[COLOR="DarkRed"]Oh lordy, no ! 502's whether "plus" or not, really aren't very good cymbals...sorta cookie-cutter low-line cymbals. The 802's are actually quite decent, but the 502's are in the vicinity of Zildjian ZBT or Sabian B8.

Apples and oranges when compared to Giant Beats.

If you are looking for cheaper Paiste alternatives to the GB's....look at something like 802's or 505's...or maybe Alphas as long as they are THINNER ones.

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I would say before you make any purchases, you need to keep researching and try to find some and play some. Find someone local who have some for sale (local GC or other music store).

Shoot - just realized this is an old thread! Well, would loved to hear what you ended up purchasing and what you thought.

The reason I say keep researching is because I have some 505 medium HHs and was in the process of making a video comparing a bunch of hat in order to sell some, including a pair of the 502 plus HHs.....when I played them next to the 505s, I was stunned at how good they sounded (the 502plus HHs). They do sound different to the 505s, more refined, but I was really blown away at how good they sounded. I am frustrated with my 505s for some reason and am considering selling the 505s off and replacing them with some a pair of 502 plus - as I ended up selling the pair I had....and now regret it if I am not going to be happy with my 505s.

John

Don't be fooled, just listen with your ears. The 18'' 502+ crash/ride IS exactly like the Giant Beat crash you hear on Zep's Immigrant Song. Check them out.

I purchased in 1972 a new Paiste Giant Beat 24" ride cymbal and performed with it for about 10 years before selling/trading it. The size was the primary reason I tired of it - more difficult to pack and transit than the standard sized cymbals. Secondary reason was it's "roar" once in motion, being the kind of cymbal useful only in high volume stage use. However, I found the overall 'timbre' and sound of the cymbal quite good, and its 'ping' definitely could be heard over stacks of Marshall and Hi-Watt amps.

Early this year I acquired a new Paiste 502 Plus 20" medium ride cymbal. In my opinion the overall characteristics of the cymbal are a strong reminder of the above mentioned Giant Beat. The sound has the same general timbre and piercing stick ping as my old Giant Beat, but I find the bell 'acceptable though rather less responsive and 'weak'. When 'whacked' with the shoulder of a stick on the bow while riding, the 502 fails to punctuate the rhythm and articulate a crash - it just keeps up a loud uncontrolled spread.

In short, I think the 502 Plus does closely resemble the overall sound character of the Giant Beat line, especially when considering its a lower priced line manufactured in Germany using very high tech computerized methods. This being said I never recommend buying cymbals without first playing and hearing them to determine whether or not they match up with your set, style of music(s), and of course your other cymbals with which they will be set up and played. Hope this helps! :cool:

Giant Beats are awesome we have a ton in our store, used at LOW prices. Check out 247drums.com