John E. Johnson, Jr.

Meinl 16″ Generation X Filter China Cymbal

John E. Johnson, Jr.

Cymbals date back thousands of years, and Asia was part of that history. However, their extensive use in music really did not get going until the 17th century AD, and even then, they had a hard time, with composers leaving them out of their music. In the 20th century, their use exploded with the advent of swing in the 1930's, bebop in the 1940's, which then developed into jazz in the 1950's. And, of course, modern classical music uses cymbals extensively. Many of the cymbal companies that exisit today opened their doors for business in the 20th century, Meinl being one of them (1951). What is called the Chinese Cymbal that is used in jazz and rock music today started out with Zildjian developing one for Gene Krupa, and which was called a "Swish" or "Pang". Now, they are all pretty much just called Chinese cymbals. Although they can be very large, this particular one is only 16" in diameter.

Cymbals

Meinl 19″ MB8 Medium Crash Cymbal

John E. Johnson, Jr.

The Meinl MB8 series employs a high copper content, and has a bright, modern sound. The crashes come in medium and heavy. Their sound delivers the corresponding SPLs. Although they are less expensive than some of the other models, they do not give up anything in sound quality, but in fact, have a distinct tonality all their own, which will cut through the rest of the band in any setting.

Cymbals

Paiste 18″ Giant Beat Multi-Functional (Crash) Cymbal

John E. Johnson, Jr.

Paiste's Giant Beat line is quite different than their other cymbals. The Giant Beat's color for one thing. I thought at first they look like they have quite a bit of silver in them, at least the 18" version that I tested, but over a few months, the silvery finish began to turn into a patina, with the more expected coppery color showing through. So, I suspect there may be a thin nickel coating. This possibly gives the cymbal a bright sound, almost bell-like, but without making you want to cover your ears. They are in the medium-thin category and vary by diameter, and are categorized as "Multi-Functional", which means you can use them as a ride or a crash. I would classify this one primarily as a crash cymbal.

Cymbals

Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 2 Subwoofer

John E. Johnson, Jr.

Paradigm, renown manufacturer of most catagories of A/V products, has released their latest subwoofer line, called the SUB 1 and SUB 2. These two subwoofers are part of their Reference Signature line of speakers and subs. Both are hexagonal in shape, with six drivers (8" in the SUB 1 and 10" in the SUB 2), having two drivers arranged vertically on three of the six sides, alternating sides with drivers and sides without drivers. They are sealed enclosures, and both have amplifiers with power heretofore not seen in any subwoofers. The amplifier can be powered by 120 V AC or 240 V AC. At 120 V, the amplifier outputs 3,000 watts RMS, and at 240 V, it will output a whopping 4,500 watts RMS and 9,000 watts peak. The SUB 2, which is reviewed here, weighs 230 pounds. Its performance is truly magnificent, with a price tag worthy of its design: $8,999 for Cherry or Black Ash finishes, and $9,499 for the Piano Black Premium finish.

Subwoofers

Meinl 22″ MB20 Heavy Bell Ride Cymbal

John E. Johnson, Jr.

Meinl, whose home base is in Germany, produces some excellent cymbals. Most of them are forged in Germany, but some, such as the MB20, are forged in Turkey and then finished in Germany. This MB20 Heavy Bell Ride cymbal produces some mean pings that will be heard above all the amp stacks and the crowd noise. It has a gorgeous tonality that will make its drummer's smile as bright as the cymbal itself.

Cymbals

Paiste 18″ Signature Reflector Heavy Full Crash Cymbal

John E. Johnson, Jr.

Paiste has several styles in their Signature line. This one is an 18" Reflector Heavy Full Crash in their Signature line. I imagine it is called "Reflector" rather than "Brilliant" in terms of the finish because the lathing lines are very fine and very evenly spaced, indicating that the lathing was done by CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machining which results in more of a mirror (reflection) surface than simply being shiny (brilliant).

Cymbals