What is the primary musical application for the Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash?

It is primarily designed for soft musical situations where a warm, soft crash sound is required. Its sensitivity makes it ideal for jazz, acoustic, and studio settings where control is paramount.

How does the extra thin weight affect the playability?

The extra thin weight provides a very sensitive feel under the stick. This allows the drummer to achieve a wide variety of sounds and intensities without needing to strike the cymbal with significant force.

Does this cymbal have a long or short decay?

The Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash is characterized by a steady, controllable decay. It is lively upon impact but does not ring out excessively, maintaining a disciplined presence in a mix.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately £469. It is positioned as a professional-grade instrument within the Paiste catalogue.

Is a 19-inch crash too large for soft music?

While large, the 'Extra Thin' weight ensures it responds at low volumes. The 19-inch diameter specifically allows for more focused frequencies and easier crescendos than smaller thin crashes.

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

Both are large, thin cymbals, but the Paiste Masters focuses on a warm, soft character with a steady decay. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry typically offers a more raw, unrefined, and shorter sonic texture.

Can this cymbal handle forceful playing?

Yes, it is described as a forceful yet versatile cymbal. However, its 'Extra Thin' nature means it is best suited for drummers who can control their dynamics rather than those seeking maximum volume projection.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

While anyone can play it, its high price point and specific tonal characteristics are generally targeted at professional players. Beginners may find more value in entry-level series like the Meinl HCS.

What allows this cymbal to produce 'wonderful crescendos'?

The combination of the 19-inch diameter and the thinness of the bronze allows the sound to build up gradually and smoothly. This makes it highly effective for mallet swells and gradual volume increases.

How does the Paiste Masters sound compared to the UFIP Class Series?

Both are high-quality cymbals, but the Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin is specifically engineered for soft musicality and focused frequencies. The UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats, for example, are designed for different functional roles within a kit.

Is the response of this cymbal fast or slow?

It has a lively response, meaning it speaks quickly when struck. However, because it is extra thin, it remains controllable and does not become harsh or abrasive.

What is the 'Masters' series by Paiste known for?

The Masters series is known for its handcrafted approach, using traditional bronze to create cymbals with specific, nuanced characters. This 19" Extra Thin model is a prime example of the series' focus on warmth and sensitivity.

Gear article

Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash Cymbal

The Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash is a high-end cymbal designed for drummers requiring a warm, soft response in lower-volume musical environments. Characterised by its extra thin weight and sensitive feel, it offers a lively yet controllable sound profile with a steady decay.

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Overview

The Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash is a specialist percussion instrument within the acclaimed Masters series. It is engineered to provide a soft, warm crash sound that excels in delicate musical settings. Despite its 19-inch diameter, the extra thin construction ensures that the cymbal remains highly responsive to light touches, making it a versatile tool for dynamic play.

Construction and Mechanics

The 'Extra Thin' weight designation is the defining characteristic of this model. This construction allows the bronze to vibrate more freely with less force, resulting in a sensitive feel that can accommodate a variety of intensities. The 19-inch size provides a larger surface area compared to standard crashes, which allows for more focused frequencies and the ability to execute smooth, swelling crescendos.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash is described as warm and soft. It possesses a lively response that does not become overwhelming; instead, it remains controllable with a predictable, steady decay. This balance makes it suitable for recording and live situations where nuance is preferred over high-volume projection.

Market Context and Alternatives

Within the professional cymbal market, this model competes with other thin, large-diameter crashes. Notable alternatives include the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash and the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. While lower-cost options like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume pack or the Meinl HCS series exist for beginners, the Paiste Masters sits in a premium tier alongside UFIP Class and Bionic series cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary musical application for the Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash?: It is primarily designed for soft musical situations where a warm, soft crash sound is required. Its sensitivity makes it ideal for jazz, acoustic, and studio settings where control is paramount.
How does the extra thin weight affect the playability?: The extra thin weight provides a very sensitive feel under the stick. This allows the drummer to achieve a wide variety of sounds and intensities without needing to strike the cymbal with significant force.
Does this cymbal have a long or short decay?: The Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin Crash is characterized by a steady, controllable decay. It is lively upon impact but does not ring out excessively, maintaining a disciplined presence in a mix.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately £469. It is positioned as a professional-grade instrument within the Paiste catalogue.
Is a 19-inch crash too large for soft music?: While large, the 'Extra Thin' weight ensures it responds at low volumes. The 19-inch diameter specifically allows for more focused frequencies and easier crescendos than smaller thin crashes.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: Both are large, thin cymbals, but the Paiste Masters focuses on a warm, soft character with a steady decay. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry typically offers a more raw, unrefined, and shorter sonic texture.
Can this cymbal handle forceful playing?: Yes, it is described as a forceful yet versatile cymbal. However, its 'Extra Thin' nature means it is best suited for drummers who can control their dynamics rather than those seeking maximum volume projection.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: While anyone can play it, its high price point and specific tonal characteristics are generally targeted at professional players. Beginners may find more value in entry-level series like the Meinl HCS.
What allows this cymbal to produce 'wonderful crescendos'?: The combination of the 19-inch diameter and the thinness of the bronze allows the sound to build up gradually and smoothly. This makes it highly effective for mallet swells and gradual volume increases.
How does the Paiste Masters sound compared to the UFIP Class Series?: Both are high-quality cymbals, but the Paiste Masters 19" Extra Thin is specifically engineered for soft musicality and focused frequencies. The UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats, for example, are designed for different functional roles within a kit.
Is the response of this cymbal fast or slow?: It has a lively response, meaning it speaks quickly when struck. However, because it is extra thin, it remains controllable and does not become harsh or abrasive.
What is the 'Masters' series by Paiste known for?: The Masters series is known for its handcrafted approach, using traditional bronze to create cymbals with specific, nuanced characters. This 19" Extra Thin model is a prime example of the series' focus on warmth and sensitivity.