Agop Signature Series Cymbals
Ultra dark sound. Dry stick definition with warm undertones. Mellow crash ride capabilities.
Available in 13" to 16" Hihats, 16" and 18" Crashes, 16" to 26" Rides and 16" and 18" Chinas.
Mel Lewis Cymbals
Dark, warm and trashy. Full bodied stick definition.
Available in 13", 14" Hihats, 18" to 21" Rides.
Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis, Signature and Artist Cymbals
© Copyright 2008 Cymbalism Music ® All Rights Reserved
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The History of Istanbul Agop
The art of Turkish cymbal making dates back to the 16th century; the time of the Ottoman Empire. The very first cymbals manufactured in Turkey were actually bells, created for the use in churches. Later on, as the story goes, cymbals were produced for the Ottoman Army band. In 20th century, it had become a well-known fact that Istanbul, Turkey had evolved into the cymbal making capital of the world. Generations of master cymbalsmiths developed, refined and redefined this art in their endless search for perfection. They formulated the most musical alloy, developed and tested hand crafted methods which have been used for centuries. As the 20th century drew towards its close, the traditional Turkish method for hand crafting cymbals had all but been abandoned due to the efficiencies and mass production facility provided by machines. In 1980, the very first Istanbul Cymbals began to enter the market place and the drummers around the world took notice immediately. What they heard and what they saw was the work of our founder, Agop Tomurcuk, who had been developing his skills since the age of 9 and had worked at the original K factory in Istanbul as the foreman until the factory''s closure in 1978. He started this new venture in 1980, with his partner Mehmet Tamdeger under the name ‘Zilciler'. Shortly thereafter, the legendary name Istanbul was founded.
In the following years, the name of the brand; ‘Istanbul Cymbals' became glorious for creating those unique and classic sounds. During those years, we also developed many completely original, inimitable, cutting-edge designs, while we were still employing the traditional methods. Many of these inventive designs are in our production-line today, such as Turk, Sultan, Vezir, Empire, Ottoman and Pasha. In 1996 Agop Tomurcuk passed away prematurely because of a tragic accident. At this point the company was being pulled in two separate directions. It was determined that the company must be split. Agop' s sons; Arman and Sarkis continued their way by following the footsteps of their father and Mehmet was free to run his own separate company as he saw fit. Arman and Sarkis Tomurcuk were ready to bring their own fresh ideas by using their experience which they had gained in many years in the business, while they were still being loyal to the tradition. Both companies would have had the benefit of the well-respected ‘Istanbul' name but it was distinguished by the clauses ‘Agop' and ‘Mehmet', which can be seen on respective logos.In the 21st century, the art of cymbal making mentioned with the name Istanbul Agop, as it is one of the few firms which manufacture hand-made cymbals for generations. We have recently introduced the Agop Signature Series, a tribute to our founder. By being consistent to the mentality of integrating new, cutting-edge designs with age old handcrafting techniques, we have introduced many different models. ISTANBUL AGOP is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of traditional cymbal making, as the story goes on.
Play the original.
Play Istanbul Agop.
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Alchemy cymbals are the ultimate in handmade Turkish cymbals. Alchemy cymbals are completely hand hammered and lathed producing cymbals with their own unique and individual sound. Alchemy cymbals are then polished to a brilliant finish that look amazing on stage or in the studio. Check out Alchemy out today. You WILL be impressed.
The guaranteed lowest prices on all Istanbul Agop cymbals!
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Idris Muhammad Ride
The 22” Ride is medium-heavy in weight, and features an un lathed, brushed underside and special hammering techniques and which further accentuate the cymbal’s dry and dark qualities.
Lenny White Epoch Cymbals
These cymbals made from Istanbul Agop’s own special B20 alloy. A combination of more advanced hand hammering, shaping and lathing techniques give it a dry, yet cutting, full sticking sound with a thunderous, dark crash.
Available in 14" Hihats, 17", 18" 19" Crashes and 20", 22" Rides.
Matt Chamberlain Ride
The exaggerated, umbrella like profile, malleability and larger hammering give this ride a quality as unique as its namesake. Clean, focused sticking with a complex yet mellow wash combine with a unique and exotic crash. Great for all musical applications with space, where the unique qualities of this ride can really enhance the music as either a main ride, a crash, an effect, or all.
Joey Waronker Ride
Designed to stand out both in the studio and live, Joey¿s Signature ride employs lighter, more even hammering, a medium weight and finer lathing to achieve a clear and focused stick sound. When crashed, the attack is glassy and focused with an even and balanced decay.Istanbul Agop
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Cindy Blackman OM Cymbals
The Cindy Blackman "OM" Series was designed in conjunction with Cindy to capture the vibier, more dynamic cymbal sounds from the golden era of Jazz. The 22” ride has a clear, slightly metallic stick due to the unique blue/black finishing and intense hammering, and features a dry, trashy crash sound. The 15” Hi Hats are low, dark and sloshy, with a clear chick and a dark and mellow wash. Crashes are paper thin, with an explosive attack and a quick decay. The 20” makes a dynamic, yet powerful and versatile left side or crash/ride.
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