Sabian 20" Paragon Diamondback Chinese Brilliant Finish
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- 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 delivers a thin, highly responsive feel that rewards quick articulation and dynamic control. The wide-flanged edge and strategically positioned jingles produce a softer, darker sizzling character ideal for accents and riding applications. 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 produce a distinctive softer, darker tone with pronounced sizzle, cutting through a live mix without drowning out your bandmates. The responsive B20 bronze reacts immediately to stick strikes and subtle dynamics, rewarding expressive playing and giving you the control you need whether you're tracking in the studio or commanding a stage.
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 create an instrument that responds to your touch, holds up under the demands of touring and session work, and cuts the tone you need in any ensemble.
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, highly responsive B20 bronze cymbal with a softer, darker sizzle and complex jingle configuration designed for rock, progressive, and live performance. Built with Neil Peart's input, it cuts through the mix without overwhelming while rewarding quick articulation and dynamic control on stage. Choose this if you need a Chinese that delivers pronounced sizzle with the articulate responsiveness to handle both accents and riding in demanding live and studio settings.
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.
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