PAISTE 20" Signature Dark Energy MKII Ride

Paiste Signature builds on the success of the 602 and 2002 series and offers precision professional cymbals for which Paiste has developed an all-new bronze alloy with premium properties, patented under the brand name "Proprietary Signature Bronze". The Signature Series cymbals are individually cast and hand-finished by Paiste's skilled craftsmen, undergoing a meticulous handcrafting process from start to finish to culminate in a musical instrument with the potential to satisfy even the most demanding musicians. Each of the Signature cymbals is an original musical instrument, and Paiste confirms this demanding "non-serial" character of the models with a specific logo - on the surface of the Signature cymbals we find the Paiste logo printed in the form of a handwritten signature.

Signature "Dark Energy" are the latest offshoot of the Signature series (2004), which can be said with a clear conscience to take the best from both the original, widest Signature series, introduced in 1989, and the jazzier, premium vintage Signature "Traditionals" series, introduced in 1996.

The sound of the Paiste Signature Dark Energy has been described as very musical, deliciously dark, multi-layered, warm and driving. These cymbals are both aggressive and highly elegant and are characterized by a particular emphasis on controllability, dynamics, maximum balance of response with perfect projection and playing comfort. They are highly suitable for the studio (they have achieved legendary status among sound engineers), but are also great for live playing. Their volume range goes from a quiet level to medium loud.

In addition to the aforementioned jazz (both classical and modern), the Paiste Signature Dark Energy will find their place of honour in styles such as funk, blues, swing, country, reggae, Latin, R&B, soul, but also in more soulful pop and rock. It is also well suited for big bands and ethnic, acoustic or vocal-oriented music, as well as for percussion playing, whether with mallets or timpani sticks, broomsticks or hands. Thanks to their precise dynamic properties, they can also be used for escalating dramatic accentuation.

Practice has proven that the real-world applicability of Signature Dark Energy cymbals is much broader than the manufacturer anticipated (Paiste Signature Dark Energy cymbals, thanks to their qualities, richly exceed their own intended use, when, for example, the precise projection and darkly tinged full sound characteristic find application even in the hardest metal). This versatility is further demonstrated by the following list of selected users: David Palmer (Rod Stewart), Alfonzo Andre (Jaguares), Svend Lerche (The Daylights), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth), Abe Laboriel Jr. (Paul McCartney), Mark Chipello (Tyrone Wells), Andrew Atkinson (Gregory Porter, Ski Beatz, Oz Noy), Marcel Bach (Electric Noise Project, Strand), Ketan Bhatti (Bushido, Cyminology), Alex Bhore (This Will Destroy You), Lars Broddesson (Marduk, No Tomorrow), Bill Bruford (Earthworks, King Crimson), Jacky Coppens (Abbey Road, Self Control), Johnny Dee (Doro), Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow), Seth Faulk (The Nightmare River Band, Cara Salimando, Jay Stolar), JJ Flueck (Greis, Lounge 3, Godessa, James Brown Tribute Show, JJ's House Band), Rafael Gayol (Leonard Cohen), Munyungo Jackson (Stevie Wonder, Diane Reeves), David Pätsch (Blue Man Group, Letzte Instanz, Playmobeat), Bram Raeymaekers (Hadise, Ketnetband, Soulbrothers, ClassicalRock) Kenny Soule (Go There, Dag), Sander Zoer (Delain)...

Technical parameters:

Signature Dark Energy Ride Mark II 20" - A fusion of darkness, energy, projection and brilliance. Very wide range, complex, musical tonal mix. Supple cymbal, extremely controllable. A woody, sparkly "clink" over a crunchy, florid splash. Extremely versatile, flexible ride for a variety of uses in modern musical styles. The "Mark II" mark indicates a tendency towards a somewhat livelier, brighter and louder sound (compared to the "Mark I"), both in the overall sound of the cymbal and in the character of the bello.