Paiste Introduces Reflector Cymbals

Apr 04, 2004

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Paiste first pioneered the production process featured in their Reflector Cymbals back in the 1980's. Unlike modern high speed buffing methods, Paiste Reflector Cymbals employ a proprietary surface treatment technique that generates a smooth, luminous, shimmering finish - without producing high levels of heat, which can substantially alter the temper of the metal and muffle the cymbal sound.

Those drummers looking for a visually striking way to max-out their sound will discover a whole new range of creative possibilities in Paiste Reflector Cymbals. Lighting techs can achieve a wide range of different visual effects with Paiste Reflector Cymbals. Even under ordinary lighting, the radiant aura of Paiste Reflector Cymbals is visually compelling, and when their mirror-like reflective qualities are enhanced with various shades of colors and different styles of illumination, there are no limits to how they can be made to glisten and glow.

However, Paiste Reflector Cymbals are not just for show. Paiste has started by choosing from the vast range of sounds in their Signature and Dimensions Series, and crafted a corresponding counterpart for selected handcrafted model with a Reflector finish. These are cymbals that benefit from the sonic effect of the Reflector surface treatment and which represent an all-around cross section of popular cymbal types and sizes.

Signature Reflector and Dimensions Reflector cymbals are hand crafted by Paiste's master artisans and cymbal-smiths in Switzerland, employing traditional hand crafting techniques that the Paiste family has perfected over the past half century.

The sonic timbre and color of these instruments is somewhat lower, which makes the cymbals feel a bit darker.

The frequency range is wider due to the lower pitch of the fundamental note and higher overtones at the upper end of the frequency spectrum.

The frequency mix is cooler and cleaner, as the high, middle and lower frequencies are more distinctly layered, due to the less dominant character of the middle layer - the "voice" of the cymbal.

The stick sound and bell character tend to be slightly more distinct and separated, while the Hi-Hat chick sound tends to be a bit softer, warmer and more compact.

The duration of the cymbal's sustain is relatively similar, but the midrange frequencies fade faster.

The overall feel is substantially the same, but Crashes and Chinas tend to feel a bit softer and more controllable.

Weight, volume range, transient response and dynamic intensity are virtually identical.

Dimensions Reflector Family:

Power China (18")

Thin Heavy Hi-Hat (14")

Deep Full Ride (20" - 22")

Medium Heavy Crash (16" - 17" - 18")

Signature Reflector Family:

Dry Ride (20")

Thin China (18")

Power Ride (22")