Paiste Dimensions

Dimensions

Introduction: 1999 Introduced at Summer NAMM, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Discontinued: 2005
Background: From the mid-1990s, Robert and Toomas developed "project Fusion" which became the Dimensions and Innovation series: "Develop modern, multifunctional cymbals with exceptionally versatile sound and function - Advance cymbal sound character created from CuSn8 Bronze ("2002") alloy - Create new cymbal sounds for contemporary music styles."

Innovation: Some models have applied "Sonic Texture Formula" to professional handmade cymbals - "Sonic Texture Formula" is patent pending manual surface treatment technique which brings out rich, intricate harmonics in a cymbal to create a fuller, more complex sound

"In the creation of "Dimensions", the experience and knowledge gained in the development of the Paiste Signature and Traditional series were applied to the proprietary Paiste CuSn8 bronze, also known as "2002 Alloy". As a result, "Dimensions" offer an extremely wide range of sound and function. They fully satisfy the top professional needs of contemporary drummers. These brand new cymbals feature unique, very modern sound character that's fresh and unusual along with great traditional sounds. Moreover, many of the models in Paiste "Dimensions" offer sound character that traditionally would not be associated with Paiste sound. They feature a variety of surface textures, hammering and lathing patterns, as well as elegant, classic logo and model silk screening. The manufacturing methods used include hand hammering, hand lathing, and sandblasting. Due to the wide range of combinations in weight, size, and tailored manufacturing techniques, the application range is extremely wide, covering virtually all music styles from acoustic jazz to extreme rock. Special attention was paid to creating cymbals with expanded functionality so that all models are extremely flexible: the medium weight cymbals are all very versatile and the lighter and heavier weight cymbals are still usable in situations where you might not normally use them."

Alloy: CuSn8 (Also known as "2002 Bronze")
Quality: Professional
Offered as: Dimensions - Dimensions Reflector
Production: Manual Craftsmanship - Hand Hammering, Hand Lathing, Proprietary Methods
Applications: All volume settings - Live and Recording - Entire range of music styles
Users: Working Musicians, Enthusiasts - Contemporary players who need extreme versatility and functionality in their cymbals
Sound: The Medium Raw Crash, Medium Heavy Wild Ride & Medium Crush Ride are powerful, cutting cymbals with advanced character for modern, progressive application in the rock, metal and punk genres
Looks: Extreme diversity of surface textures, hammering and lathing patterns - including the new "Sonic Texture Formula" look and proprietary Reflector surface treatment - Elegant, classic black silk screening
Recognition: Use of Dimensions cymbals among Paiste's top professional artists keeps growing as new models expand sound possibilities - Due to the advanced professional character and versatility in application, Dimensions have attained the status of "The Working Drummers' Cymbal
Special Note: Upon its discontinuation, many models from the series were integrated into the 2002 line. The August 2005 issue of Modern Drummer mentions this.

Rides

• Cool Medium Ride - 20"
  
• Deep Full Ride - 20" 22"
  
• Dry Ride - 18" 20"
  
• Light Ride - 18" 20"
  
• Medium Crush Ride - 20"
  
• Medium Heavy Wild Ride - 20" 21" 22"
  
• Medium Ride - 18" 20" 22"
  
• Mega Power Bell Ride - 24"
  
• Power Bell Ride - 20" 22"
  
• Power Ride - 20" 22"
  

Crashes

• Medium Heavy Crash - 16" 17" 18" 19" 20" 22"
  
• Medium Raw Crash - 18" 19" 20"
  
• Medium Thin Crash - 15" 16" 17" 18" 19" 20"
  
• Medium Thin Full Crash - 16" 17" 18"
  
• Power Crash - 16" 17" 18" 19" 20" 22"
  
• Short Crash - 14" 16"
  
• Thin Crash - 14" 15" 16" 17" 18"
  

Hi-Hats

• Light Hi-Hat - 13" 14"
  
• Medium Heavy Crunch Hats - 14" 15"
  
• Power Hi-Hat - 14" 15"
  
• Thin/Heavy Hi-Hat - 13" 14" 15"
  

Chinas (& Swishes)

• Power China - 18" 20" 22"
  
• Thin China - 14" 16" 17" 18" 20"
  

Splashes (& Bells)

• Power Splash - 10" 11"
  
• Thin Splash - 8" 9" 10" 11" 12"
  

Dimensions Reflector

Introduction: 2004 (2)
Discontinued: 2005
Background: Paiste's Signature Reflector and Dimensions Reflector cymbals basically share the same overall sonic parameters, feel and function as corresponding models with a regular lathed finish.
The general effect of the Reflector finish on these cymbals is very subtle and may be summarized as follows:

• The sonic timbre and color of these instruments is somewhat lower, which makes the cymbals feel a bit darker.
  
• The frequency range is wider due to the lower pitch of the fundamental note and higher overtones at the upper end of the frequency spectrum.
  
• The frequency mix is cooler and cleaner, as the high, middle and lower frequencies are more distinctly layered, due to the less dominant character of the middle layer - the "voice" of the cymbal.
  
• The stick sound and bell character tend to be slightly more distinct and separated, while the Hi-Hat chick sound tends to be a bit softer, warmer and more compact.
  
• The duration of the cymbal's sustain is relatively similar, but the midrange frequencies fade faster.
  
• The overall feel is substantially the same, but Crashes and Chinas tend to feel a bit softer and more controllable.
  
• Weight, volume range, transient response and dynamic intensity are virtually identical.
  

Innovation:
Alloy: CuSn8 (Also known as "2002 Bronze")
Quality: Professional
Offered as: Dimensions - Dimensions Reflector
Production: Manual Craftsmanship - Hand Hammering, Hand Lathing, Proprietary Methods
Applications: All volume settings - Live and Recording - Entire range of music styles
Users: Working Musicians, Enthusiasts - Contemporary players who need extreme versatility and functionality in their cymbals

Rides

• Deep Full Ride - 20" 22"
  

Crashes

• Medium Heavy Crash - 16" 17" 18"
  

Hi-Hats

• Thin/Heavy Hi-Hat - 14"
  

Chinas (& Swishes)

• Power China - 18"
  

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Photos courtesy of Corey Mazurek

1. 1999 Paiste.com
2. 2004 Paiste.com
   

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