Sabian 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese Brilliant Finish
- Unique, innovative Chinese model designed for RUSH drummer Neil Peart
- Wide-flanged edge is enhanced with industrial cotter pins each holding four jingles
- Designed with RUSH drummer Neil Peart
Out of stock
- SKU
- NP2016DB
Description
Sabian 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese Brilliant Finish
This 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese captures a thin, highly responsive character that translates articulation and dynamic control directly into your recordings. The wide-flanged edge and strategically positioned jingles produce a softer, darker sizzling character that cuts through a mix on accents and ride work without masking other elements in the kit. Developed in collaboration with RUSH drummer Neil Peart, this cymbal bridges power and musicality in a way few Chinese models achieve.
Construction & Design
Handcrafted from pure Sabian B20 bronze and finished with a polished brilliant surface, the Diamondback features an innovative edge design enhanced with industrial cotter pins, each holding four jingles positioned in the shallow of the flange for maximum vibration against both bow and edge. A single rivet is positioned between each of the four jingle placements, creating a complex, layered sizzle that defines the model's sonic character. This design draws from AA-style hammering techniques combined with sound-defining features from the AA, AAX, and HH series.
Tone & Response
The thin weight category and enhanced jingle configuration yield a distinctive softer, darker tone with pronounced sizzle—essential for achieving clarity in dense mixes without sacrificing musicality. The responsive B20 bronze reacts immediately to stick strikes and subtle dynamics, making it ideal for session work where capturing expressive detail matters across a range of playing styles from soft touches to aggressive accents.
Key Features
- Size: 20"
- Material: Pure Sabian B20 bronze, handcrafted
- Finish: Brilliant (polished)
- Weight Category: Thin, highly responsive
- Edge Design: Wide-flanged with industrial cotter pins
- Jingle Configuration: Four jingles per cotter pin, positioned in the shallow flange
- Rivet Placement: Single rivet between each of four jingle placements
- Sound Character: Softer, darker sizzling tone for accents and riding
- Weight Range: 1444g–1645g (median 1568g)
- Catalog ID: NP2016DB
- Designed for: RUSH drummer Neil Peart
- Warranty: Sabian Two-Year Warranty
The Paragon Diamondback represents a sophisticated approach to Chinese cymbal design, combining traditional B20 craftsmanship with innovative jingle and rivet engineering to achieve a cymbal that is dynamically responsive, highly durable, and effective across diverse recording and performance contexts.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 20" |
| Cymbal Type | Effects |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese is a thin, handcrafted B20 bronze cymbal engineered for articulate sizzle and dynamic responsiveness in the recording studio. Its softer, darker tone with complex layering sits naturally in rock and progressive mixes, cutting through without harshness while rewarding expressive stick work. Pick this for sessions where you need a Chinese cymbal that responds immediately to subtle dynamics and captures intricate articulation without dominating the kit tone.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Traditional orchestral
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Diamondback's jingle setup different from other Chinese cymbals?
Each of the four cotter pins holds four jingles positioned in the shallow flange, with a single rivet between each of the four jingle placements. This configuration creates a complex, layered sizzle and pronounced response that's unique to the Diamondback design.
Is this cymbal suited for jazz or traditional orchestral playing?
No—the Diamondback is optimized for rock, progressive, studio sessions, and live performance. Its pronounced sizzle and articulate character are designed for those genres rather than jazz or traditional orchestral applications.
What skill level do I need to get the most from this cymbal?
The Diamondback is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who can leverage its responsive B20 bronze and dynamic control. Its thin weight and reactive character reward expressive technique and quick articulation.
What is the weight range for the 20" size?
The 20" Diamondback weighs between 1444g and 1645g, with a median weight of 1568g, placing it in the thin, highly responsive category.
How does the brilliant finish affect the tone compared to traditional finishes?
The polished brilliant finish is combined with Sabian's B20 bronze and the Diamondback's unique hammering and jingle design to create the softer, darker sizzling tone. The finish itself complements the overall sonic character developed in collaboration with Neil Peart.
Artists Who Play This
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.