What material is the Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash made from?

It is made from CuSn8 Bronze, which is also known as 2002 Bronze. This material is renowned for its brightness and durability.

When was this specific version of the PST 5 Splash released?

The 'N' or new version of the PST 5 series was introduced in 2014. It featured improvements in weight and sound over the original PST 5 line.

What is the primary sound characteristic of the 8-inch splash?

The cymbal is characteristically bright and quick-responding. It provides a sharp accent that decays rapidly.

Is the PST 5 8 Splash suitable for metal music?

Yes, its bright and cutting nature allows it to be heard through high-gain guitars. It is designed to be versatile enough for all musical styles.

How much does the Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash typically cost?

The typical price for this cymbal is approximately £37. This makes it an outstanding value for money choice for many drummers.

What is the difference between this and the original PST 5 series?

The 2014 'N' version is generally thinner and more musical than the original series. This allows for a faster response and a less aggressive feel.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz?

While bright, its quick decay means it does not wash out other instruments. It can be used for quick, clean accents in a jazz setting.

Does the 8-inch splash have a long sustain?

No, it is designed for a very short decay. The sound is intended to be an immediate accent that disappears quickly.

Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?

Yes, it is marketed as a reliable, high-value cymbal for players who need quality bronze sound on a budget. It is a significant step up from basic brass starter cymbals.

How does the size affect the pitch?

At 8 inches, this is one of the smaller splash sizes available. This results in a higher pitch compared to 10-inch or 12-inch splashes.

Is the Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash durable?

Yes, Paiste is known for high manufacturing standards. However, because splashes are thin, they should be played with a glancing blow rather than direct force.

What genres is this cymbal best suited for?

According to the manufacturer, it is ideal for all musical styles and genres. It is particularly effective for accenting grooves in pop, rock, and funk.

Gear article

Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash Cymbal

The Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash is an entry-to-intermediate level effect cymbal constructed from high-quality bronze. Introduced as part of the 2014 series refresh, it is designed to provide a bright, quick-responding accent for a wide variety of musical genres at a competitive price point.

See live prices

Overview and History

The Paiste Sound Technology (PST) series was developed to bridge the gap between entry-level brass cymbals and professional-grade bronze offerings. The 2014 update, designated as the 'N' or new generation, refined the manufacturing process to enhance the musicality of the PST 5 line. The 8-inch splash is a core component of this range, offering a professional bronze alloy at a price accessible to students and gigging musicians.

Design and Construction

The PST 5 N 8 Splash is crafted using Paiste's CuSn8 bronze, often referred to as '2002 Bronze' due to its association with the legendary 2002 series. The 'N' version features thinner weights than its predecessors, allowing the cymbal to open up with less force. The 8-inch diameter ensures a high-pitched, cutting frequency that sits above a standard drum kit mix.

Sound Character

This cymbal is defined by a bright, clean, and focused character. Because of its small size and refined tapering, it provides a very fast response with a short decay. It is designed to provide a 'stinger' effect—a sudden burst of sound that disappears quickly without lingering overtones, making it ideal for precise rhythmic accents.

Applications and Versatility

The manufacturer describes the PST 5 N 8 Splash as suitable for all musical styles and genres. Its quick decay makes it particularly useful in:

Pop and Rock for fast syncopated accents.
Funk and Fusion for tight, complex grooves.
Practice settings where a shorter, less intrusive sustain is required.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Paiste catalogue, the PST 5 8 Splash offers a more traditional bronze tone compared to the brass-based PST 3 or the warmer, more expensive Giant Beat series. While boutique options like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch or the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats offer complex, hand-hammered textures, the PST 5 provides a consistent, reliable, and bright sound that is easier to replace and better suited for high-volume settings.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash made from?: It is made from CuSn8 Bronze, which is also known as 2002 Bronze. This material is renowned for its brightness and durability.
When was this specific version of the PST 5 Splash released?: The 'N' or new version of the PST 5 series was introduced in 2014. It featured improvements in weight and sound over the original PST 5 line.
What is the primary sound characteristic of the 8-inch splash?: The cymbal is characteristically bright and quick-responding. It provides a sharp accent that decays rapidly.
Is the PST 5 8 Splash suitable for metal music?: Yes, its bright and cutting nature allows it to be heard through high-gain guitars. It is designed to be versatile enough for all musical styles.
How much does the Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash typically cost?: The typical price for this cymbal is approximately £37. This makes it an outstanding value for money choice for many drummers.
What is the difference between this and the original PST 5 series?: The 2014 'N' version is generally thinner and more musical than the original series. This allows for a faster response and a less aggressive feel.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz?: While bright, its quick decay means it does not wash out other instruments. It can be used for quick, clean accents in a jazz setting.
Does the 8-inch splash have a long sustain?: No, it is designed for a very short decay. The sound is intended to be an immediate accent that disappears quickly.
Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?: Yes, it is marketed as a reliable, high-value cymbal for players who need quality bronze sound on a budget. It is a significant step up from basic brass starter cymbals.
How does the size affect the pitch?: At 8 inches, this is one of the smaller splash sizes available. This results in a higher pitch compared to 10-inch or 12-inch splashes.
Is the Paiste PST 5 N 8 Splash durable?: Yes, Paiste is known for high manufacturing standards. However, because splashes are thin, they should be played with a glancing blow rather than direct force.
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?: According to the manufacturer, it is ideal for all musical styles and genres. It is particularly effective for accenting grooves in pop, rock, and funk.