What is the size of the Mel Lewis 1982 Signature Ride?

The cymbal has a diameter of 20 inches, providing a versatile balance between a quick response and a full tonal spread.

Mel Lewis was an influential American jazz drummer known for his musicality and work with big bands, particularly the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra.

Can this cymbal be used for crashing?

Yes, the design allows it to function as a crash-ride, offering a full-bodied crash sound alongside its primary riding capabilities.

What kind of stick definition does it provide?

The cymbal is known for its 'woody' stick definition, which means the strike sounds natural and distinct rather than harsh or overly bright.

How is the cymbal finished?

It features fine lathing and light hammering, which helps create a smooth wash and a more controlled, balanced frequency response.

What genre is this cymbal best suited for?

While it is a great sonic accompaniment for many genres, it specifically excels in Jazz and acoustic settings due to its vintage character.

How does it differ from the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch?

The Mel Lewis 1982 is a more traditional jazz ride, whereas the 19" Lenny White Epoch is designed as a crash with different tonal characteristics.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used in many setups, its light hammering and fine lathing are designed for subtlety and balance, which may get lost in very high-volume rock environments.

Where are Istanbul Agop cymbals manufactured?

These cymbals are handmade in Turkey using traditional cymbal-making techniques that have been passed down through generations.

How does the '1982' designation affect the sound?

The 1982 designation refers to the specific era and tonal profile of the cymbals Mel Lewis played at that time, focusing on a specific balance of wash and stick click.

How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

The Mel Lewis ride is much more subtle and jazz-oriented, whereas the UFIP Bionic series is typically heavier and designed for more powerful, modern drumming styles.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 20" Mel Lewis 1982 Signature Ride Cymbal

The Istanbul Agop 20" Mel Lewis 1982 Signature Ride is a signature crash/ride cymbal developed in collaboration with American jazz drumming legend Mel Lewis. Based on the specific sonic profile of Lewis's original cymbals, it is characterized by a balance of woody stick definition and a smooth, full-bodied wash.

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Background and Design

The Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis 1982 Signature series was designed to replicate the specific sound and feel of the cymbals used by Mel Lewis, one of the most influential big band and jazz drummers in American history. As a '1982' model, it focuses on the tonal characteristics preferred during that era of his career.

Istanbul Agop crafts these cymbals in Turkey using traditional methods. The 20" model serves as a versatile anchor for a drum kit, functioning effectively as both a primary ride and a secondary crash-ride depending on the intensity of the stroke.

Construction and Key Features

The Mel Lewis 1982 Signature Ride is defined by two primary manufacturing techniques: light hammering and fine lathing.

Light Hammering: This process ensures the cymbal maintains a controlled spread, preventing the wash from becoming overbearing or chaotic.
Fine Lathing: The delicate lathing across the surface contributes to a smoother frequency response and a refined, 'woody' stick sound.
Profile: The cymbal features a balanced profile that allows it to react quickly to dynamic changes, making it highly sensitive to the drummer's touch.

Sound Profile and Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the 20" Mel Lewis Signature Ride is its balance. It offers a 'woody' stick definition, meaning the initial impact of the stick is clear and organic rather than metallic or glass-like. This is supported by a full-sounding, smooth wash that fills the space without masking the rhythms of other musicians. While it is built to excel in a jazz context, its balanced frequencies make it adaptable to various acoustic settings.

Player Suitability

This cymbal is primarily targeted at modern-day drummers and percussionists who require a sophisticated, vintage-inspired sound. It is particularly well-suited for:

Jazz Drummers: Those seeking the classic 'big band' or 'bop' ride sound associated with Mel Lewis.
Session Musicians: The balanced frequency range makes it easier to mix in studio environments.
Multi-Genre Percussionists: Its ability to function as a crash-ride makes it a space-efficient addition to diverse setups.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Istanbul Agop catalogue, the Mel Lewis 1982 differs from cymbals like the 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash by offering a more traditional jazz ride feel versus a specialized effects-heavy crash. When compared to modern alternatives like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry or the UFIP Bionic series, the Mel Lewis ride is notably smoother and less aggressive. While the Meinl Extra Dry focus on short decay and 'trashy' tones, the Mel Lewis provides a more sustained, melodic wash.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the size of the Mel Lewis 1982 Signature Ride?: The cymbal has a diameter of 20 inches, providing a versatile balance between a quick response and a full tonal spread.
Who was Mel Lewis?: Mel Lewis was an influential American jazz drummer known for his musicality and work with big bands, particularly the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra.
Can this cymbal be used for crashing?: Yes, the design allows it to function as a crash-ride, offering a full-bodied crash sound alongside its primary riding capabilities.
What kind of stick definition does it provide?: The cymbal is known for its 'woody' stick definition, which means the strike sounds natural and distinct rather than harsh or overly bright.
How is the cymbal finished?: It features fine lathing and light hammering, which helps create a smooth wash and a more controlled, balanced frequency response.
What genre is this cymbal best suited for?: While it is a great sonic accompaniment for many genres, it specifically excels in Jazz and acoustic settings due to its vintage character.
How does it differ from the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch?: The Mel Lewis 1982 is a more traditional jazz ride, whereas the 19" Lenny White Epoch is designed as a crash with different tonal characteristics.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used in many setups, its light hammering and fine lathing are designed for subtlety and balance, which may get lost in very high-volume rock environments.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for the Istanbul Agop 20" Mel Lewis 1982 Signature Ride is approximately GBP 415.
Where are Istanbul Agop cymbals manufactured?: These cymbals are handmade in Turkey using traditional cymbal-making techniques that have been passed down through generations.
How does the '1982' designation affect the sound?: The 1982 designation refers to the specific era and tonal profile of the cymbals Mel Lewis played at that time, focusing on a specific balance of wash and stick click.
How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: The Mel Lewis ride is much more subtle and jazz-oriented, whereas the UFIP Bionic series is typically heavier and designed for more powerful, modern drumming styles.