Paiste 404

404

Background: The successor to the Dixie series, Paiste 404s were released to the general public in 1978.
It appears the line was first developed in the Swiss factory staring sometime in 1974. Early Swiss-made Black Label 404s have a single line hand stamp which was later changed to a double line stamp mirroring the 2002 logo, probably in the latter part of 1978. German-made Black Label 404s seem to always have a single line hand stamp. There are some German-made Black Label 404s with serial numbers, always starting with a "1" or "2". These cymbals were either produced in 1981/82 or are older cymbals, proof perhaps the serial numbering done in Germany was done consecutively, not with first digital reflecting the year of production. The transition to the Brown Label silk screened logo likely begins in 1981 along with the other Paiste lines, although we have yet to document a Brown Label 404 with a 1981 serial number. This could be because there are a high percentage of Brown Label 404s out there with no serial number. At least some German Brown Label 404s made in 1983 have a logo variant with a hollow crescent moon and star. There are also German-made 404s from the 80s that have black ink in place of the brown. The only changes in the lineup from the Black Label to the Brown Label days was the introduction of the Heavy Hi Hats and Sound Edge Hi Hat. The 404s were discontinued in 1985 (with some cymbals being made/sold into 1986 and there are a small number of 404s out there with 1988 serials) when Paiste released its new B8 lines.

Rogers distributed 404's in the U.S. from '79 to '81
Paiste took over when they opened their N.A. distribution center. '81 and later 404's came with the printed "brown label" (see picture) along with an expanded selection of models and sizes, see chart below.

Paiste's budget B8 line, below the mid-range 505s and professional 2002s, but still made from the distinctive CuSN8 bronze... No longer in production, the 404s crop up from time-to-time on eBay - they are reasonably well though-of by today's drummers, most of whom believe the 404s to be far superior to currently produced budget models from any manufacturer...

Innovation: Affordable cymbals similar to the 505's.

Alloy: CuSn8 (Also known as "2002 Bronze")

Quality: Entry Level to Semi Professional. Paiste 404 have a good sound, they project and give a true cymbal feel. Made with Paiste know-how, they represent quality at a small investment. Perfect for the demanding student seeking sound value. (1)

Production: Similar to the 505's

Applications: All applications, to include live and studio

Users: Beginner to intermediate drummers looking for something better than an off-the-shelf pack of brass rubbish that's still with their budget... Anyone looking for gig-able cymbals at bargain prices...

Sound: Not complex, but not displeasing to the ear... audio/video of a full set of 404's

1981 model and size additions can be seen in brown below:

1st. appearance of 404's in Paistie's '78 European catalog, note sizes are the same as the previous Dixie line.
'78 European price list showing marching sizes as well.
1979 European catalog.
1980 North American price list, note: limited 404 sizes available.
Dixie restamped as early 404.
very early 13" crash, most likely a leftover dixie