Paiste Formula 602 18" Flat Ride Medium Seven Sound Set 4 RARE 1970s MADE/FINISHED IN WEST GERMANY! 1732g

Up for sale from my private collection is the Paiste Formula 602 18" Flat Ride Medium Seven Sound Set 4 (model #4 of the Seven Sound Set).

The Seven Sound Set was a special project within the Formula 602 line that was launched in 1967 and was discontinued in 1978. Most all of the Formula 602 cymbals were made in Switzerland, but very few were made or finished in West Germany. This ride is one of those very rare West German 18" Medium Flat Ride models. Perhaps another once-in-a-lifetime collector acquisition (I considered it as such).

There is not a metal stamping of either the Formula 602 logo nor a serial number.

** START OF DETAILS PER GROK:

"Mid-to-late 1960s through the late 1970s (roughly 1967–1978), with West German-made examples primarily from the mid-1970s (around 1975–1977/1978).

The Paiste Formula 602 "Flat Ride Medium Seven Sound Set 4" (typically an 18" model, position #4 in the Seven Sound Set) was part of a special cymbal lineup introduced around 1967 and largely discontinued by 1977–1978. Specific examples with the "Seven Sound Set 4" marking (including Medium weight Flat Rides) exist from this full span, though production of the broader Seven Sound Set line tapered off after 1977, with some cymbals dated into 1978.

• West German-made examples: Paiste had a factory in West Germany (Schacht-Audorf) that finished some cymbals. Early ones (late 1950s/early 1960s) were partially processed in Switzerland and finished in Germany. A later batch in the 1970s was produced for the German/European market. These often feature stamps like "Made in West Germany," an archaic "E over trade" stamp (without "Made in Switzerland"), serial numbers starting with "1" (distinct from Swiss numbering), and sometimes "Made under license" notes on Flat Rides due to patents.
• 1970s German specifics: German 602s (including Seven Sound Set/Flat Ride models) appear notably from ~1975–1977/1978. Examples include 1976 serial-numbered German Flat Rides (e.g., Medium weight around 1720–1810g) and other Seven Sound Set pieces. These align with the later part of the model's run.

Cymbal.wiki and collector sources (e.g., sales listings with serials from 1976) consistently date these specific marked Medium Flat Rides in the 1967–1978 range, with confirmed German examples clustering in the mid-1970s. Weights for Medium versions are typically higher (around 1700–1800g) than Thin variants.

** END OF DETAILS PER GROK:

Weighs 1732 g on my scale.

Overall condition is Excellent.

The edge has NO dings or dents or fleabite damage. You might detect miniscule roughness when rotating the cymbal around across your finger, but nothing I can see or remotely measure. It might have even came from the factory like this. We are talking being fussy down to the thousandths of an inch. Lays flat. Center hole is perfect. No funny business or issues.

To be ultra critical, I did see a tiny bit of errant factory black ink spots off to the side on the bottom (see last photo). There are some light fingerprints, oxidation spots and some light rubs to high spots on the finish clear coat visible from certain angles and lighting (see next to last photo). There is surface oxidation or dirt mark to the right of the model inking which I didn't attempt to clean (third from last photo).

While this cymbal was never played by me (kept in the bag for its life under my care), you can see in certain lighting angles some stick marks from where the sound was examined over the decades. So you can consider it was played respectfully before I obtained it decades ago.

I took photos under several different lighting conditions and from different angles. What you see in the photos reflects reality.

I will package with extreme care.

I will ship promptly after receipt of your payment.

The photos are part of the description, so make sure that this is the instrument you want before you purchase.

I package with great care to make sure your instrument arrives safely.
Sold as-is and as described. No warranty, no refunds and no exchanges. Thank you.

I participate in the Reverb Safe Ship program and as such, a signature will be required upon delivery.

Thank you for your consideration and bid with confidence. Check out my feedback.
No international bidding is allowed on this item. Sorry.