What is the primary material of the Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China?

Like most professional Istanbul Agop cymbals, the Sultan China is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze. This alloy is hand-hammered to create its complex tonal profile.

How does the Sultan series lathing affect the sound?

The concentric circles of lathing and raw surfaces help control the overtones of the cymbal. This results in a more focused and manageable sound compared to fully lathed alternatives.

Is this cymbal suitable for jazz drumming?

Yes, the Sultan China is ideal for jazz and fusion. Its wide dynamic range allows for the expressive, nuanced playing often required in those genres.

What size is this specific Sultan China model?

This model features a 20-inch diameter. This larger size contributes to its full-bodied tone and significant power.

Does the Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China have a lot of sustain?

The cymbal offers a controlled tone with a balanced decay. The unique lathing pattern prevents the sustain from becoming overwhelming or muddy.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price for the Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China is approximately £534. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

How does the 'trashiness' of this china compare to others?

It provides a classic 'trashy' china sound but with more refinement. The hand-hammering marks and lathing give it a darker, more complex character than budget cymbals.

Can this cymbal be used for loud rock music?

While designed for control and jazz/fusion, its 20-inch size and great power allow it to work well in rock settings. It has enough projection to cut through a loud mix.

What visual features distinguish the Sultan China?

It is distinguished by its concentric circles of lathing and visible hand-hammering marks. This gives the cymbal a unique, artisanal appearance on a drum kit.

Is every Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China identical?

Because these cymbals are hand-hammered, there are slight individual variations between units. However, they all adhere to the specific design and tonal standards of the Sultan series.

How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?

The 20" Sultan China is an effect cymbal with a sharp, explosive bark, whereas the 19" Epoch Crash is designed for a smoother, dark crash response. The Sultan China has a more aggressive profile.

Would this cymbal suit a beginner drummer?

While any drummer can use it, the Sultan China is a professional-grade instrument. Its high price point and specific tonal characteristics are usually preferred by intermediate to professional players.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China

The Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China is a premium effect cymbal characterised by its unique concentric lathing and hand-hammered finish. Designed for controlled tones and wide dynamic expression, it provides a full-bodied sound suitable for diverse genres including jazz and fusion.

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Background and Design

The Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China is part of the specialized Sultan series, which is distinguished by its visual aesthetic and specific tonal control. The cymbal's surface features a hybrid design consisting of concentric circles of lathing interspersed with raw, hand-hammering marks. This manufacturing process is central to the Istanbul Agop tradition, where artisanal techniques are employed to create individual character within each instrument.

Technical Features

The 20-inch diameter provides a significant surface area that contributes to the cymbal's power and projection. Key features include:

Concentric Lathing: Alternating lathed and unlathed surfaces to control overtones.
Hand Hammering: Provides a complex, dark tonal foundation.
Wide Dynamic Range: The design allows for nuanced playing at low volumes while maintaining the ability to produce strong, explosive results when struck with force.
Balanced Frequencies: The combination of raw and finished surfaces results in a full-bodied tone that spans a broad frequency spectrum without becoming overly harsh.

Sonic Character

The Sultan China is described as offering a controlled tone compared to traditional, fully-lathed china cymbals. While it retains the aggressive 'trashiness' associated with the category, the unique lathing pattern dampens excessive ringing, providing a more focused decay. The sound is full-bodied and balanced, ensuring that the cymbal does not disappear in a loud mix nor overpower a quiet ensemble.

Applications

Due to its expressive capabilities and dynamic sensitivity, the 20" Sultan China is highly regarded in genres that require both finesse and impact. It is particularly well-suited for jazz and fusion, where drummers often require a cymbal that can transition from a delicate accent to a powerful rhythmic punctuator. Its versatility also makes it a viable option for contemporary pop and session work.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Istanbul Agop range, this model sits alongside other signature pieces like the 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, though it offers a more distinct 'china' bark. When compared to alternatives such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Sultan China provides a more traditional oriental profile with greater sustain. For players seeking high-end artisanal quality, it competes with the Masterwork Iris series, while remaining a more specialised effect choice than standard hi-hats like the UFIP Bionic or Class series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China?: Like most professional Istanbul Agop cymbals, the Sultan China is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze. This alloy is hand-hammered to create its complex tonal profile.
How does the Sultan series lathing affect the sound?: The concentric circles of lathing and raw surfaces help control the overtones of the cymbal. This results in a more focused and manageable sound compared to fully lathed alternatives.
Is this cymbal suitable for jazz drumming?: Yes, the Sultan China is ideal for jazz and fusion. Its wide dynamic range allows for the expressive, nuanced playing often required in those genres.
What size is this specific Sultan China model?: This model features a 20-inch diameter. This larger size contributes to its full-bodied tone and significant power.
Does the Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China have a lot of sustain?: The cymbal offers a controlled tone with a balanced decay. The unique lathing pattern prevents the sustain from becoming overwhelming or muddy.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China is approximately £534. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
How does the 'trashiness' of this china compare to others?: It provides a classic 'trashy' china sound but with more refinement. The hand-hammering marks and lathing give it a darker, more complex character than budget cymbals.
Can this cymbal be used for loud rock music?: While designed for control and jazz/fusion, its 20-inch size and great power allow it to work well in rock settings. It has enough projection to cut through a loud mix.
What visual features distinguish the Sultan China?: It is distinguished by its concentric circles of lathing and visible hand-hammering marks. This gives the cymbal a unique, artisanal appearance on a drum kit.
Is every Istanbul Agop 20" Sultan China identical?: Because these cymbals are hand-hammered, there are slight individual variations between units. However, they all adhere to the specific design and tonal standards of the Sultan series.
How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?: The 20" Sultan China is an effect cymbal with a sharp, explosive bark, whereas the 19" Epoch Crash is designed for a smoother, dark crash response. The Sultan China has a more aggressive profile.
Would this cymbal suit a beginner drummer?: While any drummer can use it, the Sultan China is a professional-grade instrument. Its high price point and specific tonal characteristics are usually preferred by intermediate to professional players.