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Average Price: $191

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Description

Experience a symphony of sound with the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride, a cymbal that strikes the perfect balance between clarity and warmth. Designed for drummers who demand versatility, this cymbal effortlessly blends a clear ping with a shimmering wash, making it an excellent choice for a multitude of musical genres. Whether you're playing in a rock band or a jazz ensemble, the Alpha Full Ride provides a medium, bright tone that cuts through the mix with precision.

Since its inception in 1992, the Alpha series has become synonymous with reliability and outstanding performance. Paiste's commitment to innovation is evident in the way they have perfected the fusion of Swiss hand craftsmanship with modern German manufacturing techniques. Each cymbal is crafted using high-tech processes and then enhanced with traditional hand hammering, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency.

The updated Alpha series is a testament to Paiste's dedication to meeting the ever-evolving needs of today's musicians. With a wide range of models and sizes available, these cymbals offer a rich palette of sounds that cater to diverse musical styles. Despite the advancements in technology and craftsmanship, the Alpha series remains accessible to drummers of all levels, maintaining its reputation for delivering premium sound at a fair price.

Key Features:

  • Full, medium, bright, and warm sound
  • Medium range with a clean mix
  • Even, balanced feel with a clear ping and shimmering wash
  • Crafted using a combination of high-tech processes and traditional hand hammering
  • Suitable for a wide range of musical genres and applications

Product specs

Brand Paiste
Model 20" Alpha Full Ride Cymbal
Finish Traditional, Traditional
Year 1992 - 2006
Made In Switzerland
Categories Ride Cymbals
Diameter 20"

FAQs

What type of music styles is the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride best suited for?

The Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride is versatile, making it suitable for a variety of music styles, from rock to jazz. Its medium weight and lively intensity provide a balanced sound that can penetrate through mixes, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.

How would you describe the sound characteristics of the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride?

The Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride offers a pronounced stick sound with a balanced tone. It features a medium-long sustain and a relatively integrated bell character, delivering a lively and dynamic sound that stands out in any musical setting.

Is the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride cymbal suitable for loud environments?

Yes, the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride is designed to perform well in medium to fairly loud environments. Its lively intensity and dynamic volume capabilities make it an excellent choice for settings where the cymbal needs to cut through the mix.

What material is the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride made from?

The Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride is crafted from CuSn8 bronze, the same alloy used in the renowned 2002 series. This composition of 92% copper and 8% tin contributes to its bright, crisp sound with strong penetration.

How does the bell character of the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride affect its performance?

The bell of the Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride is relatively integrated, offering a balanced and cohesive sound that blends well with the overall cymbal tone. This feature enhances its versatility across various musical genres.

Timmy G

Timmy G

Paiste Alpha 20'' Full Ride sound test

Video thumbnail for Paiste Alpha 20'' Full Ride sound test by Timmy G

Paiste Alpha 20'' Full Ride sound test

Timmy G

Timmy G

Video thumbnail for HD VIDEO & SOUND  20" Paiste ALPHA FULL RIDE cymbal made in Switzerland by SIC MIC

HD VIDEO & SOUND 20" Paiste ALPHA FULL RIDE cymbal made in Switzerland

SIC MIC

SIC MIC

Video thumbnail for MW-Vintage.pl - Paiste Alpha Full Ride 20" 90s 4K by MW-Vintage

MW-Vintage.pl - Paiste Alpha Full Ride 20" 90s 4K

MW-Vintage

MW-Vintage

Video thumbnail for Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride (Used) - 2267g by Slagverket

Paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride (Used) - 2267g

Slagverket

Slagverket

Video thumbnail for Paiste Alpha Cymbals 20" Full Ride 18" Swiss Crash Thin 14/18 Trash Set 16" Medium 14 Hats 10 Splash by SIC MIC

Paiste Alpha Cymbals 20" Full Ride 18" Swiss Crash Thin 14/18 Trash Set 16" Medium 14 Hats 10 Splash

SIC MIC

SIC MIC

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about paiste 20" Alpha Full Ride.

Comparisons

  • The Alpha is noted for its loud and cutting sound, ideal for hard rock and metal, whereas the PST7 is akin to a cheaper Paiste 2002 for a more versatile tone.

    Source
  • Multiple users note that Paiste cymbals, including the Alpha series, maintain a consistent sound across their lines, unlike Zildjian, which can vary significantly between models.

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Value and pricing

  • In Portugal, the Alpha and PST7 are both priced at approximately 120€, with limited used market options leading to higher prices due to import taxes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Alphas are praised for their suitability in technical metal, used by artists like Marco Pitruzella, while PST7 is better for those seeking a versatile ride on a budget.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Alpha series' ability to sit above the mix without being louder, making it suitable for live metal performances without additional EQ adjustments.

    Source
  • The Paiste Alpha Full Ride is praised for its suitability in cutting through metal mixes, with its clear sustain fitting well into live settings without overpowering.

    Source

User experience

  • The Alpha series is reported to have more ping and sustain compared to the entry-level PST line, making it a preferred choice for more aggressive music styles.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Alpha's consistent sound, making it easy to replace a cracked cymbal with an identical sound, unlike other brands where variability is common.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Meinl Classics Medium Ride is described as bright with long sustain, using a B10 alloy, making it similar to A Customs but with distinct tonal characteristics.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that B8 alloy, used in Paiste cymbals, provides durability, with some users reporting they haven't broken any Paiste cymbals, even the cheaper lines.

    Source

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