Sabian 18" Paragon Crash
- Fast, explosive responses abound in this Medium-weight model
- Designed with legendary RUSH drummer Neil Peart
- Ideal in a rock setting, but flexible enough for any application
In stock
- SKU
- NP1808N
Description
Sabian 18" Paragon Crash
This medium-weight crash captures fast, explosive transients with surprising articulation and presence in any mix. The large, volume-boosting bell generates powerful projection without sacrificing musicality, making it equally effective cutting through dense arrangements or adding dynamic flexibility to diverse session applications. Handcrafted from B20 bronze using AA-style hammering, the Paragon series balances punch with responsiveness across a range of strike intensities, translating directly to recorded clarity and studio versatility.
Sound & Recording Character
The bright sonic profile combined with the large bell design produces cutting attack and fast decay that punches through in the mix. Explosive response on dynamic hits pairs with musical sensitivity to lighter articulations, giving your recordings both impact and control in a single cymbal. The defined high-end presence translates well to both close-miked and room-miked scenarios.
Construction & Studio Reliability
Built from pure B20 bronze with AA-style hammering, this cymbal incorporates sound-shaping techniques from Sabian's AA, AAX, and HH series to achieve a refined balance of durability and tonal responsiveness. The construction ensures consistent performance across session work and diverse playing applications, essential for capturing repeatable, professional results.
Key Features
- 18-inch diameter crash cymbal
- Medium weight — responsive yet controlled
- B20 bronze construction
- AA-style hammering manufacturing method
- Typical weight range: 1572–1753 grams
- Bright sound character
- Large, volume-boosting bell for explosive response
- Hybrid design combining AA, AAX, and HH series characteristics
- Fast attack and articulate decay
- Dynamically responsive across strike dynamics
- Highly durable construction
- Limited 2-year manufacturer warranty
The Sabian Paragon 18" Crash delivers the projection and cut producers need for recording-ready cymbal tones while maintaining the musicality required for refined tracking and mixing sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 18" Paragon Crash is a versatile B20 medium-weight crash designed to sit clearly in the mix during rock and hard-rock recording sessions. Its bright profile, large bell, and fast decay give you cutting articulation and powerful projection without muddiness, while its dynamic responsiveness captures both light touches and hard-hit accents faithfully. This hybrid design works well in diverse ensemble contexts and session work where you need a cymbal that won't disappear in a full kit.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Paragon different from other Sabian crash cymbals?
The Paragon combines sound-shaping techniques from Sabian's AA, AAX, and HH series into a hybrid design. This balance of refined responsiveness and durability delivers a bright, cutting attack with fast decay while maintaining musical sensitivity across dynamic range—making it equally capable in rock kits and diverse ensemble settings.
Is the 18-inch Paragon loud enough for live performance?
Yes. The medium-weight construction and large, volume-boosting bell produce explosive response and cutting projection that cuts through a full mix on stage. Its bright sonic character and fast attack ensure articulation in demanding live contexts without sacrificing control.
What genres and playing styles is this crash built for?
The Paragon is designed for rock, hard rock, live performance, and studio sessions. Its bright, cutting character and explosive response suit these genres; it is not voiced for jazz or folk applications.
How does it respond to different strike intensities?
The Paragon responds dynamically across strike intensities from light touches to driving hits, delivering musical sensitivity on softer articulations and raw power on harder strikes. This range makes it versatile for both controlled studio work and aggressive live playing.
What is B20 bronze and AA-style hammering?
B20 bronze is a traditional cymbal alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, prized for its tonal complexity and durability. AA-style hammering is a hand-shaping technique that refines the cymbal's response and tone. Together, they provide refined balance between responsiveness and reliability in demanding performance contexts.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $27 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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