Paiste New Signature 17" Dark Energy Crash Mark I

Group: Crashes
Type: Dark Energy Crash Mark I
Size: 17 Inch
Series: New Signature
Weight: 1234g, 1237g, 1260g, 1265g, 1267g, 1274g (2024 Serial Number), 1279g (2023 Serial Number), 1288g (2023 Serial Number)
Median Weight: 1266g (n=8)
Years of production: 2004 - Present
Sound file: New Signature 17" Dark Energy Crash Mark I
New Signature 17" Dark Energy Crash Mark I
New Signature 17" Dark Energy Crash Mark I
Paiste's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The Dark Energy line includes crash cymbals in 15', 16", 17", 18", and 19" diameters. (The 15" model was not yet available when this review was written =, so my comments are based on the other four sizes.) All are designated as Mark I, although visually and sonically they have more in common with Mark II ride cymbals than with their Mark I models.

The Dark Energy crashes are all medium-light, which gives them a quick response but not a lot of volume, body, or sustain - especially in the smaller sizes. That might sound like a negative assessment, but I've played countless acoustic gigs where I was afraid to hit a crash for fear of obliterating the sound of the other instruments. Yes, I've tried various small-diameter crashes, but most of them sounded brittle.

The Dark Energy crashes, by contrast, sound very "shimmery". The overtones are high-pitched, which could help them cut through in somewhat louder situations. But they sound best when played with a light to medium stroke.

As with the ride cymbals, each crash reminded me of cymbals that are an inch smaller in terms of their pitch and body. For example, the 16" Dark Energy crash reminded me of a typical 15" crash with its extremely high pitch, fast response, and quick decay.

Also like the ride cymbals, the consistency of sound among the various crash sizes was impressive. Each cymbal was a bit lower in pitch and had a slightly bigger sound than the size below. Of the four cymbals I tested, I would rate the 17" and 18" models as the most versatile. The 19" starts to lose some response due to its size, and its pitch is pretty low for a crash. The 16", as already mentioned, has an extremely high pitch, and its lack of body reminded me of a large splash."

Review written by Rick Mattingly ("Product Close-Up - Paiste New Signature Dark Energy Cymbals - New Musical Hybrids", October 2004, p. 35)

Artist/song where it can be heard: Billy Ashbaugh, Curt Bisquera, Will Denton, Josh Freese, Rayford Griffin, Steve Jordan, Jim Keltner, Fredy Studer, Nathaniel Townsley