WHAT SOUND TO LOOK FOR

If you want to get closer to the vintage Paiste, you should ideally look for medium weight cymbals, with traditional/classic lathing. The sound you should be looking for is warm, with a decent amount of overtones but not excessively washy. Hand-hammered or machined does not make a huge difference here, hence the hammering should not be excessive to let the cymbal sound clear. (the more aggressive the hammering, the washier and less sustain).

Paiste nailed everything B8 alloy cymbals. Most of the people heavily dislike B8 for it’s harsh, “cheap” and too crisp sound, however, Paiste’s CuSn8 alloy perform extremely well in the studio as well as live, providing a warm, pleasant sound, with a gentle brightness and not too many overtones. Many professionals, famous artists use and trust Paiste’s B8 alloy, including Nick. In my honest opinion, a completely different sound than the usual B8 you can find in the market and the most “tone matched” you will get for these specific requirements.

CYMBAL CHOICE OPTIONS

Too bright cymbals like most of the Sabian offering, unfortunately, will give you too much attack, cutting the mix way too much. In other words, the big strength that Sabian has with their “clean sound”, will end up not helping you to get that warm, thick and vintage sound.

Istanbul Agop will also tend to be too washy, with lack of definition in this case, making the cymbal sound too dark and muddy. Ride wise especially, would destroy the bright definition that old Paiste had.

For Nick’s tone, there are not many options that get really close to the original sound. Of course, you can use Paiste, which is ultimately the original alloy sound and my most recommended. However, if you chase the older 70’s dated Paiste is often not easy to obtain, expensive or a delicate matter for metal fatigue if you are touring/gigging very often. The original list of equipment that Nick used in different eras you can find it in Nick Mason Gear. (highly recommended to give it a read)

WYWH Sessions, Photo of Jill Furmanovsky

Traditionally, Nick used a 15″ HiHat, two 18″ crash, 20″ ride, 24″ ride configuration for Pompeii, he used 602 and giant beats, later replacing and mixing them with 2002 as well. I will base my research on the availability and pitch/tone of these. Fortunately, both of these series are still available, so it’s easy to find them second hand for a decent price, or new to your nearest drum shop.

The modern options currently offered in the market:

Paiste PST7

Mid-range option for the classic 2002 alloy sound. This set is a great alternative for those who are a bit on a budget, the sound does not disappoint. These provide a warm sound, a bit less bright than the 2002 and also thinner in weight (a bit less loud as well).

Paiste 2002

Classic, unmistakable sound. 2002 alloy (B8). You can’t go wrong with these. They are great for all eras of Floyd. I like to call them the characteristic Paiste sound. Nick used this serie as well. They are brighter than the 602 or giant beat, but it provides great performance in the mix.

Paiste Giant Beat

B20 alloy, Paiste originally discontinued them and reissued them again. The original do no sound the same. It features a strong bell sound, washier and bigger sound. Together with the 602, it will give you the nearest sound to the original.

Paiste 602 Formula

B20 alloy cymbals, one of the oldest generation of Paiste, giving you the true vintage feel and sound. Warm, defined and medium weighted.

Meinl Pure Alloy

Nearest to the 602, these Meinl Pure alloy provide a great value for the price. The lathing is very similar, medium weights, warm and gently bright. The nearest sound you will find that is not Paiste. Pure alloys are B12 but I believe this could be B20 instead, as Meinl does not list its alloy, I could find only reviews online telling about the alloy mix therefore unofficial.



Zildjian Avedis medium

These will definitively get you close as well. While they are not as bright as Paiste, they still provide a great vintage tone, great definition and warm sound, clean.

K Dark, K Custom Session crashes and hihat

These could also be good alternatives, but don’t get tricked, the alloy and most of the lathing is different, so you will get by definition less warmth and more overtones. Every brand has their own “version” and “interpretation” of cymbal alloys. Ride wise, definitively not near. These are a lot darker already, and their “ping” is a lot washier and less defined.

My choice

I personally am a big ambassador for Meinl products in my other projects, I’m very happy with their customer support, their team has been very helpful and kind to me, that’s a huge plus. I always value service more than the product itself. For the Floyd Heritage Live project, I will be using the big set of Meinl Pure Alloy. Sizes: 15″ HH, 18″ Crash, 20″ crash, 22″ Ride. I don’t deny I could last moment change my mind for a set of Paiste 602/giant beat/2002 combo. Truth is, both of these options are extremely good, and with nowaday’s mix is very easy to tweak for perfection.

We will retouch this topic later this year, I will definitively provide you with sound samples as well as an in-depth review and, of course, a video comparing different options with some background story.