Paiste 502 18" China

$110.00 Price Tier: Budget

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 5, 2026.

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Price

$110.00 1 available Used

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Average Price: $110

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the China Cymbals category, Paiste 502 18" China is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Designed for drummers who crave explosive sound and unique tonal character, the Paiste 502 18" China cymbal offers a distinctly sharp and trashy voice that cuts through any mix. Originally part of the popular 502 series, this China cymbal is crafted from a special CuSn8 bronze alloy, known for its durability and tonal warmth, making it ideal for both studio recordings and live performances.

Musicians appreciate its fast response and the aggressive, sudden decay that brings an edge to a variety of musical styles, from rock and metal to more nuanced world music. The cymbal’s design provides a blend of raw, dark tones with a crisp, bright finish—perfect for adding bold accents and dynamic contrast to your drumming.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring percussionist, the Paiste 502 18" China is a reliable choice that enhances your kit with its versatile and energetic sound.

Key Features:

Made from high-quality CuSn8 bronze alloy for enhanced durability
Sharp, trashy sound with a fast decay, ideal for dynamic musical styles
Versatile for both live performances and studio recordings
Offers a blend of raw, dark tones with a bright finish

Product specs

Brand	Paiste
Model	18" 502 China Cymbal
Finish	Traditional, Traditional
Year	1993 - 2003
Made In	Switzerland
Categories	Splash, China, and Effects Cymbals
Diameter	18"

FAQs

What is the Paiste 502 18" China cymbal made of?: The Paiste 502 18" China cymbal is made from CuSn8 bronze, which provides a professional sound and appearance at a more affordable price point.
What kind of sound can I expect from the Paiste 502 18" China cymbal?: The Paiste 502 18" China cymbal offers a bright, explosive sound with a quick decay, making it ideal for accents in a variety of music styles, particularly rock and metal.
Is the Paiste 502 18" China cymbal suitable for beginner drummers?: Yes, the Paiste 502 18" China cymbal is suitable for beginners due to its affordability and quality sound, providing an excellent introduction to effect cymbals.
How is a China cymbal typically mounted on a drum kit?: A China cymbal is usually mounted upside down on a cymbal stand, which allows it to be easily struck and enhances its distinctive sound.
What is the diameter of the Paiste 502 18" China cymbal?: The Paiste 502 18" China cymbal has a diameter of 18 inches, providing a substantial presence in a drum kit setup.

Videos

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idrummist

18" Paiste 502 China Cymbal Demo

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Paiste 502 china 18"

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Paiste 502 + plus 18 inch china cymbal

Brizen Reviews

PAISTE 502 china 18

Giuliano Zuliani

BASIC CHINA | Paiste 502+ 18"China Cymbal | No chatting!

Brizen Reviews

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Paiste 502 18" China.

User experience

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An 18" Paiste 502 China has been used for 15 years, suggesting durability for normal to heavy use.
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Owners report that Paiste's customer service is efficient, providing immediate assistance without lengthy automated menus.
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Some owners report that Paiste cymbals, including the 502 series, can suffer from cracking within six months, particularly with heavy use in rock or metal genres.
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Owners of Paiste 502 and other lines appreciate the cymbals' ability to record well, noting a lack of excessive overtones for clear sound capture.
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Comparisons

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A user prefers the 18" Paiste 502 over the Wuhan China for longevity, despite Wuhan's popularity for its trashy sound and affordable price.
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The Paiste 2002 line is equated to Zildjian A or Sabian AA, yet recommended in larger sizes, like opting for an 18" instead of a 16".
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The Paiste 502 China is considered more durable than entry-level Wuhans but lacks the same level of trashy sound, appealing to those prioritizing longevity.
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Use cases and applications

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The Paiste 502 fits well in metalcore/prog hardcore settings, offering reliable performance over extended periods.
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2002 cymbals are appreciated for their ability to cut through in classic rock settings due to fewer overtones and a solid initial hit.
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The 2002 series is favored for its classic rock sound, offering low pitch yet responsive crashes, suitable for larger venue setups without excessive overtones.
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Paiste cymbals, like the 502 China, are praised for cutting through mixes, making them suitable for live performances in loud band settings.
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Build quality

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Paiste cymbals are known for their consistent sound production across units, meaning an 18" 2002 crash will sound similar whether bought online or in-store.
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The consistency and quality across Paiste cymbal lines, such as 2002 and 502, are highlighted, with the B8 alloy providing a unique, bright sound.
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Features and functionality

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Paiste's ability to craft high-quality cymbals from "cheaper" B8 alloy results in a unique glassy and crisp sound, distinct from other brands using B20.
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