What is the primary finish of the Istanbul Agop 14" Turk Hi-Hats?

These hi-hats feature a completely unlathed finish. This leaves the surface raw and dark, which is the hallmark of the Turk Series.

How would you describe the sound of these cymbals?

The sound is described as raw, organic, and very dry. They produce complex overtones that remain highly controlled rather than ringing out excessively.

What is the typical price for this hi-hat pair?

The typical retail price for the Istanbul Agop 14" Turk Hi-Hats is approximately £501. This reflects their status as premium, handcrafted instruments.

Are these hi-hats suitable for loud rock music?

While they can be used in many settings, their dry and dark nature means they have less projection than lathed cymbals. They are often preferred for jazz, funk, or studio work where controlled volume is beneficial.

How does the unlathed surface affect stick definition?

The unlathed surface enhances stick definition significantly. Because the cymbal does not vibrate as freely as a lathed one, each strike sounds distinct and articulate.

How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?

The Turk Hi-Hats are much darker and drier than the Paiste Giant Beats. The Giant Beats are designed for a classic, multi-purpose brightness, whereas the Turks are focused on raw, earthy tones.

What is the difference between these and the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats?

The UFIP Class Series are typically lathed and offer a cleaner, more traditional shimmering tone. The Istanbul Agop Turks are unlathed, resulting in a much grittier and more muted sonic profile.

Can these hi-hats be used for recording?

Yes, they are excellent for recording because their overtones are so controlled. Engineers often prefer dry cymbals like the Turk series because they do not bleed excessively into other microphones.

Is there a weight difference between the top and bottom cymbals?

Like most hi-hat pairs, there is a weight difference to ensure a solid 'chick' sound, though the unlathed nature of the Turk series makes the overall feel heavier and more substantial than thin lathed hats.

Do these cymbals require special cleaning?

Because they are unlathed and intended to look raw, they generally do not require traditional cymbal polish. Polishing them could actually alter the intended aesthetic and sound.

How do they compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

Both occupy the 'extra dry' market segment, but the Istanbul Agop Turk Hi-Hats are known for a specific Turkish handcrafted character. They offer a similarly short decay and dark pitch.

Who is the ideal user for the 14" Turk Hi-Hats?

They suit professional drummers who value a unique, non-commercial sound. They are ideal for players in jazz, fusion, and neo-soul who want a distinct, earthy stick sound.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 14" Turk Hi-Hats

The Istanbul Agop 14" Turk Hi-Hats are professional-grade cymbals within the brand's signature Turk Series, known for their completely unlathed finish. They are designed to deliver a raw, organic sound characterised by dry tones and controlled, complex overtones.

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Background and Design

The Istanbul Agop Turk series represents a traditional approach to cymbal making where the primary focus is on the raw nature of the alloy. Unlike standard cymbals that undergo a lathing process to smooth the surface and brighten the tone, Turk cymbals are left in their natural state after hammering. This 14" hi-hat pairing reflects the company's commitment to artisan craftsmanship, maintaining the dark, crusty aesthetic that has become a staple for drummers seeking an earthy visual and sonic profile.

Sonic Characteristics

The defining characteristic of the 14" Turk Hi-Hats is their extreme dryness. Because the surface is unlathed, the vibration is shorter and more contained than that of a traditional polished cymbal.

Tone: Dark and complex with earthy undertones.
Overtones: Controlled and woody, avoiding the high-frequency 'shimmer' found in brilliant finishes.
Definition: Exceptional stick definition due to the lack of wash, making them ideal for intricate patterns.

Functional Features

As a result of the unlathed manufacturing process, these hi-hats offer a unique physical texture and a distinct response to stick strikes. The lack of grooves means the air trapped between the top and bottom cymbals escapes differently than on lathed models, contributing to a 'chick' sound that is more 'stomp' than 'splash'. They are particularly well-suited for recording environments where excessive sustain can be problematic.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned at a premium price point of approximately £501, the Istanbul Agop Turk Hi-Hats are professional-level instruments. They sit in a niche category alongside other 'dry' cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series.

When compared to alternatives, they offer a more organic feel than the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, which lean towards a classic rock brightness. Conversely, they are significantly more complex and dark than entry-level options like the Meinl HCS 13" or budget-oriented low volume packs. For drummers preferring a cleaner, more standard jazz sound, the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats provide a more traditional lathed alternative.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish of the Istanbul Agop 14" Turk Hi-Hats?: These hi-hats feature a completely unlathed finish. This leaves the surface raw and dark, which is the hallmark of the Turk Series.
How would you describe the sound of these cymbals?: The sound is described as raw, organic, and very dry. They produce complex overtones that remain highly controlled rather than ringing out excessively.
What is the typical price for this hi-hat pair?: The typical retail price for the Istanbul Agop 14" Turk Hi-Hats is approximately £501. This reflects their status as premium, handcrafted instruments.
Are these hi-hats suitable for loud rock music?: While they can be used in many settings, their dry and dark nature means they have less projection than lathed cymbals. They are often preferred for jazz, funk, or studio work where controlled volume is beneficial.
How does the unlathed surface affect stick definition?: The unlathed surface enhances stick definition significantly. Because the cymbal does not vibrate as freely as a lathed one, each strike sounds distinct and articulate.
How do these compare to the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?: The Turk Hi-Hats are much darker and drier than the Paiste Giant Beats. The Giant Beats are designed for a classic, multi-purpose brightness, whereas the Turks are focused on raw, earthy tones.
What is the difference between these and the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats?: The UFIP Class Series are typically lathed and offer a cleaner, more traditional shimmering tone. The Istanbul Agop Turks are unlathed, resulting in a much grittier and more muted sonic profile.
Can these hi-hats be used for recording?: Yes, they are excellent for recording because their overtones are so controlled. Engineers often prefer dry cymbals like the Turk series because they do not bleed excessively into other microphones.
Is there a weight difference between the top and bottom cymbals?: Like most hi-hat pairs, there is a weight difference to ensure a solid 'chick' sound, though the unlathed nature of the Turk series makes the overall feel heavier and more substantial than thin lathed hats.
Do these cymbals require special cleaning?: Because they are unlathed and intended to look raw, they generally do not require traditional cymbal polish. Polishing them could actually alter the intended aesthetic and sound.
How do they compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Both occupy the 'extra dry' market segment, but the Istanbul Agop Turk Hi-Hats are known for a specific Turkish handcrafted character. They offer a similarly short decay and dark pitch.
Who is the ideal user for the 14" Turk Hi-Hats?: They suit professional drummers who value a unique, non-commercial sound. They are ideal for players in jazz, fusion, and neo-soul who want a distinct, earthy stick sound.