Thinking of Paragons

[Drummer30]

Well, I have finally saved up enough to upgrade from my horrible set of ZBTs and am looking towards the Sabian Paragons (13" hats, 16" crash, 22" ride). I think these will suit the prog/classic rock style that I play, but I'm still open to suggestions and comments. I haven't noticed to many others discuss them so I'd like to know if anyone has had experinces whether good or bad.

[goalieman92]

Well, I have finally saved up enough to upgrade from my horrible set of ZBTs and am looking towards the Sabian Paragons (13" hats, 16" crash, 22" ride). I think these will suit the prog/classic rock style that I play, but I'm still open to suggestions and comments. I haven't noticed to many others discuss them so I'd like to know if anyone has had experinces whether good or bad.

yes they will (peart=prog)

But personally in think the hat's sound horrid. my advice to you is to go to the drums shop and have a friend play every cymbal there with your back turned so brand isn't is bias, and then pick which ones you like of those, and keep on narrowing it down by repeating the process with those cymbals.

[syaoran05]

prog AND classic rock? i think you'd be better off with AA's or Avedis. i dont think paragons would be nice enough to be played in classic rock..

[goalieman92]

I still go by the logic of buying cymbals for sound, not genre, if you like em, get em

prog AND classic rock? i think you'd be better off with AA's or Avedis. i dont think paragons would be nice enough to be played in classic rock..

I know a guy that uses them and he play classic rock and such, they are fine for just about anything

[syaoran05]

I still go by the logic of buying cymbals for sound, not genre, if you like em, get em



I know a guy that uses them and he play classic rock and such, they are fine for just about anything

i think the ride really lacks the wash you'd need for classic rock. paragons are too pingy for my taste.

[dizkneelande]

i own an 18 inch paragon crash and it's my most used cymbal by far. i use it for my rock gig and as a substitute ride for lighter stuff. it doesnt really mix well with some of my other cymbals so you might want to test it in conjunction with any other cymbals youre using to make sure they dont clash. my paiste 2002's and my zildjian k's dont work well with it i will say.

[grahamo87]

i own the 19'' china. I'm a die-hard zildjian guy, so was reluctant at first. but hey, its a great sounding cymbal. I've hit a couple other ones and was pretty impressed, but not "replace-my-whole-setup" impressed

[gr82bagn]

I have the Paragon 20 inch China, 16 and 18 inch crash and they are fine for rock, I play a lot of classic, Zep, Who, Stones and what not, heavy on the drums. However I do prefer the sound of my Custom K's when kicking back and playing some blues. Now this is the kicker, every now and then I go for the Paragons at the end of a nice slow fill and they really sound musical.

[DamoSyzygy]

Paragons are a cymbal like any other, they just look different.

Seriously, dont believe that because Neil peart uses them that they are the best choice for prog rock.

Get an idea for the sound you want and then go find the cymbals that do it. If it ends up being paragons, then great but chances are there will be cymbals just as good or even better once you start looking depper into the equation.

[Drummer30]

I didn't mean to sound like I was only going for them because of brand name, etc. I should have been more specific in saying that my band plays Rush/Zep styles and I'm looking for some warm but definitive cymbals that'll be clear and musical through the other instruments. Thanks for the feedback, I havn't gone through many upgrades before so this info is much appreciated.

[DamoSyzygy]

Drummer30, take a look at this document and see if it helps you.

http://www.drum.com.au/lessons/aug06.pdf

[goalieman92]

Paragons are a cymbal like any other, they just look different.

Seriously, dont believe that because Neil peart uses them that they are the best choice for prog rock.

Get an idea for the sound you want and then go find the cymbals that do it. If it ends up being paragons, then great but chances are there will be cymbals just as good or even better once you start looking depper into the equation.

yeah, damo. Never said they were the best for it, just pointing out that it works with the music, like he asked.

[Drummer30]

Thanks Damo, that was a good read. Ok then to follow that up, I think that what I need now, brand etc aside is

One set of hats - Solid pedal chick with a washy splash but good stick definition. Middle of the road for tone that sounds good at all volumes, precise.

One crash - Warm and focused, yet still sustained with a strong, definitive sound, contollable and full

One ride - Like the crash, warm and defined, bell open and cutting, not much wash with a very strong sound, good at all volumes

If I could get some pointers as to what may suit these outfit I would be exstatic.

[michael drums]

Paragons are a cymbal like any other, they just look different.

Seriously, dont believe that because Neil peart uses them that they are the best choice for prog rock.

Get an idea for the sound you want and then go find the cymbals that do it. If it ends up being paragons, then great but chances are there will be cymbals just as good or even better once you start looking depper into the equation.

Yea, ok, but...If they're good enough for Neil, well.............you know the rest! Play On!

Oh, and, umm...tried 'em...loved 'em...gonna get 'em... ;-)

[Skitch]

Well, I have finally saved up enough to upgrade from my horrible set of ZBTs and am looking towards the Sabian Paragons (13" hats, 16" crash, 22" ride). I think these will suit the prog/classic rock style that I play, but I'm still open to suggestions and comments. I haven't noticed to many others discuss them so I'd like to know if anyone has had experinces whether good or bad.


If you are playing loud volumed music, competing with guitar amps and the like, you may want to opt for an 18" Crash Cymbal. The 16" will only get so loud.


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com


http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

[syaoran05]

Thanks Damo, that was a good read. Ok then to follow that up, I think that what I need now, brand etc aside is

One set of hats - Solid pedal chick with a washy splash but good stick definition. Middle of the road for tone that sounds good at all volumes, precise.

One crash - Warm and focused, yet still sustained with a strong, definitive sound, contollable and full

One ride - Like the crash, warm and defined, bell open and cutting, not much wash with a very strong sound, good at all volumes

If I could get some pointers as to what may suit these outfit I would be exstatic.

A Zildjian New Beats, or the Sabian AA equivalent

K Zildjian Dark Crash Thin, or the Sabian equivalent

AARBDR or the K custom equivalent.

[Drummer30]

Alright, I think I'll make a list of these and compare them to the Paragons, back turned of course, to see if their better suited to my needs. Thanks to all for the input.

[DamoSyzygy]

One set of hats - Solid pedal chick with a washy splash but good stick definition. Middle of the road for tone that sounds good at all volumes, precise.

One crash - Warm and focused, yet still sustained with a strong, definitive sound, contollable and full

One ride - Like the crash, warm and defined, bell open and cutting, not much wash with a very strong sound, good at all volumes

That, my friend was beautiful!

Any half competent storeperson should be able to match you with a cymbal from those descriptions.

Given your descriptions, Id probably direct you towards (as a starting point) HHX Groove Hats, HHX Studio Crash or AAX Dark Crash, and an AA or HH Raw Bell Dry Ride.

Go get em! :)

[Drummer30]

Thanks Damo, but is there a ride that has a little more mellow bell that is similar to the Raw Bell Dry Ride. Going by the sabian sound check it is a little too metallic for my tastes. Any suggestions before I take a trip to the local store?

[hammertone]

I have both a Paragon 18" crash and an HHX Studio crash. The 18" cymbals cut through the mix markedly better than my 16" K Custom dark crash or UFIP natural 16".

However, if it is warmth you want, the HHX studio model has a definite edge over the Paragon.

The HHX has a better bell sound to my ear too, quite low pitched and with a nice tone.

For all round use, I have found 14" K hats the most versatile.

[DamoSyzygy]

Thanks Damo, but is there a ride that has a little more mellow bell that is similar to the Raw Bell Dry Ride. Going by the sabian sound check it is a little too metallic for my tastes. Any suggestions before I take a trip to the local store?
I have a Sabian 21" HH Medium Heavy Ride that could suit that description.

[Drummer30]

Thanks, that ride I think is just about what I'm looking for. You guys have no idea how much this has opened my eyes to other models of cymbals. I wasn't really fond of the AA or AAX line but I think that for crashes the HHX studio line is the bomb. So if I could ask one last favour, is there some hats that would blend nicely with my description of what I want, the HHX studio crashes, and a dry, warm sounding ride?

[aceman]

Zildjian A Mastersounds are an excellent choice

[Drummer30]

Any others than the mastersounds, and K hats just so I have a couple to compare? Thanks for the input everyone.

[paul c]

I have a set of paragons and they are brilliant for playing latin, jazz funk blues etc etc but the only thing is they dont really suit for playing hard rock.

[matt rodriguez]

Personally in think the hat's sound horrid. my advice to you is to go to the drums shop and have a friend play every cymbal there with your back turned so brand isn't is bias.

agreed. cant say enough about NOT WORRYING ABOUT BRAND NAME.
i thought i wanted paragons, chose 14" Zildjian K-Custom Dark hats instead =]

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I have a set of paragons and they are brilliant for playing latin, jazz funk blues etc etc but the only thing is they dont really suit for playing hard rock.

Jazz... quoi? PING PING PING? Quoi...?

[syaoran05]

I have a set of paragons and they are brilliant for playing latin, jazz funk blues etc etc but the only thing is they dont really suit for playing hard rock.

that sounds.... interesting, unless it is a sarcastic remark...