Paiste Serial Numbers

Paiste serial numbers were first applied in about 1972. Prior to this there was no accurate means of determining the age of a Paiste other than to identify the years of production for the series or model, when known. These cymbals are referred to as "Pre-Serial" cymbals. It should also be noted that it is not uncommon for serial numbers to be difficult to read due to hammering and lathing. In these cases, the era of the cymbal can usually be identified, but the exact year may not be determined.

File:1972 Formula 602 Serial.jpg

1972 Formula 602 Serial Number

Also of important note, cymbals have been found without serial numbers stamped on them.

This does not apply to serial numbers on many prototypes, nor the German made Paistes, which do not seem to be decipherable. (yet!)

1972 - 1981

• Starting in about 1972 (some believe 1971) there were six digit numbers stamped on each cymbal. The specific year is identified by the 'first' digit in the serial number.

• Therefore, "345678" would be from 1973.

• The original 1970's style involved no additional lettering with the serial number such as series name.

• All series (except Paiste 101) were using black labels during this era.

• 

  1974 Formula 602

• 1978 Formula 602 Serial.jpg

  1978 Formula 602

• 

  1978 2000

• 

  1980 2002

• 

  Black Label (bottom side)

• Often a series would have an engraving of the series name:

• 

  2002 Engraving

• 

  Formula 602 Engraving

• 

  Sound Creation Engraving

1981 - 1986

• Starting in 1981, "PAISTE" was stamped above the serial number, often along with SERIES. (NOTE: This change occurred not at the beginning of the year, but sometime during it - some examples of the previous style exist with 1981 serial numbers. See first picture for an example.)

• Like before, the 'first' number indicates year - the following would be an example of 1982:

               PAISTE SOUND CREATION
               234567 

• The Paiste RUDE and Paiste Colorsound 5 lines were NOT stamped after PAISTE.