What material is the Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Brilliant Splash made from?

The cymbal is handcrafted from B20 Bronze, an alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is chosen for its superior musicality and long-term durability compared to lower-grade alloys.

How does the 'Brilliant' finish affect the sound?

The Brilliant finish involves high-pressure polishing that smooths the surface of the bronze. This typically results in a brighter, more shimmering tone with a slightly faster response than a traditional finish.

Is this cymbal suitable for fast drumming styles?

Yes, it is specifically designed to be extremely responsive. This makes it an ideal choice for fast-playing drummers who need an accent cymbal that speaks and decays quickly.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Brilliant Splash typically retails for approximately £117. This places it in a professional tier of percussion equipment.

What kind of attack does this splash provide?

It provides a clean and extremely bright attack. The sound is described as quick and direct, allowing it to stand out briefly in a drum fill or musical transition.

Does the Xist Splash have a lot of sustain?

No, it is designed for a quick decay. Like most splash cymbals, its purpose is to provide a short burst of sound that does not linger or wash over other instruments.

How are Xist cymbals manufactured?

They are produced by combining modern production techniques with traditional cymbal-making processes. This hybrid approach ensures consistent quality while maintaining the character of handcrafted Turkish cymbals.

Are there dark tones present in this bright cymbal?

Yes, despite its bright attack, it possesses a dark, warm sound with moderate overtones. This complexity is a result of the B20 bronze and the specific hammering techniques used.

How does the sticking sound on this cymbal?

The sticking is clear and articulate. This means that even light taps with a drumstick tip will result in a defined sound rather than just a wash of noise.

Is the 12" version significantly different from smaller splashes?

A 12" splash is generally louder and has a slightly longer decay and lower pitch than 8" or 10" splashes. It offers more volume for larger venues while remaining much faster than a crash cymbal.

How durable is the Istanbul Agop Xist series?

The Xist series is renowned for exceptional durability. The combination of high-quality B20 bronze and modern manufacturing makes it resilient for regular professional use.

Can this cymbal be used for recording?

Yes, its musical and modern sound makes it excellent for studio work. The articulate sticking and controlled overtones ensure it records cleanly without overpowering the microphone overheads.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Brilliant Splash

The Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Brilliant Splash is a professional-grade B20 Bronze cymbal designed for drummers seeking a modern, bright, and fast-responding accent. Handcrafted using a blend of traditional Turkish methods and contemporary production techniques, it offers a clean attack with a quick decay.

See live prices

Overview

The Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Brilliant Splash is a high-quality accent cymbal within the Xist series, known for bridging the gap between traditional Turkish craftsmanship and modern sonic requirements. It is constructed from B20 Bronze, an industry-standard alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is prized for its musicality and durability. The "Brilliant" designation refers to its high-polish finish, which contributes to its specific visual aesthetic and tonal brightness.

Manufacturing and Design

Istanbul Agop employs a hybrid manufacturing process for the Xist line. By combining modern production techniques with time-honoured traditional cymbal-making processes, the manufacturer is able to produce cymbals that maintain professional sound qualities while ensuring consistent durability. The 12" splash is handcrafted, resulting in a responsive surface that reacts immediately to the lightest strokes, a feature particularly beneficial for intricate or fast-paced drumming styles.

Sound Profile

The sonic character of the 12" Xist Brilliant Splash is defined by a clean and extremely bright attack. Unlike some darker splashes, this model is designed to be quick and direct, cutting through a mix with ease. Despite its brightness, it retains a dark, warm undertone with moderate overtones, a characteristic hallmark of the Xist series. This creates a musical balance, offering articulate sticking without becoming harsh or abrasive.

User Suitability

This cymbal is ideally suited for drummers who require a responsive accent piece for fast playing. Its immediate reaction time and articulate sound make it useful in modern genres where clarity is paramount. While it sits within a professional price bracket of approximately £117, its durability and modern tonal profile make it a versatile choice for both studio recording and live performance settings.

Market Comparison

Compared to other products in the Istanbul Agop catalogue, such as the 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the Xist Splash is significantly more focused and higher in pitch. When compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Xist provides a more complex harmonic profile due to its B20 Bronze construction. It serves as a middle ground between the extreme dry qualities of a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry and the classic bright shimmer found in lines like the Paiste Giant Beat.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Brilliant Splash made from?: The cymbal is handcrafted from B20 Bronze, an alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is chosen for its superior musicality and long-term durability compared to lower-grade alloys.
How does the 'Brilliant' finish affect the sound?: The Brilliant finish involves high-pressure polishing that smooths the surface of the bronze. This typically results in a brighter, more shimmering tone with a slightly faster response than a traditional finish.
Is this cymbal suitable for fast drumming styles?: Yes, it is specifically designed to be extremely responsive. This makes it an ideal choice for fast-playing drummers who need an accent cymbal that speaks and decays quickly.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Istanbul Agop 12" Xist Brilliant Splash typically retails for approximately £117. This places it in a professional tier of percussion equipment.
What kind of attack does this splash provide?: It provides a clean and extremely bright attack. The sound is described as quick and direct, allowing it to stand out briefly in a drum fill or musical transition.
Does the Xist Splash have a lot of sustain?: No, it is designed for a quick decay. Like most splash cymbals, its purpose is to provide a short burst of sound that does not linger or wash over other instruments.
How are Xist cymbals manufactured?: They are produced by combining modern production techniques with traditional cymbal-making processes. This hybrid approach ensures consistent quality while maintaining the character of handcrafted Turkish cymbals.
Are there dark tones present in this bright cymbal?: Yes, despite its bright attack, it possesses a dark, warm sound with moderate overtones. This complexity is a result of the B20 bronze and the specific hammering techniques used.
How does the sticking sound on this cymbal?: The sticking is clear and articulate. This means that even light taps with a drumstick tip will result in a defined sound rather than just a wash of noise.
Is the 12" version significantly different from smaller splashes?: A 12" splash is generally louder and has a slightly longer decay and lower pitch than 8" or 10" splashes. It offers more volume for larger venues while remaining much faster than a crash cymbal.
How durable is the Istanbul Agop Xist series?: The Xist series is renowned for exceptional durability. The combination of high-quality B20 bronze and modern manufacturing makes it resilient for regular professional use.
Can this cymbal be used for recording?: Yes, its musical and modern sound makes it excellent for studio work. The articulate sticking and controlled overtones ensure it records cleanly without overpowering the microphone overheads.