Paiste first pioneered color coated cymbals with COLORSOUND 5 in 1984 as a means for artistic expression during the time period when popular music became visual in music videos on television. In the 1990s VISIONS made an appearance, and in recent years certain Artist Inspiration models feature color coating - Stewart Copeland's Blue Bell Ride, Aquiles Priester's Giga Bell Ride and Danny Carey's Dry Heavy Ride. Throughout, the Color Sound finish was available for custom orders, including cymbals featured by international top artists Joey Jordison, Tico Torres and Paul Bostaph. With Color Sound 900 Paiste launches the latest incarnation in the color cymbal saga.

Color Sound 900 cymbals are based on the range of models in the concurrently launched 900 Series. While they feature essentially corresponding sound and function, the color coating causes a slightly drier sound, shortens the sustain a bit, and results in a more focused attack. Significantly, the same flexibility and giving feel as in the 900 Series is present. 

Extensive research and design efforts have resulted in the most stunningly beautiful finishes: luminous translucent colors preserve the natural appearance of grooves and hammer marks and present a vibrantly radiant appearance. Notably, decades of experience have proven the Color Sound finish to be exceedingly tough and durable - the finish will not ever crack, chip or peel.

• Since: 2017
• Alloy: CuSn8 Bronze, also known as 2002 Bronze
• Colors: Black, Red, Blue and Purple.
• Applications: All volume settings
• Live playing and recording
• Entire range of music styles
• Sound: Warm, full, focused, with muted brilliance and flexible, giving feeling

20" Heavy Ride

• Weight: heavy
• Volume: medium to very loud
• Stick Sound: pingy
• Intensity: lively
• Sustain: long
• Bell Character: separated

Sound Character: Brilliant, sharp, powerful. Wide range, clean mix. Heavy feel. Bright, pronounced ping over a controlled, warm wash. Massive bell. Powerful, cutting ride for loud playing.