The 2002 range are built on the foundation of classic cymbals and have been expanded to suit the needs of modern popular music. The beginnings of the 2002 range and it’s predecessor ‘Giant Beat’ are intimately related to the early period of rock music. Around the mid 1960s, Paiste discovered and started experimenting with the CuSn8 (or B8) bronze alloy, an alloy which differed to the usual B20 bronze used to manufacture most cymbals – CuSn8 bronze consists of 92% copper and 8% tin, compared to 80% copper and 20% tin in B20 bronze.

The Paiste 2002 cymbal range is a legendary series that bridges the gap between vintage character and modern performance, built on the foundations of classic cymbal design. Originating in the early 1970s, the 2002 line evolved from Paiste’s earlier Giant Beat cymbals and introduced the innovative CuSn8 (B8) bronze alloy – a composition of 92% copper and 8% tin that offered a brighter, more cutting sound than traditional B20 bronze. This new material, combined with a refined production process, gave rise to cymbals with unmatched clarity, power and musicality, perfectly suited to the rising demands of amplified rock music.

Paiste 2002 Big Beat cymbals are a modern evolution of the classic 2002 series, offering a warmer, deeper and more complex sound while retaining the iconic clarity and brilliance that made the original line famous. Introduced in 2016, Big Beat cymbals feature a distinct visual identity, including a new hammering pattern, a slightly darkened semi-matte finish, and simplified black logos. These design updates signal a refined sonic direction – taking the celebrated 2002 sound into broader, more dynamic musical landscapes.

Sonically, Big Beat cymbals deliver a lush, full, and wide sound that suits everything from rock and indie to soul, gospel, and modern hybrid genres. They produce broad, voluminous tones that fill space without sounding overly aggressive, making them ideal for both live performance and studio recording. With a perfect balance of brilliance, warmth, and control, 2002 Big Beat cymbals are designed for soft to loud applications, offering a timeless yet contemporary voice for drummers seeking rich musicality and expressive range in every stroke.

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