Paiste Super Formula 602

Super Formula 602

Introduction: ~1957-'59
Discontinued: ~1962-'63: replaced by Formula 602
Background:
Robert Paiste had been experimenting with cymbals made of B20 bell bronze starting in 1957 when he first opened the Swiss factory (at that point it was a one room shop!).
It should be noted that Robert founded the Swiss factory across lake Sempach from where their future B20 alloy supplier "Metallwerke Dornach/Swissmetal" was located (Paiste had not used B20 alloy up to that point, little did he know Swissmetal were the only foundry and mill that produced B20 bronze in all of Switzerland and possibly all of western Europe!). He initially worked with Swissmetal and developed a process of rolling B20 thin enough for B20 cymbal production, Swissmetal previously had not rolled it to such a thin specification but did have the equipment to do it reliably, Robert literally had to teach the foundry technicians how to roll the blanks to his thin specification without cracking! It is believed that Robert spent a couple of years ('57-'59) refining the production process, sound characteristics and model names and sizes, this means that most likely the "Super 602" didn't reach widespread distribution until about 1959. This (new to Paiste) B20 alloy first came onto the market under the name "SUPER FORMULA 602".

We believe the 1st production versions used a stamp that looks like the early "E over trade" Formula 602 stamp, the second version has the word "Super" written to the upper right, neither have the words "Formula 602" (this is why we call these the "plain stamp").

The second two versions regress back to the current Stambul stamp style and format from that period. STAMBUL series The "Stambul style" logo seems to come in two versions: the first: (Stambul stamp "Super"), the second and last version with Formula 602 label (Stambul stamp "super formula"). Both say "Super" below the star and crescent moon (see examples below).

The name "Super formula 602" is believed to come from Robert making 60 attempts on the production/rolling process before he was satisfied, the "2" refers to it being made from "B20". It is also speculated that the "Super formula" term possibly comes from the process that Swissmetal used to heat, mix and pour the alloy.

Most if not all Super formulas came with the smaller 7/16" (11mm) mounting hole, this carried on to the early MKI "E over trade" formula 602's until about 1964\65.

Most Super formulas had many of the then current Stambul attributes: bulbous "igloo bell", similar lathing and profile. As you progress towrds the end of production (starting with the "Stambul stamp super"), the bells, lathing and profiles resemble the "new" MKI Formula 602 from that period.

We do not have concrete proof on the chronological order of the different Super formula stamps, as we are exposed and or own more examples we will be able to make and educated guess as to their correct order.

Note: There is an entirely separate series called Super which is not made from B20 alloy and came later. This has caused a lot of confusion over the years.
Innovation: First B20 cymbal made by Paiste. Fritz Steger's explanation of the sourcing and development of Paiste's B20 alloy.
Alloy: B20 Bronze
Quality: Professional
Production: Machine-Hand hammered and hand lathed bronze.
Applications: All types of modern music from that era.
Users: Professional musicians and enthusiastic drummers, refined drummers and sound specialists with precise requirements that need a fully developed character in their cymbal sound
Sound: Similar to "modern" 602's: Super Formula 24" ride

Rides

Thin - 12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24"
Medium - 12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24"
Thin Ride - 18" 20" 22" 24"
Thin Ride Crash - 18" 20" 22" 24"
Medium Ride - 18" 20" 22" 24"
Medium Ride Crash - 18" 20" 22" 24"

Hi-Hats

"Festival set" Hi-Hat - No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4
Medium Hi-Hat - 13" 14" 15" 16"
Thin Hi-Hat - 13" 14" 15" 16"

Other

Band Heavy - 12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24"
Band Medium - 12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24"
Orchestra Heavy - 12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24"
Orchestra Medium - 12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 18" 20" 22" 24"

'59-'62 catalog back cover, note "Stambul format" style of logo
'59-'62 catalog "Stambul format" type logo
'59-'62 catalog, note: Buddy Rich listed as an endorser!
The super formula is still listed in "Melos" magazine in 1962
stamps in order left to right: earliest to last stamp used
"plain stamp"
plain stamp with "Switzerland" only stamp
"plain stamp Super" stamp
"Super" only Stambul format
"Super Formula 602" Stambul format
Stambul format "Super Formula 602" cymbal
"plain stamp" 15" Cymbal
"plain stamp" 22" cymbal
Stambul format 15" thin
Bottom pic
22" plain stamp
16" "Super" Stambul format stamp, very early production
16" "Super" Stambul format stamp
15" plain stamp hi hats
2 Super formula Stambul stamp on the left, plain stamp upper right, preserial formula 602 lower right
two "Super" only Stambul format cymbals, notice the difference in bell shape