Sabian 22" Paragon Ride
Description
Sabian 22" Paragon Ride
The Sabian 22" Paragon Ride is a heavyweight cymbal engineered to capture articulate response and dark, controlled projection in any recording environment. Designed in collaboration with Neil Peart of RUSH, this ride delivers the precision and versatility that producers and engineers value in progressive and fusion sessions. The extra-heavy construction provides stability under intense playing while maintaining musical complexity across the dynamic range—essential for capturing consistent takes without tonal compromise.
Sound & Tonal Character
Built from pure SABIAN B20 bronze with a solid hand-hammered bell, this cymbal produces dark, defined stick definition with controlled spread and minimal sustain—qualities that translate cleanly to tape and digital recording. The AA-style hammering combined with design elements from the AA, AAX, and HH series creates a sophisticated tonal palette suited to tracking sessions where clarity and control prevent cymbal wash from muddying the mix.
Construction & Materials
The extra-heavy 8+ pound weight at 22 inches gives this ride exceptional durability and projection without sacrificing responsiveness. Traditional hand-hammering techniques produce a cymbal that responds consistently to both hard and soft strikes, making it equally reliable for overdubbing nuanced parts or capturing dynamic live-in-studio performances.
Key Features
- 22-inch diameter — mid-to-large ride size for projection and definition
- Extra-heavy weight (8+ pounds) — substantial mass for durability and controlled sustain
- Pure SABIAN B20 bronze — traditional alloy for complex harmonic character
- Solid hand-hammered bell — articulate stick definition and precise response
- AA-style hammering — foundation for crisp stick attack and clarity
- Hybrid construction — incorporates design elements from AA, AAX, and HH series
- Neil Peart signature design — engineered for progressive and fusion applications
- Natural or Brilliant finish options — visual customization without compromising tone
- Hand-crafted construction — each cymbal individually hammered for consistent quality
- Responsive playing surface — articulate edge and bow with controlled wash
The Paragon Ride stands as a professional-grade cymbal built to track with clarity, control, and refined tonal complexity—a workhorse for studios demanding exacting recorded results.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 22" |
| Cymbal Type | Ride |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 22" Paragon Ride is a heavyweight, hand-hammered ride cymbal that delivers articulate stick definition and dark, controlled tone—perfect for capturing clear, defined cymbal tracks in studio sessions and jazz, fusion, or progressive recording contexts. Its B20 bronze construction and AA-style hammering produce complex harmonics with minimal sustain, giving you precision and clarity that sit well in dense mixes without overwhelming other instruments. This is the choice for studio drummers and producers who need a ride that records with definition and doesn't cloud the bottom end.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Fusion
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Punk
- – Pop
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need to play this cymbal?
The Paragon Ride is engineered for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. Its extra-heavy weight and responsive hand-hammered surface reward controlled technique and reward expressive playing across soft and hard strikes.
What genres is this ride best suited for?
This cymbal excels in progressive, fusion, jazz, and studio session contexts where articulate stick definition and controlled projection are priorities. It is not designed for punk or pop styles, which typically favor brighter, more washy tones.
How does the 22-inch size compare to other ride cymbals?
At 22 inches, this is a mid-to-large ride size that provides excellent projection and definition while remaining versatile enough for both live and studio work. The extra-heavy 8+ pound weight gives it exceptional durability and controlled sustain without sacrificing responsiveness.
What makes this ride different from other Sabian models?
The Paragon combines AA-style hammering with design elements from the AA, AAX, and HH series in a hybrid construction, creating a sophisticated tonal palette with dark, defined stick definition and minimal sustain. This design was created in collaboration with Neil Peart of RUSH for progressive and fusion applications.
Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?
Yes—the hand-hammered construction and controlled projection make it equally capable in studio and live environments, delivering clear, articulate stick definition that translates well to recordings without excessive wash or decay.