Paiste 900 Cymbals...

[Jules]

Several years ago I was buying virtually everything that caught my eye. I had a boatload of Paiste cymbals and the idea was to have 6 full rigs of varying values and sizes for any conceivable gig. Looking back I know how silly it was, but as the time, I had the means and loved trying gear.

I remember watching a video on DCP's YouTube channel. The 900 Series had a gritty sound that contrasted all the other things I had, so I ordered them. Bear in mind that these are a bit pricier than PST7's.

When they came in I played them on the church rig for a few weeks, didn't really connect with them. They ended up in a cased ultimately I donated them to the church.

Last Sunday and this coming Sunday I a m playing at a church that is not my church home, and am using my home church's rig, including the 900 cymbals.

I am playing on hardwood floors, as opposed to a carpeted choir loft in my home church. Across the board; the hi hats are adequate but a little heavy for my taste. The crashes are too heavy to open with lighter sticking. I have grown to like the more responsive, thinner cymbals over the years and these are a little lacking in the dynamics I would prefer for the venue. Last and certainly least is the ride cymbal. Very likely the worst cymbal I have ever regularly gigged with. Very washy, lots of build up and seems to be a total lack of a 'sweet spot'. The hardwood floors are so reflective, that I am not even using the ride while visiting this church. It's just there because I have nowhere better to put it before I load out Sunday evening.

I had a similar experience with Meinl Pure Alloy cymbals. They sounded great in videos, but they are stiff and slightly harsh on the fly.

[Scott_M]

Of the Paiste stuff I've heard/played in person, I would have to say I liked the 900 series the least. Not because it was unpleasant or "cheap", but I also tend toward thinner, more expressive cymbals and rides that don't build up an overpowering amount of wash.

That said, if I was a heavier/louder player (more Metal/Hard Rock type), I could see them doing well for the sound, especially with a heavier ride. Same as with the Rude series.

[Hazelwood7]

I played the new version of the 900 and was no impressed. In the 80’s I also did like the color sounds ether which is the same alloy.

Jules, I need to get my dark crisp hi hats back. Saw your Gretsch video and I need to buy them back. I have medium and sound edge hi hats. The dark crisp was my favorite. I love Paiste and have many sig models from the originals to the dark energies. I wish I kept the traditional cymbals as they are amazing! I had a set and love my 2002’s.

[Scott_M]

I played the new version of the 900 and was no impressed. In the 80’s I also did like the color sounds ether which is the same alloy.

According to Paiste, they're the same B8 alloy that the PST7's, 2002's, Big Beats, Giant Beats, and RUDSE series are... Am I missing something..?