What is the primary sound characteristic of the Paiste PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash?

It delivers an exotic, 'trashy' sound that sits between a traditional crash and a china cymbal. This is achieved through a specific hole-pattern design that alters the cymbal's vibration.

How does the 'Medium' weight affect the performance of this cymbal?

The medium weight provides the musician with more volume and added attack compared to thinner effect cymbals. This makes it better suited for players who need their effects to project through loud stage volumes.

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

The typical price range for the Paiste PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash is approximately GBP 157. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock availability.

Is this cymbal suitable for quiet practice?

While it can be played softly, it is designed for projection and volume. For dedicated low-volume practice, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack are generally more appropriate.

How does the size of this cymbal impact its tone?

At 20 inches, this is a large crash cymbal, which gives it a deeper tone and more presence than smaller versions. The large surface area combined with the 'Swiss' holes creates a broad, explosive wash.

Can the PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash be used as a ride cymbal?

It is primarily designed as a crash; however, its medium weight allows for some rhythmic definition. Unlike a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21, it will wash out quickly due to the perforations.

What genres of music best suit this cymbal?

It is ideal for rock, metal, pop, and electronic music where a powerful, exotic accent is needed. Its excellent projection makes it particularly useful for live performances in larger venues.

How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?

The Giant Beat series, such as the 14" Hi-Hats, focuses on a classic, warm, and 'silky' vintage sound. In contrast, the PSTX Swiss Medium Crash is designed for a modern, aggressive, and dirty effect sound.

Does the hole pattern make the cymbal more fragile?

While holes can theoretically create stress points, Paiste engineers these cymbals to withstand professional use. The medium-weight construction adds durability compared to ultra-thin perforated cymbals.

How does it differ from a standard 20-inch crash?

A standard crash has a solid surface and long sustain. The PSTX version uses holes to create a shorter, trashier decay and a more complex, noise-like frequency response.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is a versatile effect cymbal that can enhance any kit. Its price point and durable construction make it accessible for intermediate players looking to expand their sound palette.

How does the attack of this cymbal compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

The UFIP Bionic series is known for a very powerful, traditional bronze bite. The PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash provides a similarly strong attack but with a much 'dirtier' and more exotic tonal character.

Gear article

Paiste PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash Cymbal

The Paiste PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash is a specialist effect cymbal designed to provide an exotic, trashy sound profile with enhanced projection. Constructed from a medium-weight alloy, it distinguishes itself from standard thin crashes by offering increased volume and a sharper attack suitable for louder musical environments.

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Background and Design

The PSTX series represents Paiste's dedicated line of effect cymbals, designed to meet the modern demand for 'dirty' or 'trashy' sonic textures. The 20" Swiss Medium Crash is a core component of this range, featuring the distinctive 'Swiss' hole pattern. These perforations are strategically placed across the surface to disrupt the vibration of the metal, resulting in a shorter decay and a frequency response that sits between a traditional crash and a china cymbal.

Technical Characteristics

Unlike many effect cymbals that prioritise thinness for quick response, the PSTX Swiss Medium Crash utilizes a medium-weight construction. This weight provides several functional advantages:

Volume: The increased mass allows the cymbal to compete with high-gain guitars and loud acoustic drums.
Attack: The initial strike is more pronounced, ensuring the 'trashy' character is heard immediately.
Projection: The design is specifically engineered to carry across larger stages, preventing the sound from being lost in the mix.

Sonic Profile

The sound of the 20" Swiss Medium Crash is described as exotic and aggressive. Because of its 20-inch diameter, it possesses a deeper fundamental pitch than smaller effect cymbals, but the perforation ensures it retains the white-noise wash characteristic of the PSTX line. It delivers a sharp, explosive burst of sound that decays relatively quickly, making it useful for punctuating specific rhythmic accents without the lingering sustain of a traditional 20-inch crash.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to high-end dry cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Paiste PSTX is generally more focused on projection and high-frequency 'cut' rather than earthy, dark complexity. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the PSTX offers a more refined, professional-grade effect sound. While cymbals such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash provide a more nuanced, jazz-oriented response, the Paiste Swiss Medium Crash is firmly rooted in modern pop, rock, and electronic applications where clarity and power are paramount.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Paiste PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash?: It delivers an exotic, 'trashy' sound that sits between a traditional crash and a china cymbal. This is achieved through a specific hole-pattern design that alters the cymbal's vibration.
How does the 'Medium' weight affect the performance of this cymbal?: The medium weight provides the musician with more volume and added attack compared to thinner effect cymbals. This makes it better suited for players who need their effects to project through loud stage volumes.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for the Paiste PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash is approximately GBP 157. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock availability.
Is this cymbal suitable for quiet practice?: While it can be played softly, it is designed for projection and volume. For dedicated low-volume practice, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack are generally more appropriate.
How does the size of this cymbal impact its tone?: At 20 inches, this is a large crash cymbal, which gives it a deeper tone and more presence than smaller versions. The large surface area combined with the 'Swiss' holes creates a broad, explosive wash.
Can the PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash be used as a ride cymbal?: It is primarily designed as a crash; however, its medium weight allows for some rhythmic definition. Unlike a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21, it will wash out quickly due to the perforations.
What genres of music best suit this cymbal?: It is ideal for rock, metal, pop, and electronic music where a powerful, exotic accent is needed. Its excellent projection makes it particularly useful for live performances in larger venues.
How does it compare to the Paiste Giant Beat series?: The Giant Beat series, such as the 14" Hi-Hats, focuses on a classic, warm, and 'silky' vintage sound. In contrast, the PSTX Swiss Medium Crash is designed for a modern, aggressive, and dirty effect sound.
Does the hole pattern make the cymbal more fragile?: While holes can theoretically create stress points, Paiste engineers these cymbals to withstand professional use. The medium-weight construction adds durability compared to ultra-thin perforated cymbals.
How does it differ from a standard 20-inch crash?: A standard crash has a solid surface and long sustain. The PSTX version uses holes to create a shorter, trashier decay and a more complex, noise-like frequency response.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is a versatile effect cymbal that can enhance any kit. Its price point and durable construction make it accessible for intermediate players looking to expand their sound palette.
How does the attack of this cymbal compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: The UFIP Bionic series is known for a very powerful, traditional bronze bite. The PSTX 20" Swiss Medium Crash provides a similarly strong attack but with a much 'dirtier' and more exotic tonal character.