22114 vs NP1916N — Compare
Sabian 21" AA Rock Ride vs Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese
The Sabian 21" AA Rock Ride is a heavy, bright traditional ride for cutting through loud rock and funk settings, while the Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese is a thin, dark specialty cymbal for dynamic expression and progressive styles. Choose the Rock Ride for steady ride patterns in high-volume contexts; choose the Paragon Chinese for responsive, atmospheric accents in studio and live performance.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| Sabian 21" AA Rock Ride | Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $439.99 | $434.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Ride | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 21" | 19" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 21" AA Rock Ride
- ✓ Heavy weight (3271g) delivers powerful projection and sustain for aggressive playing
- ✓ Bright, vintage tone cuts through loud band mixes and rock settings
- ✓ Proven 40-year design with full-bodied stick definition and big bell
- ✓ Budget-friendly entry to a workhorse cymbal
Why choose Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese
- ✓ Extremely thin, lightweight design (1251g median) offers remarkable dynamic sensitivity
- ✓ Dark, dirty character and open response suit progressive and hard rock textures
- ✓ Activates with minimal effort—responsive even to finger touches
- ✓ Neil Peart collaboration brings studio-ready musicality and control
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for rock drumming?
The 21" AA Rock Ride excels as a main ride for rock's demanding volume and stick definition. The 19" Paragon Chinese works better as an accent or secondary cymbal in progressive and hard rock where textural variety matters more than steady cutting power.
Can I use these cymbals for jazz?
The 21" AA Rock Ride is listed as suitable for jazz but leans bright and aggressive. The 19" Paragon Chinese is not recommended for jazz, as its dark, agitated character suits rock and progressive music better than jazz's tonal palette.
How do weight and thickness affect playability?
The heavy 21" ride requires more force to trigger but rewards with sustained projection and durability. The thin 19" Paragon responds instantly to light touches, demanding less effort and offering greater dynamic range, ideal for sensitive playing and studio work.
Are these beginner-friendly?
Both are rated for intermediate to professional players. The 21" AA Rock Ride's weight suits experienced drummers; the 19" Paragon's sensitivity also requires developed touch control, though its responsiveness can aid skill development.