anyone use the neil peart paragons?

[capnkid]

How do they compare to Zildjian A series?
I have limited money and am thinking of buying a cheaper drum set around $500 and buying good heads and great cymbols.

[tilinmyowngrave]

I have tested out Zildjians, Sabians, and Paistes. I strongly suggest that you get Paiste Signature cymbals. They are INCREDIBLE. But, if you don't want Paiste Signatures... then I say go with Paragon. I still say go with Paiste Signatures. But trust me, its very important to have good drums to. I amde the mistake of getting horrible drums with great heads and cymbals... i regret it. Spend a little less on cymbals and a bit more on drums.

[PhilGood]

In a word - FOCUSED. The Paragons have a very focused sound, almost like a specific pitch range with few overtones. They are very controlled with little wash. Wash is something I happen to like in a cymbal, but that's my preference. I wouldn't compare them to anything in Zildjian's line-ups.

They are definately a "try before you buy" line of cymbals. I wouldn't purchase them without a listen.

Then again, I wouldn't purchase ANY cymbal without kickin' the tires. I've waisted a few purchase dollars that way and I'll *never* do it again.

[tilinmyowngrave]

Originally Posted by PhilGood

In a word - FOCUSED. The Paragons have a very focused sound, almost like a specific pitch range with few overtones. They are very controlled with little wash. Wash is something I happen to like in a cymbal, but that's my preference. I wouldn't compare them to anything in Zildjian's line-ups.

They are definately a "try before you buy" line of cymbals. I wouldn't purchase them without a listen.

Then again, I wouldn't purchase ANY cymbal without kickin' the tires. I've waisted a few purchase dollars that way and I'll *never* do it again.

hahaha Amen

[mrface2112]

to me, the paragons sound like old zildjian a's. not the new modern ones, but ones from many moons ago that have aged nicely. i think it's a different sound than you find in any other modern cymbal. i'd agree that these are definitely focused--the crashes are quick explosions of sound--musical punctuation marks, if you will. they get in and get out very quickly, which is a nice trait in a crash.

the ride has a very subtle, yet distinct wash, with a very clear and defined bell tone. it's prolly my favorite cymbal in the set, and when i pick up a contrast for my K Custom ride, this will be the one. the hi hats remind me of older newbeats, with a bit more responsiveness.

i know neil patterned them after his old a's--ones he's used his entire career--and i think that this mission was largely accomplished with the paragons. they're certainly not cymbals i'd use for all occasions, but rather interesting additions to an otherwise diverse lineup.


cheers,
wade

[PhilGood]

Originally Posted by mrface2112

the ride has a very subtle, yet distinct wash, with a very clear and defined bell tone. it's prolly my favorite cymbal in the set, and when i pick up a contrast for my K Custom ride, this will be the one.

The bell on the ride is quite exceptional! Very sensitive compared to most rides!

[mrface2112]

phil, i totally agree.

if you want that neil peart, subdivisions type of ride, where syncopated patterns on the bell are integral to the part and need to cut through an otherwise dense mix, this would be the cymbal i'd look at.

i could see that it would be good for some more jazzy things, too. i think they grabbed the best things about K's and A's and combined them into one cymbal that sounds identical to neither.


cheers,
wade

[Enrique]

Originally Posted by PhilGood

They are definately a "try before you buy" line of cymbals. I wouldn't purchase them without a listen.

I will second that!

[Supercreep]

Originally Posted by mrface2112

if you want that neil peart, subdivisions type of ride, where syncopated patterns on the bell are integral to the part and need to cut through an otherwise dense mix, this would be the cymbal i'd look at.

Those were all Avedis Zildjian cymbals (except for the Wuhan). Do the Paragons appear on Feedback? I'm pretty sure Vapor Trails was all Zildjian as well.