Who designed the Istanbul Agop Epoch Crash?

The cymbal was designed to the specific requirements of Lenny White, a founding father of jazz fusion and long-time Istanbul Agop artist.

What is the primary material and construction method?

The cymbal is hand-crafted and hand-hammered by skilled artisans in Turkey, featuring unique variations in lathing and hammering patterns.

How does the flat profile affect the sound?

The flatter profile results in a quicker decay and a deeper tone, providing a clear voice that does not linger excessively in the mix.

Is the 17" Epoch Crash a bright or dark cymbal?

It is naturally dark and warm, though it is engineered to retain enough high frequencies for impressive sound projection.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

In the UK market, the 17" Lenny White Epoch Crash typically retails for approximately £379.

What musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?

While designed with jazz fusion in mind, its warm character and quick decay make it suitable for jazz, funk, studio recording, and indie rock.

How does it compare to the 19" version of the same cymbal?

The 17" version generally offers a higher pitch and a faster response compared to the 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash.

Is each 17" Epoch Crash identical?

No, because they are hand-hammered and hand-lathed, there are natural variations in the sound and appearance of each individual cymbal.

Does this cymbal have a long sustain?

No, the design focuses on a quick decay, meaning the sound reaches its peak and fades away relatively quickly.

How does it compare to a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?

Both are dark and complex, but the Epoch Crash utilizes a specific flat profile and lathing that gives it a different depth and projection characteristic.

Can this cymbal be used in high-volume rock settings?

While it has good projection, it is a dark and warm cymbal; drummers in very loud settings might find brighter alternatives like the UFIP Bionic Series more piercing.

What makes the 'Epoch' series unique among Istanbul Agop products?

The series is specifically voiced to capture the vintage-style warmth and complexity favoured by Lenny White, emphasizing a 'one-of-a-kind' hand-crafted quality.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 17" Lenny White Epoch Crash

The Istanbul Agop 17" Lenny White Epoch Crash is a hand-crafted cymbal developed in collaboration with jazz fusion pioneer Lenny White. It is distinguished by its flat profile and dark tonal character, designed to provide a quick decay and clear projection within a musical mix.

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Background and Design

The Epoch series represents a partnership between Istanbul Agop and Lenny White, a drummer renowned for his foundational role in the jazz fusion movement. These cymbals are hand-crafted in Turkey using traditional techniques to meet White's specific acoustic requirements. Each 17" Epoch Crash is a unique instrument due to the natural variations inherent in the manual hammering and lathing processes, ensuring that no two cymbals are identical in appearance or exact tonal fingerprint.

Acoustic Profile and Features

The defining physical characteristic of the 17" Lenny White Epoch Crash is its flatter profile. This design choice serves several functional purposes:

Decay: The flatter shape encourages a quick decay, preventing the sound from washing over other instruments for too long.
Tone: It provides a deeper fundamental tone and a clear voice that helps the cymbal sit distinctively in a mix.
Projection: Despite its naturally dark and warm character, the cymbal retains enough high-frequency content to project effectively in live environments.

Musical Character

The sound of the 17" Epoch Crash is described as deep, warm, and naturally dark. While many dark cymbals can sound 'trashy' or overly complex, the Epoch Crash is designed to maintain a strong, traditional crash sound. The sophisticated lathing and hammering patterns add layers of complexity to the tone, making it a highly musical choice for drummers seeking a vintage-inspired aesthetic with modern reliability.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Istanbul Agop range, the 17" model offers a faster response than the larger 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. When compared to other brands, it shares the dry, complex DNA of the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series but typically offers a more traditional 'crash' feel due to its specific lathing. Unlike entry-level or brighter options such as the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic series, the Epoch prioritises warmth and rapid attenuation over sustained brightness and high-volume cutting power.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Istanbul Agop Epoch Crash?: The cymbal was designed to the specific requirements of Lenny White, a founding father of jazz fusion and long-time Istanbul Agop artist.
What is the primary material and construction method?: The cymbal is hand-crafted and hand-hammered by skilled artisans in Turkey, featuring unique variations in lathing and hammering patterns.
How does the flat profile affect the sound?: The flatter profile results in a quicker decay and a deeper tone, providing a clear voice that does not linger excessively in the mix.
Is the 17" Epoch Crash a bright or dark cymbal?: It is naturally dark and warm, though it is engineered to retain enough high frequencies for impressive sound projection.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: In the UK market, the 17" Lenny White Epoch Crash typically retails for approximately £379.
What musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?: While designed with jazz fusion in mind, its warm character and quick decay make it suitable for jazz, funk, studio recording, and indie rock.
How does it compare to the 19" version of the same cymbal?: The 17" version generally offers a higher pitch and a faster response compared to the 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash.
Is each 17" Epoch Crash identical?: No, because they are hand-hammered and hand-lathed, there are natural variations in the sound and appearance of each individual cymbal.
Does this cymbal have a long sustain?: No, the design focuses on a quick decay, meaning the sound reaches its peak and fades away relatively quickly.
How does it compare to a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?: Both are dark and complex, but the Epoch Crash utilizes a specific flat profile and lathing that gives it a different depth and projection characteristic.
Can this cymbal be used in high-volume rock settings?: While it has good projection, it is a dark and warm cymbal; drummers in very loud settings might find brighter alternatives like the UFIP Bionic Series more piercing.
What makes the 'Epoch' series unique among Istanbul Agop products?: The series is specifically voiced to capture the vintage-style warmth and complexity favoured by Lenny White, emphasizing a 'one-of-a-kind' hand-crafted quality.