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brady
Platinum Member
Came here to jump on the bandwagon. I don't personally own any Alphas but they are a great budget series. The flat ride from that series is actually a very pretty cymbal.
The Alpha series is made from CuSn8 bronze, the same alloy as the 2002 series. They aren't quite 2002 sound but they are still a very decent cymbal.
I don't have much experience with them but I have heard the earlier ones made in Switzerland are superior to the later ones made in Germany before they discontinued the series.
The Alpha series is made from CuSn8 bronze, the same alloy as the 2002 series. They aren't quite 2002 sound but they are still a very decent cymbal.
I don't have much experience with them but I have heard the earlier ones made in Switzerland are superior to the later ones made in Germany before they discontinued the series.
Claymorexz
Junior Member
I've only heard good things of the Alphas for the price to be honest. I think the modern equivalent to them is PST7/PST8, but they had way more variety from what I've seen. 101... they are brass, so I wouldn't look at them much. And don't know much about the 200, but if I had to choose between any of these, I would go with the Alpha. Bonus points if you can get an Alpha Dry Ride, I once heard one live and it was really really good!
The used 20" Alpha is $100, but a used Paiste 24" 2002 ride is only $320. I already have a Zildjian i 20" ride with 6 rivets and a Meinal HCS 20" ride with 16 rivets for sizzle.. And I lust over the sound of the Paistes, especially the big Paiste. I also have an 18" Meinl with 6 rivets that would be replaced by the 20" so I'd have either two 20" and a 24" or three 20". Any advice?
brady
Platinum Member
Yup! Sell some Zs or Meinls and get BOTH Paistes!
That's a good deal on both of those cymbals. If you think you'll like playing a 24" (and they ARE fun...I own a 24" Giant Beat) grab that one as well. Depending on what you're playing one may be more versatile than the other.
brady
Platinum Member
I think you've mentioned something like that before, that you really focus on the properties of crashes over rides.
I find myself doing the opposite. I can obsess over if a ride is too pingy, too washy, too dark, too bright, what's the best size, etc. But on crashes, as long as they go "crash" and open up easily without any gonginess I'll take it. Ideally at least 18"... I have far fewer rules for crashes than any other cymbal.
I meant that each type of cymbal has different properties that drummers typically look for, and therefore can be judged differently. So a budget ride would likely be more acceptable as a ride, while a crash from that budget line may not be as pleasing.
I moved the Meinnl 18" to the top of the high-hat and really like it. Looks weird but sounds great. The Alpha's price is tempting, but ... the 24" is so tempting since I already have two 20" that I like and I'm not sure I want three. Selling the Meinl might be very difficult or impossible, and I'd be taking a big loss if it sold.
The other consideration is that I've joined a community wind orchestra. I'm playing triangle (bought 4" Treeworks Chimes, 6" Alan Abel Wagner/Mahler, and a 10" Pearl Elite Concert). I also fill in on suspended cymbal on one piece. The band has a Paiste 20" heavy ride for that. We played the first summer concert yesterday and I brought my Zildjian so I could set up and not have to share - in one piece I have only a bar and a half in a fast cut time to make the switch. If I got the 24" 2002 I could use that in concert. Also, when I compared the Zildjian and Meinl to the band's Paiste, the Paiste really overwhelmed me with lust. The 24" would sound so good in concert.
The other consideration is that I've joined a community wind orchestra. I'm playing triangle (bought 4" Treeworks Chimes, 6" Alan Abel Wagner/Mahler, and a 10" Pearl Elite Concert). I also fill in on suspended cymbal on one piece. The band has a Paiste 20" heavy ride for that. We played the first summer concert yesterday and I brought my Zildjian so I could set up and not have to share - in one piece I have only a bar and a half in a fast cut time to make the switch. If I got the 24" 2002 I could use that in concert. Also, when I compared the Zildjian and Meinl to the band's Paiste, the Paiste really overwhelmed me with lust. The 24" would sound so good in concert.
brady
Platinum Member
If the decision is now between the Alpha and the 2002...2002! No contest!!
jda
Diamond Member
f
lower lines strike me as being priced for what Schools would buy
not pro's.
not to be too harsh but if you plan on the rest of your days being an intermediate beginner drummer otherwise could find used Avedis Zildjian cymbals from the 60s and 70s even 80s and 90s like Buddy Rich Ginger Baker Hal Blaine and Max Roach recorded with for comparable money and be that much further ahead
lower lines strike me as being priced for what Schools would buy
not pro's.
The bands other cymbals are Avedis Zildjian and I don't think the sound can compare to the Paiste 20" Heavy Ride. Are you saying that Paiste are a "lower line"? This from the internet: "Paiste is known for its high-quality professional series, such as the 2002, Signature, Formula 602, and Masters series. These lines are crafted from premium alloys and are popular with famous drummers across various genres. ".
And not to be too harsh, but you seem a more than a wee bit eletist. - intermediate beginner - a bit jujdgie are we?. Have you ever watched wind or string orchestras in concert? And someone playing in such on triangle, suspended cymbal, etc. are intermediate beginners? Think you could do it?
As for the rest of my days - I'm 78. I'm happy doing some orchestral work in addition to playing my set against recorded music, with some seasoned elders, and in lounges when possible - soft, easy jazz and soft rock, maybe a bit of country rock. Stuff to get people up and dancing in the first set and romantically slow dancing in the last - hoping fto get lucky. I started doing that when I was 16-18 with a bunch of really old guys - must have been at least 30 or 40. Not nearly as ancient as I am now.
jda
Diamond Member
was going by the lower end of the totem pole lines you mentioned
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Uncle Albert
Active Member
Maybe rich buddy. Profile says western PA. When I was a kid Pittsburgh and surrounding was a huge hotspot for big name jazz. Some clubs owned by big names. Many big names played all the clubs along the one strip. Jazz played in lounges (nice bars with a live band and dance floor) was everywhere. Says he's 68 so should be aware of the Pgh scene. Wonder if he ever played in it.
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Uncle Albert
Active Member
Ha yeah reading his posts you might think he invented it but I haven’t seen or heard any yet