What material is the Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash made from?

It is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This traditional mixture of copper and tin is the industry standard for professional-grade Turkish cymbals.

Where is this cymbal manufactured?

The cymbal is handmade in Turkey. It is produced by master cymbal makers using heritage percussion techniques.

What is the primary sonic characteristic of the Turk series?

The series is known for a dark, moody, and low-pitched sound. It features a mysterious woody stick response and a raw tonal character.

Is the 17" Turk Crash a lathed or unlathed cymbal?

It is an unlathed cymbal. The surface is left raw to preserve the natural character of the bronze and provide a drier sound.

What kind of stick response does this cymbal provide?

It provides a 'woody' stick response. This means the initial contact of the stick is pronounced and organic rather than metallic or glassy.

How does the hammering affect the sound of this crash?

The traditional-style hand-hammering creates a complex, dark sound profile. It adds character and helps control the overtones produced by the B20 bronze.

What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash?

In the UK market, the typical price for this specific model is approximately £316. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does the Turk Crash compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

Both are dry, unlathed cymbals designed for dark tones. The Istanbul Agop Turk focuses on traditional Turkish heritage and a woody response, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry often has a distinctively trashy, modern character.

Is this cymbal suitable for jazz drumming?

Yes, its dark tonality and low pitch make it highly suitable for jazz and acoustic music. The woody stick response allows it to sit well in a mix without being overpowering.

How does the 17" size affect the performance of the Turk Crash?

The 17-inch diameter offers a balance between the fast response of a smaller crash and the volume of a larger one. In the Turk series, this size results in a quick, dark punch.

Does the unlathed finish affect the durability of the cymbal?

The unlathed finish does not negatively impact durability; rather, it changes the vibration and tone. The B20 bronze construction ensures it meets professional standards for longevity.

Can the 17" Turk Crash be used as a light ride cymbal?

Due to its unlathed surface and woody stick definition, it can be used for light riding in lower-volume settings. However, its primary design function is as a crash cymbal.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash

The Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash is a professional-grade crash cymbal handcrafted in Turkey using traditional B20 bronze. It is defined by its unlathed finish and hand-hammered construction, resulting in a dark, moody tonality with a distinctive woody stick response.

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Overview

The Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash represents the company's commitment to heritage handmade percussion. Part of the Turk series, this cymbal is characterised by its raw, earthy appearance and complex sonic profile. It is cast from B20 bronze and undergoes an extensive hand-hammering process performed by master smiths in Turkey. Unlike traditional brilliant or regular cymbals, the Turk series remains unlathed, which significantly influences both its aesthetic and its vibration patterns.

Design and Construction

The construction of the 17" Turk Crash relies on age-old Turkish techniques. The B20 bronze alloy provides a durable yet musical foundation. The most striking feature is the surface; by omitting the lathing process, the cymbal retains its natural oxide coating and hammer marks. This design choice restricts some of the higher frequencies while enhancing the 'woody' character of the stick impact. The hand-hammering process ensures that every individual cymbal possesses a unique character, though all share the series' hallmark low pitch and controlled sustain.

Sound Profile

Sonically, the Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash is described as dark, moody, and captivating. It produces a low-pitched wash that decays relatively quickly compared to lathed cymbals. The 'woody' stick response makes it versatile enough to be used for light riding or accents in acoustic settings, while its crash sound is earthy and complex rather than bright or piercing. Its mysterious tonal quality is a direct result of the raw finish and traditional hammering.

Market Positioning and Comparisons

The 17" Turk Crash sits in the premium, professional tier of cymbals, typically retailing around £316. It competes with other dry, handcrafted cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash. While cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series offer a cleaner, more shimmering response, the Turk Crash is intended for players seeking a drier, more organic sound. It is distinct from entry-level options like the Gear4Music Low Volume series or Meinl HCS, focusing instead on tonal depth and traditional manufacturing.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash made from?: It is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This traditional mixture of copper and tin is the industry standard for professional-grade Turkish cymbals.
Where is this cymbal manufactured?: The cymbal is handmade in Turkey. It is produced by master cymbal makers using heritage percussion techniques.
What is the primary sonic characteristic of the Turk series?: The series is known for a dark, moody, and low-pitched sound. It features a mysterious woody stick response and a raw tonal character.
Is the 17" Turk Crash a lathed or unlathed cymbal?: It is an unlathed cymbal. The surface is left raw to preserve the natural character of the bronze and provide a drier sound.
What kind of stick response does this cymbal provide?: It provides a 'woody' stick response. This means the initial contact of the stick is pronounced and organic rather than metallic or glassy.
How does the hammering affect the sound of this crash?: The traditional-style hand-hammering creates a complex, dark sound profile. It adds character and helps control the overtones produced by the B20 bronze.
What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop 17" Turk Crash?: In the UK market, the typical price for this specific model is approximately £316. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does the Turk Crash compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Both are dry, unlathed cymbals designed for dark tones. The Istanbul Agop Turk focuses on traditional Turkish heritage and a woody response, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry often has a distinctively trashy, modern character.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz drumming?: Yes, its dark tonality and low pitch make it highly suitable for jazz and acoustic music. The woody stick response allows it to sit well in a mix without being overpowering.
How does the 17" size affect the performance of the Turk Crash?: The 17-inch diameter offers a balance between the fast response of a smaller crash and the volume of a larger one. In the Turk series, this size results in a quick, dark punch.
Does the unlathed finish affect the durability of the cymbal?: The unlathed finish does not negatively impact durability; rather, it changes the vibration and tone. The B20 bronze construction ensures it meets professional standards for longevity.
Can the 17" Turk Crash be used as a light ride cymbal?: Due to its unlathed surface and woody stick definition, it can be used for light riding in lower-volume settings. However, its primary design function is as a crash cymbal.