Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese Brilliant Finish
Description
Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese Brilliant Finish
The Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese delivers a direct, controlled response that cuts through in the mix without sacrificing musicality. Built with a small bell and steeply angled bow, this cymbal resists washing out and maintains clarity even under aggressive tracking. Originally developed for Neil Peart of RUSH, the Paragon Chinese bridges the gap between power and precision in a format engineered for studio capture and mix-ready articulation.
Design & Construction
Handcrafted from pure SABIAN B20 bronze and finished in a highly polished brilliant finish, this cymbal combines traditional craftsmanship with sonic innovation. The small, flanged lip with oriental style swish-hammering produces a drier, harder attack compared to standard China models, giving you more direct articulation with less wash during recording sessions. The Medium weight classification provides the durability needed for both studio work and live applications without sacrificing responsiveness to microphone placement and close-miking techniques.
Tone & Character
The 20" Paragon Chinese excels in cutting, defined tones rather than ambient shimmer, making it ideal for producing tracks where cymbal definition is critical. Its drier, harder sound character sits distinctly in a mix when used as a contrast cymbal or secondary China, allowing producers to layer texture without excessive sustain masking other elements. The compact bell and steep bow geometry keep the sound focused and punchy, cutting through dense arrangements with articulate accent work that translates cleanly to tape and digital formats.
Key Features
- 20-inch diameter
- Medium weight classification
- Pure SABIAN B20 bronze construction
- Brilliant finish—highly polished for glassy shimmer
- Small bell with short, steeply angled bow
- Small, flanged lip design
- Oriental style swish-hammering
- Drier, harder sound characteristic
- More direct response than 19" Paragon Chinese
- Handcrafted using AA-series hammering techniques
- SABIAN Two-Year Warranty included
The Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese Brilliant Finish serves producers and engineers tracking drums who prioritize definition and control in their China cymbal selection, delivering powerful dynamics with musicality in a compact, responsive package built for recording-ready performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 20" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese Brilliant Finish is a medium-weight, handcrafted B20 china that cuts through a mix with its compact bell and steeply angled bow, delivering a drier, harder attack ideal for layering texture without excessive sustain in rock, metal, and progressive recordings. Its small flanged lip and oriental-style swish-hammering produce direct, punchy articulation that sits well in dense arrangements, making it a versatile accent cymbal for session work and studio production. Use it when you need a China that carves definition into your kit sound without competing with other cymbals in the frequency spectrum.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the 20" and 19" Paragon Chinese?
The 20" Paragon Chinese delivers a more direct response than the 19" model, with slightly larger diameter providing greater cutting power and projection while maintaining the same drier, harder attack character and controlled articulation.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz or fusion?
This cymbal is optimized for rock, metal, progressive, and hard rock styles where cutting definition and controlled response are priorities; it is not recommended for jazz or folk applications that typically call for more wash and ambient sustain.
What makes the Paragon different from other china cymbals?
The Paragon's small bell, steeply angled bow, and oriental-style swish-hammering produce a drier, harder attack with more direct articulation compared to standard China models, making it excel as a contrast or secondary cymbal for drummers seeking focused, punchy tones without excessive wash.
Is the 20" Paragon durable enough for both studio and live playing?
Yes—the medium weight classification and pure B20 bronze construction provide durability for both studio sessions and live performance without sacrificing responsiveness, backed by a Sabian Two-Year Warranty.
What's included with this cymbal?
The cymbal comes with a Sabian Two-Year Warranty and is finished in a highly polished brilliant finish for a glassy shimmer appearance.
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