Sabian 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese
- 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
- NP2016ND
Description
Sabian 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese
The Sabian 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese cuts through dense mix environments with its thin, highly responsive profile and wide-flanged edge design. This cymbal delivers crisp articulation and sizzle character that maintains clarity in layered arrangements without excessive weight. The industrial construction and dual-jingle configuration balance traditional sizzle with modern definition, making it a versatile accent cymbal for multi-mic'd drum recording and layered production work.
Sonic Character & Response
Built from pure SABIAN B20 bronze using AA-style hammering, this Chinese produces a bright, cutting tone with excellent projection across the frequency spectrum. The combination of four jingles and four sizzle rivets creates a complex wash of sizzle and definition, ideal for crash-ride hybrid applications in rock, metal, and fusion production, or for traditional Chinese character that sustains within a crowded mix.
Construction & Materials
Each jingle is secured with industrial cotter pins (four pins per jingle assembly), ensuring stability during tracking while allowing independent movement for responsive, articulate sizzle. The thin profile keeps overall weight moderate, reducing physical fatigue during long studio sessions while maximizing sensitivity to stick dynamics and microphone capture.
Key Features
- 20-inch diameter
- Weight range: 1444g–1645g (median: 1568g)
- Pure SABIAN B20 bronze material
- Thin, highly responsive profile
- Wide-flanged edge design
- Industrial cotter pins securing jingles
- Four jingles with four sizzle rivets
- AA-style hammering construction
- Production years: 2008–Present
This Paragon Diamondback Chinese balances traditional sizzle character with modern articulation, delivering dependable studio recording performance and mix flexibility across multiple musical styles.
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 bright, articulate Chinese cymbal that captures crisp definition and complex sizzle in the studio, ideal for rock and metal recording sessions where clarity through dense arrangements matters. Its thin, responsive B20 bronze profile and dual-jingle configuration give you excellent control over wash and articulation during tracking, and the moderate weight reduces fatigue during long studio days. Choose it when you want a Chinese that sits clearly in heavy mixes and responds sensitively to different stick techniques.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Chinese cymbal cut through heavy music styles?
The Paragon Diamondback uses a thin, highly responsive profile with AA-style B20 bronze hammering and a wide-flanged edge design that produces a bright, cutting tone with excellent projection. Four jingles paired with four sizzle rivets create crisp articulation and complex sizzle character ideal for rock and metal without adding excessive weight.
Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?
Yes. The cymbal's articulate character and responsive stick dynamics make it capable for studio sessions, and the moderate weight (1444–1645g) allows extended recording takes without fatigue while delivering dependable performance across rock, metal, and hard rock applications.
How are the jingles secured and do they move independently?
Each jingle is secured with industrial cotter pins (four pins per jingle assembly), ensuring stability during play while allowing independent movement for responsive sizzle articulation and control.
What genres is this Chinese best suited for?
The Paragon Diamondback excels in rock, metal, hard rock, and studio sessions. Its bright, cutting character and crisp articulation are not well-suited to jazz, folk, or worship music, where softer, more diffuse Chinese cymbals are typically preferred.
How does the thin profile affect playability?
The thin profile keeps overall weight moderate, reducing fatigue during extended sessions while maximizing the cymbal's sensitivity to stick dynamics, making it responsive across different playing intensities and techniques.