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Paiste Cymbals

Paiste was founded in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1906 by Estonian musician Toomas Paiste, in his instrument repair shop.

Paiste has become known for its innovative cymbal design. In the 60s, the company unveiled the flat ride cymbals, which featured no cup or bell in its design, and in 1987 it launched the sound edge hi-hat, which featured ripples along the edge of the hi-hat cymbals to prevent airlock friction. Other innovations include the inverted bell on china cymbals, introduced in 1983, which enabled drummers to play crash and ride on a china cymbal.

Paiste is now the third largest manufacturer in the world of crash, ride, splash and hi-hat cymbals. It also produces gongs and metal percussion. Long-term Paiste endorsers include Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Larry Mullen Jr of U2, Phil Rudd of AC/DC and Bill Bruford of Yes, Earthworks and King Crimson.

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