Who was the collaborator for this signature ride cymbal?

The cymbal was designed in conjunction with Mel Lewis, a renowned American jazz drummer. His specific tonal preferences guided the development of the cymbal's dry and articulate sound.

What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Ride?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately GBP 459. This reflects its status as a premium, signature series instrument.

What defines the sound character of this cymbal?

The manufacturer describes the sound as 'dry' with 'subtle dark overtones.' It is designed to provide a sophisticated sonic profile that doesn't wash out during play.

How does the hammering on this model differ from other Istanbul Agop cymbals?

This ride employs a lighter hammering technique. This specific process is used to enhance stick definition and control the cymbal's overtones.

What type of lathing is used on the Mel Lewis Signature Ride?

The cymbal features a finer lathing pattern. This contributes to the instrument's smooth feel and its ability to produce clear, articulate stick sounds.

Is this cymbal suitable for genres other than jazz?

Yes, while designed for jazz, the manufacturer states it is well-suited to a range of drumming styles and genres. Its dry character makes it versatile for modern percussion setups.

How large is this specific signature model?

This model has a diameter of 21 inches. This size is a common choice for ride cymbals, offering a balance between pitch and resonance.

Does this cymbal have a lot of sustain?

Due to its dry voicing and lighter hammering, the sustain is more controlled than a typical medium-weight ride. This ensures that individual stick hits remain distinct.

What is the primary benefit of the 'fine lathing' mentioned by the manufacturer?

The fine lathing is specifically intended to enhance stick definition. It allows the higher-frequency contact sound of the stick to be heard clearly over the darker wash.

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

While both are signature Istanbul Agop products, the 21" Mel Lewis is a dedicated ride focused on dryness and definition. The Lenny White Epoch is a 19" crash designed for different rhythmic accents.

Is this cymbal a good choice for recording?

Yes, its dry sound and subtle overtones make it ideal for recording. It provides a clean signal that is easier to mix than cymbals with excessive, uncontrolled wash.

Can this ride be used as a crash?

While primarily a ride, its lighter hammering allows for some crash capability with dark, mellow undertones. However, its main design goal is stick articulation.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride Cymbal

The Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride is a professional-grade cymbal designed in collaboration with the legendary American jazz drummer Mel Lewis. It is characterized by its dry tonal profile, refined stick definition, and subtle dark overtones, making it a staple for jazz and contemporary drumming applications.

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Background and Design

The Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride was developed as a tribute to the specific sound preferences of Mel Lewis, a pivotal figure in American jazz drumming. Known for his work with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Lewis required a cymbal that could provide clarity and nuance within a big band and small ensemble context. This signature model is crafted by Istanbul Agop to replicate the tonal characteristics of the cymbals Lewis played during his career, emphasizing a balance between traditional craftsmanship and specific sonic requirements.

Construction and Key Features

This ride cymbal is distinguished by its specific manufacturing techniques. It employs a lighter hammering process compared to more aggressive models, which helps manage the sustain and focus the sound. Additionally, it features a finer lathing pattern across the surface. These design choices result in enhanced stick definition, allowing the drummer's patterns to remain articulate even when playing at faster tempos. The 21-inch diameter provides a larger surface area that contributes to a complex wash while maintaining control.

Sound Profile and Character

The primary characteristic of the Mel Lewis Signature Ride is its dry sound. While many traditional Turkish cymbals are known for a wide, shimmering wash, this model is voiced to be more contained. It produces subtle dark overtones that provide a sophisticated bed of sound without overpowering the 'click' of the stick. This combination of dryness and darkness makes it highly suitable for recording environments and acoustic settings where sonic clarity is paramount.

Target Audience and Application

While designed with a jazz legend, the Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride is intended for any modern-day drummer or percussionist seeking a controlled, professional ride sound. Its versatility allows it to be used across various genres that require dynamic sensitivity. It is particularly well-suited for drummers who prioritise stick articulation and a vintage-inspired aesthetic in their setup.

Market Comparisons

Within the professional cymbal market, the Mel Lewis Signature Ride competes with other artisan-style cymbals. While it shares some dark qualities with the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the Mel Lewis model focuses more on ride articulation than crashability. Compared to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride, the Mel Lewis model is typically noted for its specific signature voicing. It offers a significantly more complex and hand-crafted character than entry-level or mass-produced alternatives like the Meinl HCS series or basic Low Volume cymbal packs.

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Frequently asked questions

Who was the collaborator for this signature ride cymbal?: The cymbal was designed in conjunction with Mel Lewis, a renowned American jazz drummer. His specific tonal preferences guided the development of the cymbal's dry and articulate sound.
What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Ride?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately GBP 459. This reflects its status as a premium, signature series instrument.
What defines the sound character of this cymbal?: The manufacturer describes the sound as 'dry' with 'subtle dark overtones.' It is designed to provide a sophisticated sonic profile that doesn't wash out during play.
How does the hammering on this model differ from other Istanbul Agop cymbals?: This ride employs a lighter hammering technique. This specific process is used to enhance stick definition and control the cymbal's overtones.
What type of lathing is used on the Mel Lewis Signature Ride?: The cymbal features a finer lathing pattern. This contributes to the instrument's smooth feel and its ability to produce clear, articulate stick sounds.
Is this cymbal suitable for genres other than jazz?: Yes, while designed for jazz, the manufacturer states it is well-suited to a range of drumming styles and genres. Its dry character makes it versatile for modern percussion setups.
How large is this specific signature model?: This model has a diameter of 21 inches. This size is a common choice for ride cymbals, offering a balance between pitch and resonance.
Does this cymbal have a lot of sustain?: Due to its dry voicing and lighter hammering, the sustain is more controlled than a typical medium-weight ride. This ensures that individual stick hits remain distinct.
What is the primary benefit of the 'fine lathing' mentioned by the manufacturer?: The fine lathing is specifically intended to enhance stick definition. It allows the higher-frequency contact sound of the stick to be heard clearly over the darker wash.
How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash?: While both are signature Istanbul Agop products, the 21" Mel Lewis is a dedicated ride focused on dryness and definition. The Lenny White Epoch is a 19" crash designed for different rhythmic accents.
Is this cymbal a good choice for recording?: Yes, its dry sound and subtle overtones make it ideal for recording. It provides a clean signal that is easier to mix than cymbals with excessive, uncontrolled wash.
Can this ride be used as a crash?: While primarily a ride, its lighter hammering allows for some crash capability with dark, mellow undertones. However, its main design goal is stick articulation.