You're right about the sounds IGNORED. This is one reason why I have crashes and hardly any splashes. I kinda wish I had the $$$ to collect EVERY colour there was to collect as far as a cymbal pallette!!!I went through a Zilly period, but they just are not very innovative. Zildjian make a quality product, but I am unimpressed as far as innovative cymbals. But then again- they are the oldest cymbal maker, so they are innovators in that way. Paiste thinks waaaay outside the box and is extremely innovative, followed by Sabian. Saluda actually is pretty innovative, as well.
I've been a lifelong Paiste guy. My first adult size kit was a 5 piece Avocado Strata set of Ludy Standards, which came with Paiste Mfg. cymbals. Later I got a "partial" sponsorship from the southeastern distributer of Rogers & Paiste, which meant that I got my stuff for cost & free shipping. I played 2002's then & had what I call the "Short Guy" version of Bonzo's kit, but never fell in love with the complete 2002 line. Then they introduced the Sig's...love at first smack! The Sig's were the first complete line that I really loved, sure there're some dogs in the pack, but as a whole, Paiste is much more consistent than any other Mfg. out there. I really love Zildjian's K line & until recently had a nice jazz setup, but they just don't offer enough colors on the pallet for me to jump ship. Also love me some Bosp's!...my God their stuff is great! I've got a great set of Versa Hats from the '05 NAMM show...amazing cymbals, but they don't sonically match my Sig's & I'm to old to start another obsession! LOL! Anyone out tried the Bosp's China's? I bet they are great!