Paiste 18″ Signature Reflector Heavy Full Crash Cymbal

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 (see the photo below), 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). However, the cymbal is also polished (this involves an abrasive) that gives it the “Reflector” name. You can see this fine lathing on the bell as well.

The hammering is also very evenly spaced, suggesting that it is done by machine. I want to make it clear that whether the lathing and hammering are performed by hand or CNC machining, this does not imply that one is better than the other. It is simply the style that a particular cymbal is produced. Machine hammering usually produces a brighter sound, while hand hammering results in more of a dark tonality. Hand hammering also results in more variation in sound between cymbals of the exact same model and size. The purpose of hammering is to make the tension between the hammered locations and un-hammered locations uneven, which gives the cymbal its distinct sound. Lathing is used to remove oxidation and other impurities from the surface, but also to create a desired thickness from bell to edge, usually tapered. Obviously, lathing will affect the sound because the thickness is altered.

Using the words “heavy” and “full” are a bit confusing, especially since they also have a “power” crash. There needs to be more explanation of the differences on their website. Of course, they have sound clips of each type, so perhaps that is sufficient.

But, the bottom line is not in the wording, it is in the sound, and this cymbal has a beautiful sustained crash that has peaks at 500 Hz and 4 kHz, and extends to 12 kHz before declining to 50 kHz. The sound level peaks at 0.2 seconds and does not decay as quickly as some other crashes.

It is not as physically heavy as the name would imply, but it has a bright sound that is typical of heavy cymbals. It’s a smooth sounding crash too without loud overtones that mask the wash. This smooth sound rather than a piercingly bright sound would make the cymbal suitable for general use in rock bands. It is a bit too heavy for jazz, and I would say, a bit too light for metal. I would use it for playing conventional rock in any size venue. It crashes very easily, compared to “Rock” or “Metal” cymbals that require a hard strike with the drumstick to get them to deliver their full crash sound. It would pair nicely with the Paiste 18″ 2002 crash.

The B15 alloy was developed and patented by Paiste, so I imagine that is why they call it their Signature line. They certainly do sound terrific.

Click to HERE to listen to an audio sample, which will include crash (when appropriate), ride, and bell sounds (these are 24 bit, 176.4 kHz wav files, so be sure your sound card is capable of handling these high resolution sound files).

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