Nicko McBrain’s “Boomers” join Alpha
Nicko's long standing loyalty and dedication moved Paiste to launch the special Alpha Boomer cymbals. The Boomer cymbals sound concept is clearly defined: rock, hard rock and classic heavy metal. The Boomer crashes will come in sizes 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 inch. The are designed to be rather heavy and powerful. According to Paiste, a cutting bell and a well-defined, bright ping are main attributes of the 22“ Boomer ride. The 14 inch Boomer hi-hats are characterized by warm, rich closed and explosive, clear open sounds. The trashy, aggressive 18 inch Boomer china and the roaring 12 inch Boomer splash complete the special "Boomer" edition, as authorized by Nicko McBrain.

Corresponding to Nicko’s professional touring set, Alpha Boomer Cymbals are silk screened in blue. The Paiste logo in Maiden-font is combined with the PowerSlave Eddie artwork.

Paiste adds a free 12 inch Boomer splash to the Alpha Boomer cymbal set which comes in an attractively designed box, consisting of 14” Boomer hats, 18 inch Boomer crash and 22 inch Boomer ride.

The new PST8: pure Paiste
Paiste will also introduce the new PST8 series at the 2012 NAMM Show. PST8 cymbals are crafted from Paiste's legendary 2002 bronze, refined through traditional hand hammering and perfected with the unique handmade reflector finish. These hallmarks of Swiss workmanship make the PST8 cymbals pure Paiste instruments, yet they are as attractively priced as the other Paiste Sound Technology series.

Drummers are perfectly equipped for various musical styles with the medium models. According to Paiste, the 20 inch Reflector medium ride is easy to control, offers a nice balance of ping and wash and features a distinctive bell sound. Reflector medium crashes in 16 and 18 inch are well suited for full, warm crashes and accents. The 14 inch Reflector medium hats provide clearly defined stick and chick sounds.

Even more lively is the 14 inch Reflector Sound-Edge hi-hat thanks to its wavy bottom cymbal. The 10 inch Reflector thin splash and the 16 inch Reflector china enhance the fundamental assortment with invigorating effect sounds.

Drummers who prefer louder music styles will find suitable equipment in the PST8 Rock cymbals. Paiste states in apress release:

"The 16“, 17“ and 18“ Reflector rock crashes are forceful and penetrating. The PST8 series features two Reflector rock rides in 20“ and 22“ to supply crystal clear stick definition with richness, volume, warmth. The powerful bells in both models leave nothing to be desired in terms of dynamic reserves. A massive, warm body as well as a biting chick sound characterize the 14“ Reflector rock hats."

Completing the heavy hitter’s choices, PST8 offers two effect cymbals, the 10“ Reflector rock splash and the 18“ Reflector rock china. Paiste offers PST8 box sets to make cymbal selection easier.

Ndugu Chancler’s 22 inch Crisp Ride
Last but not least is Paiste's introduction of a new Twenty Masters Collection ride cymbal, the 22” Crisp Ride. This cymbal was created in collaboration with another legendary Paiste artist: Leon "Ndugu" Chancler. His decades of session work have earned Ndugu lots of respect worldwide. His recordings include work with Weather Report, Santana, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Richie plus one of the most recognizable drum grooves in pop history on Michael Jackson’s legendary Billy Jean.

The Crisp Ride joins the eclectic series of Artist Inspiration cymbals. In comparison to the "Dark“ cymbals in the Twenty Masters Collection the basic sound color of the Crisp Ride is brighter, while retaining the richness and warmth of Paiste's CuSn20 bronze. It is named for the lucent, crispy stick definition over a smooth, controllable wash. The bell sound is clear but discreet and pleasant.

In honor of his mother, Ndugu Chancler named the cymbal Rosie, and it carries an illustration of a rose in the artwork below the bell.