**Paiste 900 Hi-Hat review**

Paiste ‘Dark’ Heavy Hi-Hat 14” 900 Series

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Tl;dr - It’s really really solid.

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This is just a short review for any drummers/percussionists out there looking for something new to beat on:

I purchased this hi-hat through Musicians Friend as I could not find a viable way to order from Paiste directly. (I use direct order companies whenever possible for various reasons but, mainly to see the quality any given to organization operates under - I like good service)
However, I found that they had a great app for Apple (not sure about Android) with lots of great content specifically for the drumming community. (You should totally go check it out and delete it if it’s not your thing!)
On to the review..

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I run a midrange recording studio (2002 - present) as well as play bass (1998 - present) in an alt-rock band.

From a producers point of view -
Recording with a Shure DMK57 standard instrument mic -

(Photograph:©️Sweetwater Sound, Inc.)

-the Paiste 900 Heavy 14” hat comes in thick and aggressive with no EQing.

•It has a slightly dark closed attack.
•A (nice) massive slosh sound (2/3rds” open)
•Great sustain when open wide.

After EQing: (scoop lows/scoop mid-lows/ bump mid-highs a little) I love the solid tone I’m getting with no ‘modeling’ necessary. It’s bright, crisp, clear and sits right in the pocket while maintaining great presence.

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...and from a musicians point of view -

The rehearsal space is about 28’ x 13’
Three piece (Gt./Vox, Bass, Drums) at performance volume - Mic’d kick drum only.
[My drummer is pretty much a super badass so he put the Paiste 900 through its paces.]
It easily cut through the length of the room (about 15’ away and through a guitar and bass stack respectively).

It managed to to blend in with several styles of music (rock, jazz, funk, metal..the drummer truly is a beast when he lights up.)
I had no issues with volumes, as it functioned perfectly fine with jazz levels and blown out rock.

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It looks to be a very sturdy cast -
One of the qualities I was in search of was durability: Running a studio, I have all manner of skill level that sit behind the kit and there’s always more bad than good!
Time will tell.

Of course the other thing that any drummer is always looking for is price point!
While I won’t state it here (a quick google search will do), the price point is fair.
Consider it an investment in yourself!
I bought the top and bottom hats/cymbals but, they are (like most sets) available to purchase separately. So if your top hat is cracked, just buy a new top cymbal.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this hi-hat - and I’ve been through a few.
-Cheers
Luciferrin (2018)

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That about covers it...here’s a great (abbreviated) timeline of the company - a cool short read.

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The Paiste History

The Paiste Sound Story begins at the turn of the century.

•   About Us
  

http://www.paiste.com/