What material is the Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China made from?

The cymbal is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the gold standard for professional-grade percussion instruments.

Where is this cymbal manufactured?

It is handmade in Turkey by master cymbal makers. The manufacturing process follows traditional methods that have been passed down through generations of Turkish artisans.

What does the 'Turk' designation mean for this cymbal?

The 'Turk' designation refers to the unlathed, raw finish of the cymbal. This style leaves the surface exactly as it comes out of the oven and hammering process, resulting in a drier, darker sound.

How would you describe the stick response of the 20" Turk China?

The stick response is described as 'woody' and mysterious. Because the surface is unlathed, it offers a more tactile, percussive feel compared to smoother, lathed cymbals.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used in any genre, its dark and moody character is less 'cutting' than brilliant-finish Chinas. It is often preferred in jazz, fusion, and studio settings where complexity is more important than sheer volume.

What is the typical price range for this model?

In the United Kingdom, the Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China typically retails for approximately GBP 529. This reflects its status as a premium, handcrafted professional instrument.

Does the 20" Turk China have a high or low pitch?

It features a captivating low pitch. The large 20-inch diameter combined with the unlathed Turk finish ensures a deep, earthy fundamental tone.

How does the hammering affect the sound?

The traditional-style hand-hammering creates an uneven surface that breaks up sound waves. This produces a complex, 'trashy' sound profile brimming with unique character.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

Both share a raw, dry aesthetic, but the Istanbul Agop Turk China typically offers a more traditional Turkish heritage tone. The 20-inch Agop China provides a deeper, more atmospheric wash compared to the 19" Meinl Extra Dry Crash.

Is the finish on this cymbal shiny?

No, the Turk China has a raw, natural finish that appears dark and matte. It is not polished or lathed, which contributes to its unique visual and sonic identity.

What kind of sustain should I expect?

The sustain is relatively controlled and dry. Because it is unlathed, the vibrations are dampened more quickly than on a traditional crash cymbal, resulting in a quick, trashy decay.

Can this cymbal be used for 'riding' as well as crashing?

Yes, many drummers use Turk-series Chinas for riding patterns in jazz or fusion. The woody stick definition allows for articulate rhythmic patterns that remain distinct even within the wash.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China

The Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China is a professional-grade effects cymbal handcrafted in Turkey using traditional B20 bronze alloy. It is distinguished by its unlathed, heavily hammered surface which produces a dark, moody tonality and a characteristic woody stick response.

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Overview

The Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China is a premium percussion instrument that embodies the heritage of Turkish cymbal making. As part of the Turk series, this cymbal is defined by its raw, earthy appearance and complex sonic profile. It is manufactured from a high-grade B20 bronze alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional cymbals due to its durability and resonance.

Design and Construction

This cymbal is crafted by master smiths in Turkey using traditional hand-hammering techniques. Unlike standard cymbals that undergo lathing to smooth the surface and brighten the tone, the Turk China remains unlathed. This leaves the hammer marks and oxidisation layers intact, contributing to its unique aesthetic and controlled sustain. The 20-inch diameter provides a significant surface area for a broad, low-pitched frequency response.

Sound Profile

The sonic character of the 20" Turk China is described as dark, moody, and full of character. Because it lacks lathing, the cymbal produces a 'woody' stick response that is more percussive and less shimmering than traditional Chinas. It delivers a captivating low pitch with a dry, trashy wash that decays relatively quickly, making it suitable for accents that need to sit within a mix rather than overpower it.

Suitability and Performance

This instrument is primarily aimed at drummers who require a sophisticated, 'mysterious' effects sound. Its low-pitched, trashy qualities make it a popular choice for jazz, fusion, and experimental rock genres where nuanced textures are valued. It suits players who prefer organic, raw tones over the bright, cutting projection found in modern, machine-made cymbals.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to other professional cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China offers a deeper pitch and a more distinct China-style trashiness while maintaining a similar dry aesthetic. While options like the UFIP Bionic or Class Series focus on clarity and brightness through high-polish finishes, the Turk series focuses on the 'heritage' sound of raw bronze. It stands in contrast to budget-friendly options like the Gear4Music Low Volume series, offering a full-frequency, professional performance suitable for recording and live touring.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China made from?: The cymbal is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is widely considered the gold standard for professional-grade percussion instruments.
Where is this cymbal manufactured?: It is handmade in Turkey by master cymbal makers. The manufacturing process follows traditional methods that have been passed down through generations of Turkish artisans.
What does the 'Turk' designation mean for this cymbal?: The 'Turk' designation refers to the unlathed, raw finish of the cymbal. This style leaves the surface exactly as it comes out of the oven and hammering process, resulting in a drier, darker sound.
How would you describe the stick response of the 20" Turk China?: The stick response is described as 'woody' and mysterious. Because the surface is unlathed, it offers a more tactile, percussive feel compared to smoother, lathed cymbals.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used in any genre, its dark and moody character is less 'cutting' than brilliant-finish Chinas. It is often preferred in jazz, fusion, and studio settings where complexity is more important than sheer volume.
What is the typical price range for this model?: In the United Kingdom, the Istanbul Agop 20" Turk China typically retails for approximately GBP 529. This reflects its status as a premium, handcrafted professional instrument.
Does the 20" Turk China have a high or low pitch?: It features a captivating low pitch. The large 20-inch diameter combined with the unlathed Turk finish ensures a deep, earthy fundamental tone.
How does the hammering affect the sound?: The traditional-style hand-hammering creates an uneven surface that breaks up sound waves. This produces a complex, 'trashy' sound profile brimming with unique character.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Both share a raw, dry aesthetic, but the Istanbul Agop Turk China typically offers a more traditional Turkish heritage tone. The 20-inch Agop China provides a deeper, more atmospheric wash compared to the 19" Meinl Extra Dry Crash.
Is the finish on this cymbal shiny?: No, the Turk China has a raw, natural finish that appears dark and matte. It is not polished or lathed, which contributes to its unique visual and sonic identity.
What kind of sustain should I expect?: The sustain is relatively controlled and dry. Because it is unlathed, the vibrations are dampened more quickly than on a traditional crash cymbal, resulting in a quick, trashy decay.
Can this cymbal be used for 'riding' as well as crashing?: Yes, many drummers use Turk-series Chinas for riding patterns in jazz or fusion. The woody stick definition allows for articulate rhythmic patterns that remain distinct even within the wash.