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

It is manufactured from 2002 bronze, also known as CuSn8 bronze, which is the same high-quality alloy used in Paiste’s legendary 2002 series.

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

The purple Color Sound finish makes the cymbal sound slightly drier and results in a more focused attack. It also marginally shortens the sustain compared to the standard un-coated 900 series crash.

Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the focused attack and controlled sustain make it an excellent choice for the studio, as it helps prevent the wash of the crash from overwhelming other tracks.

What is the typical price for this 18" crash?

The typical price for the Paiste Color Sound 900 18" Purple Crash is approximately £166.

Does the color coating affect the feel of the cymbal when playing?

No, the cymbal is designed to deliver authentic feeling playability, ensuring that the coating does not make the bronze feel stiff or unresponsive to the stick.

Is the purple finish transparent or opaque?

The finish is a unique translucent coating, which allows the natural texture and manufacturing marks of the bronze to be seen through the colour.

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

While both offer drier sounds, the Paiste Color Sound 900 is based on 2002 bronze and is generally brighter and more full-bodied than the heavily hammered, dark, and trashy Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash.

Can this cymbal be used for live performances?

Absolutely; its 18-inch size and 2002 bronze construction provide enough projection and presence for a wide variety of live musical settings.

What is the size of this specific Color Sound 900 model?

This specific model has a diameter of 18 inches, which is a standard size for a versatile crash cymbal.

How does the sustain of this cymbal compare to the standard 900 series?

The sustain on the Color Sound version is slightly shorter than the standard 900 series due to the dampening effect of the purple finish.

Is this a low-volume cymbal?

No, this is a standard-volume professional cymbal. For actual low-volume practice, one would typically look at something like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack.

Gear article

Paiste Color Sound 900 18" Purple Crash

The Paiste Color Sound 900 18" Purple Crash is a medium-weight crash cymbal constructed from 2002 bronze, featuring a distinctive translucent purple coating. It delivers a medium-bright, full-bodied sound with warm undertones and is designed for both live performance and studio recording applications.

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Overview and Construction

The Paiste Color Sound 900 18" Purple Crash is part of the brand's expansive Color Sound series, which originally debuted in 1984. This specific model is based on the standard 900 Series crash template, utilizing the industry-standard 2002 bronze alloy. The standout feature is its vibrant purple finish, applied in a thin, translucent layer that allows the natural hammer marks and lathing grooves to remain visible while altering the cymbal's physical response.

Tonal Character and Performance

In terms of sonics, this cymbal produces a medium-bright, full-bodied tone characterised by warm undertones. The application of the Color Sound finish introduces specific acoustic changes compared to the standard 900 Series: it results in a slightly drier sound, a more focused attack, and a marginally shortened sustain. This makes the 18" crash particularly effective for drummers seeking a controlled decay that does not wash out other instruments in a mix.

Versatility and Playability

Despite the visual coating, Paiste ensures that the Color Sound 900 series maintains the authentic feel and playability expected from traditional bronze cymbals. The 18-inch diameter offers a balanced middle ground, providing enough volume and presence for live stage work while remaining sensitive enough for nuanced studio sessions. The focused attack is especially beneficial in recording environments where bleed and excessive overtones need to be managed.

Market Comparison

Within the wider market, the Color Sound 900 sits as a professional-grade mid-range option. While it offers a drier character than traditional cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, it is less extreme in its dryness than specialized jazz or boutique options such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. It serves as a more robust, 'coloured' alternative to traditional bright cymbals like the UFIP Class Series.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Paiste Color Sound 900 18" Crash made from?: It is manufactured from 2002 bronze, also known as CuSn8 bronze, which is the same high-quality alloy used in Paiste’s legendary 2002 series.
How does the purple finish affect the sound of the cymbal?: The purple Color Sound finish makes the cymbal sound slightly drier and results in a more focused attack. It also marginally shortens the sustain compared to the standard un-coated 900 series crash.
Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the focused attack and controlled sustain make it an excellent choice for the studio, as it helps prevent the wash of the crash from overwhelming other tracks.
What is the typical price for this 18" crash?: The typical price for the Paiste Color Sound 900 18" Purple Crash is approximately £166.
What are the primary tonal characteristics of this model?: It is described as having a medium-bright, full-bodied sound with warm undertones and a focused response.
Does the color coating affect the feel of the cymbal when playing?: No, the cymbal is designed to deliver authentic feeling playability, ensuring that the coating does not make the bronze feel stiff or unresponsive to the stick.
Is the purple finish transparent or opaque?: The finish is a unique translucent coating, which allows the natural texture and manufacturing marks of the bronze to be seen through the colour.
How does this compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both offer drier sounds, the Paiste Color Sound 900 is based on 2002 bronze and is generally brighter and more full-bodied than the heavily hammered, dark, and trashy Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash.
Can this cymbal be used for live performances?: Absolutely; its 18-inch size and 2002 bronze construction provide enough projection and presence for a wide variety of live musical settings.
What is the size of this specific Color Sound 900 model?: This specific model has a diameter of 18 inches, which is a standard size for a versatile crash cymbal.
How does the sustain of this cymbal compare to the standard 900 series?: The sustain on the Color Sound version is slightly shorter than the standard 900 series due to the dampening effect of the purple finish.
Is this a low-volume cymbal?: No, this is a standard-volume professional cymbal. For actual low-volume practice, one would typically look at something like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack.