At the risk of sounding stupid.............I just mounted the ride on a stand and

my son played the kit,I noticed that the sticks consistently hit the cymbals around where the serial numbers should be (if you have the lovely Blue Label facing you ,which is how I would like it !!!!)Is it possible that many years of this

would obliterate the numbers ????

Thanks, Jeff

For the serial numbers to be obliterated by stick marks, you would expect to see damage to the clear coating Paiste put on their cymbals which keeps them nice and pristine and protects the ink logos. Also, the serial number should be about 1 inch from where the bell merges into the bow of the cymbal. That is unusually close as the place to play regularly. Usually you would play about half way from the bow to the bell. Note also the whole set of 6 digits for the serial number are only 3/4 of an inch across. Are you sure you have been looking carefully at the right place? They may be hard to spot unless you catch the light just right by adjusting the cymbal, or using a magnifying glass.

As far as getting tape residue off, I tend to use methylated spirits (if it is called that where you are) rather than anything which is abrasive. But it can be hard to get off. I rub it with an old bit of cloth (I have an endless supply of old t-shirts).

BTW, I went to the hosting site and found the right format to copy here to get it to be visible. You use the IMG code option.

[IMG]http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z407/PetraConnett/Fnykp2611.jpg[/IMG]

I thought the clear coat was only on b8 alloy cymbals. It certainly is possible, though, that the cymbals either left the factory un-stamped, or the stamps are very, very faint and you are just having difficulty seeing them. Looking at the pic above it appears there's something there under the bell. Not able to determine if it is a serial number, though.

[IMG][IMG]http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z407/PetraConnett/Fnykp2618.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][IMG]http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z407/PetraConnett/Fnykp2619.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z407/PetraConnett/Fnykp2610.jpg[/IMG]

Photos of the Ride and close up of serial number area.

+ both hats!

Thanks for the additional photos JeffC. I don't see any serial numbers, but I do see what look like ordinary blue label 602s (with a bit of tape or tape residue). As Pounder said, it is possible that they left the factory without serial numbers. It is just very unusual. But if they look like blue label 602s and sound like 602s...you have a nice set of cymbals for a bargain price.

Pounder, yes Paiste does put a clear protective coating on more than their B8 cymbals. I'm not sure how early it started with the 602 series, but blue labels certainly have one. That is part of the reason the blue ink labels tend to last as well as they do. You can still polish them off if you work hard enough and don't ever use the Paiste Cymbal Protector cream. Falling Do

I guess the stamp could be really faint. I had a pair of Zildjian A hats and at first I couldn't find the stamp on the top cymbal because it was so faint whereas the bottom cymbal had a very clear stamp.

BTW, that seems like a great deal. Good score.

Zenstat, Thank you for your input,it is very much appreciated !

Now..........what to do with them ???? Perhaps we should store them

until my son is a few years older ???? He is a natural musician and I think that in a few years time he will be a fine drummer.Maybe I should buy the Paiste 400 hats for him to use for the time being,are they any good ? We already have a ride and crash,Paiste 302,which I think sound ok for the money.I shall check that shops cymbal collection on a regular basis !!!! !How easy is it to break a 602 ???Best regards, Jeff

Glad to help out. You've asked a few big questions there. Some people claim 602s might be easier to break than other cymbal brands and models. If you want to store them that would be a lovely gesture towards conservation of fine musical instruments.

On the other hand, Paiste have just reintroduced the 602 line after many years, although the hats are light Sound Edge style and not like those Heavy Hats. Click here to see and hear them Because of the re-introduction of 602s after a long absence it isn't clear what is going to happen to the prices of blue label vintage. I have seen a few sell recently for more than the price of a new 602. But it's early days.

The 400 hats are more suited to beginners and should go nicely with 302s. But then all Paiste cymbal lines seem to sound nice together (so I'm told, I only have experience with 602s and Sound Creations)

But "More suited to beginners" is code for "kids may break things until they learn good technique" and "kids lack well developed restraint and may bash too hard" and "I'd rather lose an entry level cymbal to a beginner than a vintage 602". Not for me to say about motives and stereotypes...

hey guys and gals, found this site trying to find out the worth of some cymbals i got with a kit i bought today. turns out the hi-hats are Paiste 602 blue label 14" heavys with a serial number. Paiste 505 green label 18" medium crash and 22" ride. all are swiss made and near mint condition. except 18",its probably good to excellent. wondering if any1 could give me a roundabout idea what they maybe worth. thanx for reading this!!Keep on Pl