Besides the red labels, the glossier coating (which Paistes have had a coating on them since the '60s or '70s, and 2K2's have had it all along) and the model changes, there is virtually no difference. Some people will argue that the difference is big, but it really isn't. Now, the coating may have worn off of a vintage 2K2 and it started to patina, but the coating was actually so that old stock wouldn't tarnish in the shoppe. It wasn't designed to stay on forever.

Over the 40 year run of 2K2s, there have been many, many, many variants. Rudes came into the 2K2 line for awhile. The Novo China was originally a 2K2. But the 2K2 has been a workhorse line for Paiste for a long time. Paiste is the only company to master the B8 alloy and use it for a pro series cymbal.

The beauty of Paistes IS their amazing consistency. You can have a 16" 2K2 Medium (a personal favourite of mine) from 1978 and I would surmise that one from '88, '98 or '08 would sound nearly identical. Paistes also mix well with each other. They are quite wonderful instruments.

Sweet :) Thanks!

I'll probably buy some new 2002s then.

Unless you're trying to build an authentic later era Bonzo kit, there is no real reason to pick up vintage black label 2K2's unless you can get them cheap. Also, unless you are looking for a discontinued 2K2 pie, there's no reason to buy a vintage 2K2. Of my missteps, I wish I would have held on to my black label 2K2's, my blue label 602's, my no label 602's, and my pre Fullerton Rogers drums.

It's the distinct sound of 2K2's that make them what they are. Like I have said earlier- Paiste is the only company to manipulate the B8 alloy and make it sound good. I don't think the North American cymbal makers really take the alloy seriously, which is why Zildjian and Sabian use it in their lower lines.

I will tell you a little secret: I actually like Paiste Alphas better, and they are lower-end. Quite a few pros use Alphas. Same alloy, just made in Germany. If you can snap up an old Alpha flat ride (if that's your thing), you will have a very nice pie for not much scratch. But the metal guys are starting to really prefer Alphas over 2K2's and Rudes these days. The only disadvantage is that the line is a bit thinner than the 2K2 line.

I am putting together a Keith Moon "tribute kit" so I'm probably just going to buy some new 2002s. He usually used a 22 inch ride on the left, a 20 inch medium on the right and an 18 inch medium in the front.

Yeah, then you probably do want to get black labels. They do come up from time to time and are not that much of a premium over new, red label 2K2's. Keith also used Zildjians, as well (depending on what era and even depending on what day).

The main thing for me is whether they sound the same. But like, what does "red label" or "black label" even mean? The Label that says Paiste? Thanks

Red label is the modern labeling colour for the 2K2's. Yes, it says Paiste, 2002, diameter and type. The old ones had black letters stamped on under the clear.

As long as you can get the same diameter, type- it sounds nearly identical.

Well I don't care what the label is as long as it sounds good, so I don't think i'll bother getting vintage. Unless I find a good price on a vintage one.

Exactly.

Word of warning: Use your ears. Remember that most drum sounds have had EQ, gating, and other effects and there's a distinct possibility that what you hear in your drum room may not necessarily sound like what you heard on the record. If you're not in love with the sound you hear, find something you like.

Paiste.com has sound files of many of their current offerings. Let me peruse and I will post back.