Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese Brilliant Finish
Description
Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese Brilliant Finish
The Sabian 20" Paragon Chinese cuts through the mix with direct, controlled response that never sacrifices musicality. Built with a small bell and steeply angled bow, this cymbal resists washing out and maintains clarity even under aggressive play. Originally developed for Neil Peart of RUSH, the Paragon Chinese bridges the gap between raw power and surgical precision in a format that demands respect from any serious player.
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 a more direct articulation with less wash. The Medium weight classification delivers the durability you need for both studio sessions and relentless touring without sacrificing the responsiveness that makes playing feel effortless.
Tone & Character
The 20" Paragon Chinese excels in cutting, defined tones rather than ambient shimmer. Its drier, harder sound character makes it an ideal contrast cymbal or secondary China for drummers seeking texture without excessive sustain. The compact bell and steep bow geometry keep the sound focused and punchy, ideal for styles demanding articulate accent work that sits perfectly in the pocket of any mix.
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 rewards drummers who demand definition and control in their China cymbal selection, delivering powerful dynamics with musicality in a compact, responsive package that holds up night after night on stage and in the studio.
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 china cymbal built from pure B20 bronze with a small bell and steep bow that delivers a cutting, controlled attack without washing out—perfect for rock, metal, and progressive drummers who need articulate accent work and clarity under aggressive play. Originally developed for Neil Peart, it bridges power and precision, offering a drier, harder response than standard China models while maintaining responsiveness for both studio and live gigs. Choose this if you're running a secondary China or contrast cymbal and want definition and focus over ambient shimmer.
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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