Paiste, Nicko McBrain early 1990s factory tour and B15 signature alloy production.

Early 1990s factory tour and B15 signature alloy production: https://www.cymbal.wiki/wiki/Paiste Paiste's B15 (Signature Sound Alloy) blanks are supplied by the "Wieland works" in Vöhringen Germany. They were initially supplied by "Kovohutí Příbram" from the Czech republic but they had serious issues with cracking, once the production moved to Wieland, the issue was resolved. Fritz Steger describes the early production issues with B15. B15 like B20, goes through some of the same processes: initially hot rolled to about 60mm thickness then the last stage is cold rolled. Also, it is not tempered like traditional B20 cymbals but is annealed. Using this alloy allows for greater consistency between blanks compared to traditional B20 cymbal alloy, and is more inline with Paiste's B8 production methods. Once they arrive at Paiste, they would have to heat the whole of the cymbal again to anneal it and then press the in the bell. After this process, the blank is allowed to cool for 24 hours. As a result of annealing, the material is now more pliable, tougher and ready for hammering. Hammering: Same processes as B20. Lathing: Same processes as B20 except Paiste developed a different shaped knife for a unique "flat groove" lathing pattern for the Signature series. Finishing: Same processes as B20. Quality control: Same processes as B20. **disclaimer**: Video produced and courtesy of Paiste.