What is the primary sound characteristic of the Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash?

The cymbal is primarily characterized by a warm, soft crash sound. It is designed to be highly sensitive, offering a lively response while remaining controllable with a steady decay.

Which musical settings best suit this cymbal?

It is ideal for soft musical situations where nuance and sensitivity are required. However, its size and versatility also make it suitable for players who need a forceful cymbal that can handle crescendos.

How does the 'Extra Thin' weight affect the feel of the cymbal?

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 even with light striking forces.

Does the 20-inch size make the sound muddy?

No, despite its size, this model is designed to produce focused frequencies. This focus allows for clear, wonderful crescendos and a sound that does not become overly washed out.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price range for the Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash is approximately GBP 422. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While versatile, it is specifically described as ideal for soft musical situations. Its extra thin profile may lack the volume and projection required for high-decibel, heavy rock environments compared to heavier models.

How does the decay of the Masters Extra Thin Crash behave?

The decay is described as steady and controllable. This means the sound fades out at a predictable rate rather than dropping off suddenly or lingering in an uncontrolled wash.

Can this cymbal be used for crescendos?

Yes, its large diameter and focused frequencies make it excellent for crescendos. It allows the player to build volume smoothly and effectively.

What brand produces this cymbal?

This cymbal is manufactured by Paiste, a brand well-known for its precision and consistency in cymbal making. It is part of their professional-grade Masters series.

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

The Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash is generally warmer and more focused. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series tends to have a shorter, trashier, and much drier character compared to the steady decay of the Paiste.

What kind of response does the cymbal have to stick hits?

It has a lively response, meaning it speaks quickly when struck. This responsiveness is due to the extra thin weight, which requires less energy to vibrate the metal.

Is the Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash a versatile cymbal?

Yes, it is marketed as a forceful and versatile cymbal. It can handle a variety of playing intensities, making it useful across different genres despite its specific suitability for softer music.

Gear article

Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash Cymbal

The Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash is a high-end Swiss-made cymbal designed for soft musical applications requiring sensitivity and warmth. Part of the prestigious Masters series, it provides a lively response with a steady, controllable decay and is capable of producing focused frequencies during crescendos.

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Overview and Design

The Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash occupies a unique space in the Paiste catalogue, bridging the gap between delicate textures and large-format crash functionality. As part of the Masters series—originally curated from the brand's 'Twenty' lineage—this cymbal is crafted with a focus on traditional aesthetics and sophisticated tonal properties. The 20-inch diameter combined with an 'Extra Thin' weight profile results in a cymbal that reacts to the slightest touch while maintaining the structural integrity needed for more forceful play.

Sound Character and Response

Defined by its warm and soft tonal palette, the Masters Extra Thin Crash is engineered for nuance. It produces a lively response that opens up quickly, yet it remains fundamentally controllable. The decay is steady rather than abrupt, allowing the sound to linger musically without overpowering other instruments. Because of its large 20-inch surface area, the cymbal produces focused frequencies that are particularly effective for creating smooth, wonderful crescendos.

Performance and Versatility

Despite its 'Extra Thin' classification, the manufacturer describes this model as being ideal for players requiring a forceful yet versatile cymbal. It offers a sensitive feel that facilitates a wide range of intensities. This makes it suitable for low-volume jazz or acoustic settings where a soft crash is required, as well as more dynamic studio environments where a broad frequency response is desired without the harshness of thicker, brighter alloys.

Comparative Analysis

Within the professional cymbal market, the Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash is often compared to other boutique thin models. While the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash and Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offer darker, more complex overtones, the Paiste Masters maintains the brand's signature clarity and frequency focus. Compared to smaller pairings like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats, this 20-inch crash provides the necessary low-end wash to anchor a diverse cymbal setup.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash?: The cymbal is primarily characterized by a warm, soft crash sound. It is designed to be highly sensitive, offering a lively response while remaining controllable with a steady decay.
Which musical settings best suit this cymbal?: It is ideal for soft musical situations where nuance and sensitivity are required. However, its size and versatility also make it suitable for players who need a forceful cymbal that can handle crescendos.
How does the 'Extra Thin' weight affect the feel of the cymbal?: 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 even with light striking forces.
Does the 20-inch size make the sound muddy?: No, despite its size, this model is designed to produce focused frequencies. This focus allows for clear, wonderful crescendos and a sound that does not become overly washed out.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for the Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash is approximately GBP 422. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While versatile, it is specifically described as ideal for soft musical situations. Its extra thin profile may lack the volume and projection required for high-decibel, heavy rock environments compared to heavier models.
How does the decay of the Masters Extra Thin Crash behave?: The decay is described as steady and controllable. This means the sound fades out at a predictable rate rather than dropping off suddenly or lingering in an uncontrolled wash.
Can this cymbal be used for crescendos?: Yes, its large diameter and focused frequencies make it excellent for crescendos. It allows the player to build volume smoothly and effectively.
What brand produces this cymbal?: This cymbal is manufactured by Paiste, a brand well-known for its precision and consistency in cymbal making. It is part of their professional-grade Masters series.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash is generally warmer and more focused. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series tends to have a shorter, trashier, and much drier character compared to the steady decay of the Paiste.
What kind of response does the cymbal have to stick hits?: It has a lively response, meaning it speaks quickly when struck. This responsiveness is due to the extra thin weight, which requires less energy to vibrate the metal.
Is the Paiste Masters 20" Extra Thin Crash a versatile cymbal?: Yes, it is marketed as a forceful and versatile cymbal. It can handle a variety of playing intensities, making it useful across different genres despite its specific suitability for softer music.