From the Paiste web site:

Back in 1959 Paiste launched a series that was destined to become one of the world's most revered in the history of cymbal making – Formula 602.

The 16" and 18" Thin Crashes are sensitive, fast-responding cymbals for full accents with silvery highs. The bottom cymbal of the 14" Sound Edge Hi-Hat features subtle ripples for rapid evacuation of the air, resulting in a concise 'chick' sound. The stick sound is light and sensitive, making the hi-hat perfect for studio work. The optimum balance of richness, solid bottom, clear 'ping' and opulent sustain makes the 20" Medium Ride the ideal all-round ride in quiet to medium-loud settings. In 1968 Paiste invented the ride without a bell, and the 20" Formula 602 Medium Flatride became the classic forerunner. The fine, pulsing 'ping' with silvery highs of this cymbal, which always remains under control, is legendary, and many attempts were made to copy it – to no avail. Now it's back for enjoyment.

So it looks like they made them from 1968 through the '90s, but it doesn't say anything about a 'thin' version. Being that you got it from an older gentleman, my guess is that it was made in the '60s or '70s and may be very rare. In any case, it looks like they're making them again I listened to the new version on YouTube, and it's a very nice-sounding cymbal. In your case, it may be valuable.

Good job.

Stephen

Hi Stephen,

thanks for the info. As mentioned I already did some re(search) but nothing on this THIN 20" flat ride, so I guess it is a rare piece indeed.(experimental?)

It sounds "crystal jazzy" and according the old jazz/dixie man it was the only cymbal that he used and was happy with.

But since I do not use it, I will look for the right person and make him happy. Just looking for the right way to offer it.

Suggestions are welcome.

thanks

Pascal

I've got some information that might help you, Pascal.

I have two vintage 602 flats -- one is 18" and the other is 20". My 18-incher is actually the closer cousin to yours. It's technically #4 from Paiste's Seven Sound Set. It's stamped thin and (unusual for Paiste) actually is -- 1465g. By my reckoning, it must have been made in '69 or '70 because, like yours, it's stamped "Pat. Pending" on the underside. If you check out Paiste's flatride patent below, you'll see the date range we're talking about -- Jan. 22, 1969 to Dec. 15, 1970 as legitimate "patent pending" dates:

[IMG]http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i375/Jim_Hodgson/FlatridePatent_zps80331055.png[/IMG]

I suppose it's possible that, by using the "Priority" date, we could say our flats could possibly be from '68. But, now we've exceeded my expertise in international patent law! Suffice it to say that your cymbal is roughly very late-'60s in origin.

20-inchers were definitely available during this time period as shown in the second to last entry on the Seven Sound Set brochure (from very late-'60s) below. I know that yours isn't from the SSS, but this is the closest documentary proof I have.

[IMG]http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i375/Jim_Hodgson/7SoundSetBrochure_zpsb05ded22.jpg[/IMG]

They were decidedly rarer than the 18-inchers, though ... probably thanks to Roy Haynes and "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs." And a 20" thin should be particularly rare. Unfortunately, with the reintroduction of the 602s, including flats, our "old" models are not commanding the prices they once did.

Here's a (crappy one-handed iPhone) video of my 18" thin:

http://youtu.be/GMzFQcJY2-Q

Sound anything like yours??? I'm very curious!

My 20" 602 flat is a little newer (black label) and a medium at 2285. They are very different cymbals ... IMHO based more on weight than on diameter.

Now, onto business ... LOL! I would be exceedingly interested in your 20" thin if it is legitimately "thin." Would you please get in touch with me? That would make me very happy, as you say!

jim.hodgson(at)yahoo.com

THANKS!

On the 1970 Paiste pricelist Flat Rides are available in 14" - 16" - 18" and 20" in both thin and medium weights. That is in addition to SSS 4.