Paiste Cymbals

Cymbals-wise, Stewart Copeland is best known for his association with Paiste cymbals (pronounced "pY-stee"), which he had been an endorsee of since March 1981.

Prior to becoming an endorsee, Stewart was mostly playing a set of Zildjian Cymbals which he played for much of his career with The Police up until then. Previously, he was reported to have a few played Paiste cymbals whilst a member of Curved Air in 1975-76: 2002 series 16" and 18" Crashes, and a 15" hi-hat. Occasionally, during his early career with The Police, he'd slot in one or two Paiste cymbals into his setup, which were likely the same ones he played in Curved Air. It wasn't until around the time of Zenyatta Mondatta that he considered endorsing Paiste cymbals.

During the 1980s he liked using cymbals from the RUDE series for live work, but felt they weren't suitable for studio work as they were too loud.

Cymbal setups
Paiste Profiles March 1981 lists the following:
 * Formula 602 13" Medium hi-hats
 * 2002 8" Bell
 * RUDE 14" Crash/Ride or 2002 16" Medium Crash
 * 2002 8" Splash
 * 2002 11" Splash
 * Formula 602 12" Paperthin
 * Formula 602 16" Thin Crash
 * Formula 602 22" Heavy Ride or RUDE 22" Ride/Crash
 * RUDE 16" Crash/Ride or 2002 18" Medium Crash