The Paiste Giant Beat is one of the most iconic cymbal series ever made. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the Giant Beat was the cymbal of choice for some of the most legendary drummers in rock history - most notably John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, who used Giant Beat cymbals to create some of the most recognisable drum sounds ever recorded. That warm, full, and powerful tone is still available today, making the Giant Beat a favourite for drummers who want authentic vintage character without compromise.
Unlike most cymbal ranges, the Giant Beat uses a single multi-purpose cymbal design - each cymbal can function as a crash, ride, or effects cymbal depending on size and playing style. This versatility, combined with the range's distinctive warm and full sound, makes it a unique and highly sought-after choice for classic rock, vintage, and studio drumming.
Shop the Paiste Giant Beat Range
Hi-Hats - Available in 14", 15", and 16" - warm, full, and characterful with the distinctive Giant Beat voice
Multi-Purpose Cymbals - 18", 19", 20", 24", and 26" - use as a crash, ride, or effects cymbal depending on your setup and playing style
Why Choose Paiste Giant Beat Cymbals?
Iconic Vintage Tone - Warm, full, and powerful - the sound of classic rock drumming
Legendary Heritage - Used by John Bonham of Led Zeppelin on some of the greatest rock recordings ever made
Multi-Purpose Design - Each cymbal works as a crash, ride, or effects cymbal - maximum versatility from a compact range
Unusually Large Sizes - Available up to 26" for drummers who want a truly commanding, full-bodied sound
Timeless Character - A vintage sound that works as well in modern studio recording as it did in the 1960s and 70s
Mellow, yet cutting and powerful. Fairly wide range, slightly complex mix. A distinctive silvery breath over a big, soft layered wash. Very responsive and giving feel. A classic thin crash, perfectly suited for today’s new beat/pop/rock music.
Mellow, yet cutting and powerful. Fairly wide range, slightly complex mix. A distinctive silvery breath over a big, soft layered wash. Very responsive and giving feel. A classic thin crash, perfectly suited for today’s new beat/pop/rock music.
Mellow, yet cutting and powerful. Fairly wide range, slightly complex mix. A distinctive silvery breath over a big, soft layered wash. Very responsive and giving feel. A classic thin crash, perfectly suited for today’s new beat/pop/rock music.
Mellow, yet cutting and powerful. Fairly wide range, slightly complex mix. A distinctive silvery breath over a big, soft layered wash. Very responsive and giving feel. A classic thin crash, perfectly suited for today’s new beat/pop/rock music.
Mellow, yet cutting and powerful. Fairly wide range, slightly complex mix. A distinctive silvery breath over a big, soft layered wash. Very responsive and giving feel. A classic thin crash, perfectly suited for today’s new beat/pop/rock music.
These venerable cymbals Ð developed during the 1960Õs rapid expansion of popular music Ð were faithfully recreated and re-launched by Paiste in 2005. Giant Beat cymbals offer the big, warm, brilliant vintage sound that takes you straight back to the roots of Rock.
Buy Paiste Giant Beat Cymbals from a Specialist UK Drum Store
Into Music Store stocks the full Paiste Giant Beat range online and in our physical store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. The Giant Beat is a genuinely unique cymbal series - if you're searching for a drum store near me where you can hear these cymbals in person before you buy, visit us in store and our team will be happy to help you explore the range and find the right size for your setup.
The Paiste Giant Beat sits alongside the 2002 Series as one of Paiste's most historically significant ranges. If you're looking for a brighter, more cutting vintage Paiste sound, the 2002 is the natural companion. For a more modern professional sound, the Signature and Masters series are worth exploring. We offer next day delivery options across the UK on all Paiste Giant Beat cymbals. Browse the full range above or get in touch for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Paiste Giant Beat is one of Paiste's most iconic and historically significant cymbal ranges, originally introduced in the 1960s. It uses a single multi-purpose cymbal design that can function as a crash, ride, or effects cymbal depending on size and playing style. The Giant Beat is known for its warm, full, and powerful vintage tone.
Yes - John Bonham of Led Zeppelin used Paiste Giant Beat cymbals alongside his Paiste 2002s, and their warm, full sound is heard on some of the most celebrated rock recordings ever made. The Giant Beat's association with Bonham makes it one of the most historically significant cymbal series in rock drumming history.
Unlike most cymbal ranges, the Giant Beat uses a single multi-purpose cymbal design rather than separate crash, ride, and effects models. Each cymbal can be used in multiple roles depending on its size and how it is played. The range is also known for its warm, full, vintage tone - very different from the bright, cutting character of the Paiste 2002 or Signature series.
The Paiste Giant Beat range includes hi-hats in 14", 15", and 16", and multi-purpose cymbals in 18", 19", 20", 24", and 26". The availability of sizes up to 26" makes it one of the few cymbal ranges to offer truly large-format options for drummers who want a commanding, full-bodied sound.
Paiste Giant Beat cymbals are particularly well suited to classic rock, vintage rock, and studio recording where a warm, full, and characterful sound is valued. They are also popular with drummers who want to recreate the iconic sounds of 1960s and 70s rock drumming - particularly the sound associated with John Bonham and Led Zeppelin.
Yes - next day delivery options are available across the UK on all Paiste Giant Beat cymbals. You can also visit our drum store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire to try them in person before you buy.
