Demonic Sweaters is a DIY drumming and music production blog. Explore gear reviews, original compositions, retro aesthetics, and hands-on advice for home recording. Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or just getting started, you'll find fresh insights, creative tools, and real-world tips to fuel your sonic journey—no hype, just authentic passion and practical knowledge.
Paiste 404 Cymbals: Vintage Value with Modern Character
Paiste 404 cymbals were introduced in 1978 as successors to the Dixie series and discontinued by 1986. Despite their modest branding, they were crafted using the same hammering techniques as Paiste’s higher-end lines, offering surprising quality and musicality.
Early models featured black label logos—either single or dual line stamps depending on Swiss or German origin. By 1981, the line transitioned to brown label silk-screened logos, with some rare variants showing black ink or unique moon-and-star designs. The only lineup changes during this transition were the additions of Heavy Hi-Hats and Sound Edge Hi-Hats.
Construction & Sound Profile
Alloy: CuSn8 (also known as “2002 Bronze”)
Production: Fully hammered, not stamped
Applications: Suitable for both live and studio use
My Take on the 404 Line
I really like the Paiste 404 series. They tend to be thinner than many other Paiste lines, which gives them a quicker response and lighter touch. The aged ones, especially, develop a darker and more complex tone that I find incredibly musical. I almost prefer them over the 505s—which are also solid—but the 404s have a unique character that stands out in a mix.
Watch the 18" 404 Crash in Action
If you're looking for vintage cymbals that deliver real character and tonal depth, the Paiste 404 line is absolutely worth exploring.
I've been playing the Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash for about seven years now, particularly the 18" model, and it's become one of those go-to cymbals that punches way above its weight class. I’ve used it on dozens of recordings—experimental electronic sessions, rock tracks—and it continues to surprise me with how much character it delivers at such an affordable price.
To describe the sound in a word: explosive. But that doesn't quite do it justice. The B8X Ballistic Crash delivers a dry, trashy tone that’s remarkably similar to the Zildjian S Dark line. It’s not your average shimmering crash—it has grit, punch, and a certain chaos that brings energy into a groove without overwhelming the mix. That dryness is key. It doesn’t hang in the air or wash out like traditional crashes. Instead, it decays quickly and cleanly, making it perfect for recording situations where cymbal bleed can be a real issue.
Tonally, it sits somewhere between an Ozone cymbal and a standard crash—aggressive but not obnoxious, with some controlled sizzle and just enough trashiness to give it edge. The ballistic design gives it a fragmented, almost broken glass shimmer without going full-on China cymbal territory.
In this video above, you can hear it clearly. Notice how it cuts through without being harsh. It’s responsive under stick and mallet alike, and its tone adapts well whether you’re playing fast hi-hat work or big, open choruses.
And honestly, for the price, it’s kind of unbelievable. Sabian’s B8 series has always been considered entry-level, but the B8X Ballistic Crash breaks that mold. It doesn’t sound like a beginner cymbal. It sounds like a boutique model you’d find on someone’s custom stack or hybrid setup. I’ve thrown it into configurations with high-end rides and effects cymbals, and it holds its own beautifully.
If you're looking for a crash with character—a cymbal that brings rawness and musicality without draining your wallet—I wholeheartedly recommend checking out the Sabian B8X Ballistic Crash. It’s been part of my sound for years, and chances are, once you try it, it’ll be part of yours too.
The Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set: The Best Cymbal Pack on the Market
If you’re looking for a professional-grade cymbal set that delivers legendary sound across any genre, the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set is hands down one of the smartest purchases you can make. These cymbals are not only versatile and musical—they're the very sound you've heard on countless iconic recordings across rock, pop, jazz, funk, and everything in between.
The A Zildjian line has defined cymbal excellence for generations. Drummers from Buddy Rich to Travis Barker have leaned on their clarity, responsiveness, and tonal richness to cut through mixes with precision and warmth. If you're building your kit or upgrading your current setup, this pack gives you a powerhouse set of tools that’ll shine in any recording or live setting.
14" New Beat Hi-Hats – universally loved for their perfect balance of crisp "chick" and smooth wash.
16" Medium Thin Crash – fast and bright, excellent for accents without overpowering.
18" Medium Thin Crash – slightly deeper tone, complementing the 16" with layered textures.
21" Sweet Ride – warm stick definition, shimmering wash, and that signature bell tone every drummer dreams about.
Each cymbal is a heavy-hitter in its own right, but together they form an all-star cast that can adapt to any musical situation—from tight studio sessions to high-energy arena gigs. This pack isn’t just about convenience—it’s about unlocking timeless tone with a single purchase.
Massive Savings & Value
Here’s where it gets even better. Buying these cymbals individually would set you back a serious chunk of change. On average, purchasing the ride, crashes, and hi-hats one-by-one could cost you upwards of $1,200 depending on the retailer.
But with the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set, you're saving several hundred dollars. Zildjian has bundled some of their most popular and sought-after models into one affordable, studio-ready package. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an ambitious hobbyist, it’s a deal that’s hard to beat.
Hear Them in Action
Still need convincing? Check out this video demonstration below. It showcases each cymbal in the pack with a clean mix and proper miking so you can hear their true sound—crashes with sparkle and punch, hats with tight articulation, and the ride with lush definition:
Final Thoughts
If you’re building your dream drum setup, the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set is more than just a smart buy—it’s a legacy sound in a box. You’re getting cymbals that have stood the test of time, and they’ll elevate your playing no matter where your musical journey takes you.
Ready to make the upgrade? Don’t miss out—check out the Zildjian A Series 391 Box Set today and experience legendary tone at a killer value.
