Who designed the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash?

The cymbal was developed by Sabian in a close collaboration with Neil Peart, the late drummer of the rock band Rush. It was designed to meet his specific requirements for power, durability, and musicality.

What is the primary sound characteristic of this cymbal?

It is characterized by a bright, musical tone with an explosive and aggressive cutting edge. It is specifically engineered to cut through loud background noise and dense instrumentation.

How does the bell on this crash differ from standard cymbals?

The bell is larger than most traditional crash cymbal bells. This design allows it to be played similarly to a ride cymbal bell, providing an additional percussive surface for the drummer.

What finish is used on the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash?

This model features a Brilliant finish. This finish helps enhance the bright high-end frequencies and provides a shimmering visual appearance.

Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume playing?

While it is designed for high-powered, hard-hitting styles, the manufacturer states it performs across a wide volume spectrum. However, its primary strength lies in its ability to be explosive and loud.

What size is this specific Paragon model?

This specific model has a diameter of 17 inches. This size offers a balance between the fast response of a smaller crash and the volume of a larger one.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The typical price range for the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash is approximately GBP 408. This reflects its status as a high-quality, professional-grade instrument.

Can the bell be used like a ride cymbal?

Yes, the oversized bell is a key feature of the design. It is explosive and large enough to be utilized for rhythmic patterns in a manner similar to a ride cymbal.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

The Paragon is significantly brighter and more cutting than the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series. While the Meinl is dark and thin, the Paragon is designed for high-powered aggression and projection.

Is the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash durable?

Yes, it was designed specifically for Neil Peart's hard-hitting, high-powered playing style. The construction is robust enough to withstand aggressive drumming over long periods.

What genre of music is this cymbal best for?

It is best suited for rock, progressive rock, and metal. Any genre that requires a cymbal to cut through a loud stage mix will benefit from the Paragon's explosive character.

How does this compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

The UFIP Bionic series also targets high-volume situations, but the Paragon is unique due to its specific collaboration with Neil Peart and its specialized oversized bell design.

Gear article

Sabian Paragon 17" Crash

The Sabian Paragon 17" Crash is a high-performance cymbal developed in collaboration with legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart. It is designed to deliver bright musical tones and a powerful, explosive response capable of cutting through high-volume musical environments.

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Background and Design

The Sabian Paragon 17" Crash was created through a close partnership between Sabian and Neil Peart, widely regarded as one of the most influential drummers in rock history. The design reflects Peart's requirement for a cymbal that could handle the demands of progressive rock and high-powered arena performances.

A defining characteristic of this model is its oversized bell. The bell is significantly larger than those found on standard crash cymbals, allowing it to be played with the clarity and volume typically associated with a ride cymbal bell.

Sonic Character

This cymbal is defined by its bright, musical, and aggressive tonal profile. It produces a quick, explosive crash that is intended to cut through dense mixes or loud stage volume. Despite its aggressive nature, it remains musical across a wide volume spectrum, responding accurately to different levels of force. The brilliant finish contributes to its shimmering high-end frequencies and fast decay.

Versatility and Use

While designed for hard-hitting styles, the Paragon 17" Crash is engineered to perform consistently at various dynamics. Its robust construction makes it particularly suited for:

High-energy rock and metal performances.
Progressive music requiring precise, cutting accents.
Situations where a versatile bell sound is needed from a crash cymbal.
Professional studio recording where a bright, clear cymbal profile is desired.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional cymbals, the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash stands out for its specific blend of 'old-school' musicality and modern power. Unlike the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which offers dark and earthy tones, the Paragon is focused on brightness and projection. It also offers a more robust build than low-volume alternatives like the Gear4Music Silver series. While cymbals such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash are tailored for jazz and nuance, the Paragon is built to withstand the rigours of hard-hitting rock drumming.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash?: The cymbal was developed by Sabian in a close collaboration with Neil Peart, the late drummer of the rock band Rush. It was designed to meet his specific requirements for power, durability, and musicality.
What is the primary sound characteristic of this cymbal?: It is characterized by a bright, musical tone with an explosive and aggressive cutting edge. It is specifically engineered to cut through loud background noise and dense instrumentation.
How does the bell on this crash differ from standard cymbals?: The bell is larger than most traditional crash cymbal bells. This design allows it to be played similarly to a ride cymbal bell, providing an additional percussive surface for the drummer.
What finish is used on the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash?: This model features a Brilliant finish. This finish helps enhance the bright high-end frequencies and provides a shimmering visual appearance.
Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume playing?: While it is designed for high-powered, hard-hitting styles, the manufacturer states it performs across a wide volume spectrum. However, its primary strength lies in its ability to be explosive and loud.
What size is this specific Paragon model?: This specific model has a diameter of 17 inches. This size offers a balance between the fast response of a smaller crash and the volume of a larger one.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The typical price range for the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash is approximately GBP 408. This reflects its status as a high-quality, professional-grade instrument.
Can the bell be used like a ride cymbal?: Yes, the oversized bell is a key feature of the design. It is explosive and large enough to be utilized for rhythmic patterns in a manner similar to a ride cymbal.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: The Paragon is significantly brighter and more cutting than the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series. While the Meinl is dark and thin, the Paragon is designed for high-powered aggression and projection.
Is the Sabian Paragon 17" Crash durable?: Yes, it was designed specifically for Neil Peart's hard-hitting, high-powered playing style. The construction is robust enough to withstand aggressive drumming over long periods.
What genre of music is this cymbal best for?: It is best suited for rock, progressive rock, and metal. Any genre that requires a cymbal to cut through a loud stage mix will benefit from the Paragon's explosive character.
How does this compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: The UFIP Bionic series also targets high-volume situations, but the Paragon is unique due to its specific collaboration with Neil Peart and its specialized oversized bell design.