Paiste Super Formula 602
SUPER FORMULA 602
Introduction: 1957
Discontinued: 1959
Background: The super Formula 602 series: Introduced in 1957, it transitioned to the Formula 602 series by 1959.
This series, once it became known as "Formula 602" is likely the most revered and sought after cymbal line produced by Paiste.
Unfortunately, we do not yet have the story behind its conception and how it was fully developed from the early days. One can see that from the Paiste catalog below (with purple cover '57, see below), that the Super F602 was one of their three series of cymbals at that time.
It was the first time Paiste started working with its traditional bronze (CuSn20) source or B20 alloy and they did so starting at the Swiss factory.
1957 to 1959 is a short period of time when the Super Formula 602 was released. It's likely that it was more of a prototype development, which was refined over those 2 years.
There were 2 different embossed logos used at this early inception: 1) the first generation logo was in '57 and 2) the second generation logo was likely in '58 and '59. Both stamps are very different
- There is an entirely separate series called "Super" which is not made from B20 (Formula 602 alloy) and came later.
Innovation: First B20 cymbal made by Paiste.
Alloy: B20 Bronze
Quality: Professional
Production: 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
Thin ride crash, Thin ride, Medium ride and Medium ride crash
Thin & Meduim
12" 13" 14" 15" 16" 17" 18" 20" 22" 24"
Hi-Hats
Hi-Hat "Festival set" #1 - 15"meduim/14"heavy
Hi-Hat "Festival set" #2 - 15"thin/14"meduim
Hi-Hat "Festival set" #3 - 15"thin/16"meduim
Hi-Hat "Festival set" #4 - 14"thin/15"thin
The time span for the Super Formula 602 is about 1957-1959. It precedes the introduction of the Formula 602 series but uses the same alloy.
This has caused a lot of confusion over the years. The B20 Super Swiss Made seems to come in two versions, one with the Formula 602 line and one without.
There is also a second style which looks like the Early Formula 602 stamp and has Super written to the upper right.(see below)
Just to round things off there are embossed stamps which look like the Early Formula 602 stamp but leave off the Formula 602. (see below)
This variation is thought to represent the evolution of the trademark for the Formula 602 series just as it was coming out.
We can't yet say whether there are any cymbals with the Super "Swiss made" stamp (no Formula 602 line) which might be some other alloy like NS12. There are some untested claims to that effect. Untested claims meaning that a piece of the cymbal has not yet gone for lab analysis.
Information from: Paiste '57-'59 catalog, Steve Black, Todd Little, Dan Garza
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