Who designed the Sabian Paragon 16" Crash?

The cymbal was developed by Sabian in collaboration with Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the band Rush. His input was instrumental in shaping the cymbal's power and musicality.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

The Sabian Paragon 16" Crash typically retails for approximately GBP 348. This price reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade instrument.

What is unique about the bell on the 16" Paragon Crash?

The bell is designed to be larger than most standard crash bells. This allows it to be played with the shoulder of the stick like a ride cymbal, providing more versatile sound options.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

It features a Brilliant finish, which enhances the brightness of the tone and provides a polished, reflective aesthetic.

Is this cymbal suitable for soft playing?

While it is designed for high-powered, hard-hitting styles, the manufacturer states that it performs across a wide volume spectrum. However, its primary strength is its ability to cut through loud noise.

What are the primary tonal characteristics of the Paragon 16" Crash?

The cymbal is known for its bright musical tones and an incredibly powerful, explosive crash. It is designed to be aggressive and cutting.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The Sabian Paragon is much brighter and more explosive, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is darker and has a shorter, more trashy decay. The Paragon is better suited for high-volume projection.

Can the Paragon 16" Crash be used for recording?

Yes, its bright musicality and clear bell tone make it a high-quality choice for studio work, particularly in rock and metal genres where clarity is essential.

Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade cymbal, it is durable enough for any level. However, its high price point may make it a significant investment for a novice compared to series like the Meinl HCS.

Does the cymbal come in different sizes within the Paragon range?

Yes, the Paragon series includes various sizes, but the 16-inch model is valued for its quick response and higher pitch compared to larger crashes in the line.

How does the durability of the Paragon crash compare to other series?

The Paragon series was specifically designed for the hard-hitting style of Neil Peart, meaning it is constructed to be robust and withstand powerful playing over long periods.

What drumming styles best suit this cymbal?

It is best suited for progressive rock, hard rock, and metal. Any genre requiring an aggressive cutting tone and high volume will benefit from this model.

Gear article

Sabian Paragon 16" Crash

The Sabian Paragon 16" Crash is a high-performance cymbal developed in collaboration with legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart. It is designed for high-powered musical styles, offering a bright, explosive tone and a uniquely large bell that provides versatile playing options.

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Overview

The Sabian Paragon 16" Crash is a premium professional cymbal within the Sabian catalogue. It was engineered specifically to meet the demands of heavy-hitting, technical drumming. As part of the Paragon series, it represents a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern sonic requirements, intended to provide drummers with a tool that is both musically sensitive and capable of extreme volume.

Development and Artist Collaboration

This cymbal was developed hand-in-hand with Neil Peart, the renowned drummer of the progressive rock band Rush. The goal of the collaboration was to create a cymbal series that could withstand Peart's high-powered playing style while maintaining musical clarity. The result is a crash that balances aggressive cutting power with the bright musicality required for complex compositions.

Key Design Features

One of the most distinctive features of the 16" Paragon Crash is its bell. The bell is notably larger than those found on standard 16" crash cymbals, which enhances the overall volume and projection. This design choice also allows the bell to be played in a manner similar to a ride cymbal, providing an additional rhythmic texture for the drummer. The cymbal is typically finished in a 'Brilliant' style, which contributes to its bright aesthetic and sonic profile.

Sound Profile and Character

The sonic character of the Sabian Paragon 16" Crash is defined by its explosive response and bright musical tones. It is designed to cut through dense arrangements and loud stage noise effectively. Despite its aggressive nature, the cymbal performs across a wide volume spectrum, responding to different velocities while maintaining its fundamental cutting tone.

Suitability and Applications

This cymbal is primarily suited for drummers who play with a hard-hitting, high-energy style. While it is rooted in progressive rock through its association with Neil Peart, its ability to cut through noise makes it an excellent choice for metal, hard rock, and live performance environments where projection is paramount. It is less suited for low-volume settings or jazz where subtle, dark overtones are often preferred.

Market Comparison

In the wider market, the Paragon 16" Crash occupies a space for drummers looking for brightness and power. It differs significantly from cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which offers darker, shorter decay, or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash, which focuses on jazz-centric textures. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Paragon offers superior durability and professional-grade tonal complexity.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Sabian Paragon 16" Crash?: The cymbal was developed by Sabian in collaboration with Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the band Rush. His input was instrumental in shaping the cymbal's power and musicality.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: The Sabian Paragon 16" Crash typically retails for approximately GBP 348. This price reflects its status as a high-end, professional-grade instrument.
What is unique about the bell on the 16" Paragon Crash?: The bell is designed to be larger than most standard crash bells. This allows it to be played with the shoulder of the stick like a ride cymbal, providing more versatile sound options.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: It features a Brilliant finish, which enhances the brightness of the tone and provides a polished, reflective aesthetic.
Is this cymbal suitable for soft playing?: While it is designed for high-powered, hard-hitting styles, the manufacturer states that it performs across a wide volume spectrum. However, its primary strength is its ability to cut through loud noise.
What are the primary tonal characteristics of the Paragon 16" Crash?: The cymbal is known for its bright musical tones and an incredibly powerful, explosive crash. It is designed to be aggressive and cutting.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Sabian Paragon is much brighter and more explosive, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is darker and has a shorter, more trashy decay. The Paragon is better suited for high-volume projection.
Can the Paragon 16" Crash be used for recording?: Yes, its bright musicality and clear bell tone make it a high-quality choice for studio work, particularly in rock and metal genres where clarity is essential.
Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade cymbal, it is durable enough for any level. However, its high price point may make it a significant investment for a novice compared to series like the Meinl HCS.
Does the cymbal come in different sizes within the Paragon range?: Yes, the Paragon series includes various sizes, but the 16-inch model is valued for its quick response and higher pitch compared to larger crashes in the line.
How does the durability of the Paragon crash compare to other series?: The Paragon series was specifically designed for the hard-hitting style of Neil Peart, meaning it is constructed to be robust and withstand powerful playing over long periods.
What drumming styles best suit this cymbal?: It is best suited for progressive rock, hard rock, and metal. Any genre requiring an aggressive cutting tone and high volume will benefit from this model.