What is the primary genre these cymbals were designed for?

They were designed in conjunction with Mel Lewis specifically for jazz and big band drumming. However, their warm and articulate nature allows them to work well in acoustic, blues, and light pop settings.

How does the hammering on the Mel Lewis Signature hats differ from other Istanbul Agop models?

These signature cymbals feature lighter hammering compared to many standard Agop models. This specific technique helps produce a clearer, more defined stick sound and a slightly more controlled wash.

What is the typical weight class for the 14" Mel Lewis hi-hats?

The pair is generally classified as a medium weight. This provides enough mass for a solid foot 'chick' sound while maintaining the sensitivity required for light stick work.

Do these cymbals come with a clutch?

Generally, high-end hi-hat cymbals from Istanbul Agop are sold as a pair of cymbals only. The hi-hat clutch is typically included with the hi-hat stand hardware, not the cymbals themselves.

What kind of lathing is used on this model?

The Mel Lewis Signature hi-hats feature finer lathing than many other traditional series. This finer lathing is responsible for the enhanced definition and the articulate response when played with sticks.

How does the sound change when the hi-hats are played open?

When played open, the cymbals produce a soft, washy tone. This wash is designed to be full-bodied and warm rather than harsh or metallic, allowing it to blend smoothly with other instruments.

Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy rock music?

While they are versatile, they may lack the volume and cutting power required for high-decibel rock or metal. Drummers in those genres might prefer something heavier like the UFIP Bionic series.

What is the typical price range for this pair in the UK?

The typical price for a new pair of 14" Mel Lewis Signature Hi-Hats is approximately GBP 442. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock availability.

Mel Lewis was a highly influential American jazz drummer and bandleader, best known for his work with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. These cymbals were designed to replicate his preferred sonic characteristics.

How would you describe the 'chick' sound of these hi-hats?

The 'chick' sound is described as articulate and clear. Because of the medium weight and hand-hammered construction, the sound of the cymbals closing is crisp without being overly bright.

Can these hi-hats be used for recording?

Yes, they are highly regarded for studio use. Their warm character and lack of harsh overtones make them easier to mix and record than brighter, mass-produced alternatives.

How do these compare to the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats?

The Mel Lewis Signature hats are generally warmer and have more 'washy' character due to the Istanbul Agop hand-hammering process. The UFIP Class Series tends to be more focused and precise in its frequency response.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Signature Hi-Hat Cymbals

The Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Signature Hi-Hats are a premium pair of signature cymbals designed in collaboration with the legendary American jazz drummer Mel Lewis. They are engineered to deliver a warm, full-bodied sound with a distinct focus on stick definition and articulate chick sounds suitable for professional applications.

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Background and Design

The Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis Signature series was developed to honour the legacy of Mel Lewis, a drummer renowned for his work in big band and jazz settings. These 14-inch hi-hats were designed following the specific sonic preferences of Lewis, ensuring they met the requirements of high-level jazz performance. Unlike standard models, these cymbals feature lighter hammering and a finer lathing process, which contributes to their refined aesthetic and specific acoustic response.

Technical Features

The construction of these hi-hats involves traditional hand-craftsmanship synonymous with the Istanbul Agop brand. Key features include:

Medium Weight: Provides a balanced feel that is neither too heavy for delicate work nor too light for projection.
Fine Lathing: Enhances the clarity of the stick sound and promotes a faster response.
Light Hammering: Curates a controlled overtone profile, preventing the cymbals from becoming overly abrasive in louder environments.

Tonal Characteristics

These hi-hats are characterised by a warm, full-bodied tone. When played closed, they offer a clear and articulate stick sound, often referred to as a 'woody' click by jazz enthusiasts. When played open, the cymbals produce a soft, washy texture that blends well with a band rather than cutting through aggressively. The 'chick' sound—the sound produced by closing the hi-hats with the foot pedal—is sharp and well-defined.

Comparative Analysis

Within the professional cymbal market, the Mel Lewis Signature hats occupy a specific niche compared to other models. For instance, the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats tend to offer a brighter, more vintage-rock character, whereas the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats focus on a more focused, modern European jazz sound. The Istanbul Agops remain distinct due to their Turkish hand-hammered heritage, offering a more complex and dark character than the Meinl HCS series, which is an entry-level brass alternative.

Recommended Use

While these cymbals are deeply rooted in the jazz tradition of their namesake, their articulate nature makes them versatile enough for modern drummers and percussionists across various genres. They are particularly effective in recording studio environments where a controlled, warm high-end is preferred over the shrillness often found in heavier, machine-made cymbals. They pair effectively with other dark or vintage-voiced cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary genre these cymbals were designed for?: They were designed in conjunction with Mel Lewis specifically for jazz and big band drumming. However, their warm and articulate nature allows them to work well in acoustic, blues, and light pop settings.
How does the hammering on the Mel Lewis Signature hats differ from other Istanbul Agop models?: These signature cymbals feature lighter hammering compared to many standard Agop models. This specific technique helps produce a clearer, more defined stick sound and a slightly more controlled wash.
What is the typical weight class for the 14" Mel Lewis hi-hats?: The pair is generally classified as a medium weight. This provides enough mass for a solid foot 'chick' sound while maintaining the sensitivity required for light stick work.
Do these cymbals come with a clutch?: Generally, high-end hi-hat cymbals from Istanbul Agop are sold as a pair of cymbals only. The hi-hat clutch is typically included with the hi-hat stand hardware, not the cymbals themselves.
What kind of lathing is used on this model?: The Mel Lewis Signature hi-hats feature finer lathing than many other traditional series. This finer lathing is responsible for the enhanced definition and the articulate response when played with sticks.
How does the sound change when the hi-hats are played open?: When played open, the cymbals produce a soft, washy tone. This wash is designed to be full-bodied and warm rather than harsh or metallic, allowing it to blend smoothly with other instruments.
Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy rock music?: While they are versatile, they may lack the volume and cutting power required for high-decibel rock or metal. Drummers in those genres might prefer something heavier like the UFIP Bionic series.
What is the typical price range for this pair in the UK?: The typical price for a new pair of 14" Mel Lewis Signature Hi-Hats is approximately GBP 442. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock availability.
Who was Mel Lewis?: Mel Lewis was a highly influential American jazz drummer and bandleader, best known for his work with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. These cymbals were designed to replicate his preferred sonic characteristics.
How would you describe the 'chick' sound of these hi-hats?: The 'chick' sound is described as articulate and clear. Because of the medium weight and hand-hammered construction, the sound of the cymbals closing is crisp without being overly bright.
Can these hi-hats be used for recording?: Yes, they are highly regarded for studio use. Their warm character and lack of harsh overtones make them easier to mix and record than brighter, mass-produced alternatives.
How do these compare to the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats?: The Mel Lewis Signature hats are generally warmer and have more 'washy' character due to the Istanbul Agop hand-hammering process. The UFIP Class Series tends to be more focused and precise in its frequency response.