very similar to that of a standard bronze cymbal.

What genres of music best suit this cymbal?

Due to its energetic sound and dark character, it is well-suited for rock, metal, and pop. Its ability to cut through live mixes makes it a favorite for aggressive genres.

Is the purple finish transparent or opaque?

The finish is translucent. This means you can still see the natural hammered textures and lathing marks of the 2002 bronze through the purple color.

How does the 18-inch size compare to other China cymbals?

The 18-inch diameter is a standard size that offers a balance between a quick response and a full-bodied sound. It is larger and louder than small 'mini' Chinas but more manageable than oversized 20-inch models.

Can I clean this cymbal with standard cymbal cleaner?

It is recommended to use only a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the Color Sound coating. Paiste generally advises against using harsh chemicals on their coated series.

Is this based on a specific existing Paiste series?

Yes, the Color Sound 900 series is based on the standard 900 Series cymbals. They share the same bronze alloy and basic manufacturing processes but differ in their final finish and resulting dry tone.

Gear article

Paiste Color Sound 900 Purple 18 China Cymbal

The Paiste Color Sound 900 Purple 18 China is a professional-grade effects cymbal constructed from 2002 bronze, featuring a distinctive translucent purple finish. Based on the standard 900 Series, this model is designed to provide a dark, energetic response with a shortened sustain and a focused, trashy wash.

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Background and Design

The Paiste Color Sound 900 series represents an evolution of the company's pioneering work in colored cymbals, a technology first introduced in 1984. This specific 18-inch China model is built upon the foundation of the standard 900 series China, utilizing the same 2002 bronze (CuSn8) alloy renowned for its durability and brightness.

The defining feature of this model is the 'Color Sound' coating. Unlike traditional paint, this translucent finish is applied to allow the natural grain and hammer marks of the bronze to remain visible while subtly altering the cymbal's physical properties. The application of this finish is not merely aesthetic; it serves as a dampening agent that modifies the vibration of the metal.

Sonic Characteristics

In terms of sound profile, the Color Sound 900 18 China produces a dark and energetic tone. The presence of the purple coating results in a sound that is slightly drier than its non-coated counterparts. The sustain is intentionally shortened, which leads to a more focused and immediate attack.

The cymbal delivers an 'exotic' stick sound, characterized by a complex, trashy wash that is typical of the China cymbal category. This combination of 2002 bronze and the Color Sound treatment ensures that the cymbal remains responsive across various volume levels while maintaining a controlled decay.

Performance and Applications

Paiste has designed the Color Sound 900 China to offer authentic playability, ensuring that the coating does not negatively impact the 'feel' of the stick on the bronze. This makes it a versatile tool for both live performances and studio recording sessions.

Live Use: The focused attack and energetic volume allow it to cut through high-gain guitar walls and loud stage environments.
Studio Use: The shortened sustain and drier character make it easier to manage in a mix, as it provides the necessary 'trash' without overlapping too much with other frequencies or ringing out excessively.

Comparison and Market Position

Within the Paiste catalogue, the Color Sound 900 sits as a mid-to-high level professional option, offering the classic 2002 bronze sound with modern aesthetic modifications. While models like the Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hats focus on vintage warmth, the Color Sound 900 China is aimed at drummers seeking a more aggressive and visually striking setup.

Compared to boutique alternatives like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the UFIP Class Series, the Paiste 900 China offers a more consistent, manufactured precision. It provides a more focused alternative to the sprawling, 'uncontrolled' wash found in cymbals like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Paiste Color Sound 900 18 China made from?: It is manufactured using 2002 bronze, which is also known as CuSn8 bronze. This alloy is famous for its use in Paiste's legendary 2002 series and provides a bright, energetic foundation for the cymbal.
How does the purple finish affect the sound of the cymbal?: The Color Sound coating acts as a slight dampener. This results in a drier sound with a shortened sustain and a more focused attack compared to a standard, non-coated 900 series China.
Is the finish durable enough for heavy hitting?: Yes, Paiste uses a tough, translucent finish that is designed not to chip or crack under normal playing conditions. It is specifically formulated to maintain the authentic feel of the bronze while providing a unique aesthetic.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch China?: The typical price for the Paiste Color Sound 900 18 China is approximately £169. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?: Absolutely. The drier character and shortened sustain make it highly controllable in a studio environment, preventing the trashy wash from becoming overwhelming in overhead microphones.
How would you describe the 'trash' level of this cymbal?: It features a complex, trashy wash that is characteristic of the China cymbal family. However, the Color Sound treatment keeps that wash more contained and focused than many traditional, thin Chinas.
Does the coating make the cymbal feel like plastic?: No, Paiste has designed the Color Sound series to deliver authentic feeling playability. Drummers generally find that the stick response remains very similar to that of a standard bronze cymbal.
What genres of music best suit this cymbal?: Due to its energetic sound and dark character, it is well-suited for rock, metal, and pop. Its ability to cut through live mixes makes it a favorite for aggressive genres.
Is the purple finish transparent or opaque?: The finish is translucent. This means you can still see the natural hammered textures and lathing marks of the 2002 bronze through the purple color.
How does the 18-inch size compare to other China cymbals?: The 18-inch diameter is a standard size that offers a balance between a quick response and a full-bodied sound. It is larger and louder than small 'mini' Chinas but more manageable than oversized 20-inch models.
Can I clean this cymbal with standard cymbal cleaner?: It is recommended to use only a soft cloth and avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the Color Sound coating. Paiste generally advises against using harsh chemicals on their coated series.
Is this based on a specific existing Paiste series?: Yes, the Color Sound 900 series is based on the standard 900 Series cymbals. They share the same bronze alloy and basic manufacturing processes but differ in their final finish and resulting dry tone.