What is the primary finish of the Istanbul Agop 22" Turk Ride?

The cymbal features a completely unlathed finish. This means the raw, dark surface from the casting and hammering process is left intact, resulting in a matte, earthy appearance.

How does the Turk Ride sound compared to a standard lathed ride?

It sounds much drier and darker than a lathed ride. The lack of lathing reduces the high-frequency shimmer and sustain, focusing the sound on the stick tip's impact.

Is the 22" Turk Ride suitable for loud rock music?

It may struggle in high-volume rock settings because it lacks the bright cutting power of lathed cymbals. It is generally preferred for jazz, funk, or studio work where subtlety is valued.

What kind of stick definition can I expect?

The stick definition is very clear and 'woody'. Because the wash is so controlled, every stroke remains distinct, even when playing rapid notes near the edge.

How much does the Istanbul Agop 22" Turk Ride typically cost?

In the United Kingdom, this cymbal typically retails for approximately £580. Prices may vary slightly based on specific dealer stock and shipping costs.

Does this cymbal have a large bell?

The bell is integrated into the raw design and is also unlathed. It provides a clear, dry 'ping' that is less piercing than a traditional brilliant-finish bell.

Is each Turk Ride identical?

No, because these cymbals are hand-hammered by Istanbul Agop artisans, each 22" Turk Ride will have slight variations in weight and tonal character. This makes every individual cymbal unique.

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

While both are professional-grade Istanbul Agop cymbals, the 22" Turk Ride is larger and drier. The Lenny White Epoch is designed more for crashing, whereas the Turk is focused on rhythmic ride patterns.

What are the overtones like on this model?

The overtones are complex and dark. However, they are described as 'controlled,' meaning they do not ring out for a long time or become dissonant.

Can the 22" Turk Ride be used as a crash?

It can be crashed, but the response will be very short and trashy. It does not open up like a traditional thin crash cymbal due to its raw thickness.

Is this cymbal durable?

Yes, Istanbul Agop cymbals are made from high-quality B20 bronze. The lack of lathing does not affect the structural integrity, though like all cymbals, it requires proper technique to avoid damage.

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

Both occupy the 'dry and raw' category, but the Istanbul Agop Turk tends to have a more traditional Turkish character. The Agop is often perceived as having a deeper, more organic complexity due to the specific hammering methods used.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 22" Turk Ride Cymbal

The Istanbul Agop 22" Turk Ride is a high-end percussion instrument defined by its entirely unlathed surface and raw construction. Part of the Turk Series, it is designed to produce a dry, organic sound with complex but controlled overtones for professional applications.

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Overview

The Istanbul Agop 22" Turk Ride is a specialised cymbal that prioritises raw sonic character over traditional brightness. Unlike standard cymbals that undergo a lathing process to thin the metal and smooth the surface, the Turk series remains in its natural state after hammering. This results in a dark, textured appearance and a sound profile that is notably drier than its lathed counterparts.

Design and Construction

The primary design feature of the 22" Turk Ride is its complete lack of lathing. This manufacturing choice ensures that the cymbal retains its full thickness and the natural crust formed during the heating process. The surface is heavily hammered, which contributes to its complex harmonic structure while keeping the overtones suppressed. This combination of raw finish and specific hammering techniques creates a ride cymbal with high definition and minimal sustain.

Sonic Character

The sound of the 22" Turk Ride is described as organic and controlled. Because the surface is unlathed, the 'wash' of the cymbal is significantly reduced, allowing for a clear, woody stick definition that remains prominent even during fast patterns. The overtones are present and complex, providing a dark bed of sound, but they do not bloom or overpower the initial strike. This makes it an ideal choice for acoustic settings where volume control and articulation are paramount.

Target User

This cymbal is best suited for jazz, fusion, and experimental drummers who require a dark, earthy tone. Its controlled nature makes it useful in recording studio environments where excessive cymbal wash can bleed into other microphones. It appeals to players who prefer the 'old world' Turkish manufacturing tradition and are looking for a unique, less polished aesthetic both visually and sonically.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other dry cymbals like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, the Istanbul Agop Turk maintains a specific weight and hand-hammered feel unique to the Agop foundry. While alternatives like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats offer different tonal balances, the Turk Ride is distinct in its complete commitment to an unlathed surface. It stands in stark contrast to bright, modern cymbals such as the Paiste Giant Beat, offering a much lower pitch and shorter decay.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish of the Istanbul Agop 22" Turk Ride?: The cymbal features a completely unlathed finish. This means the raw, dark surface from the casting and hammering process is left intact, resulting in a matte, earthy appearance.
How does the Turk Ride sound compared to a standard lathed ride?: It sounds much drier and darker than a lathed ride. The lack of lathing reduces the high-frequency shimmer and sustain, focusing the sound on the stick tip's impact.
Is the 22" Turk Ride suitable for loud rock music?: It may struggle in high-volume rock settings because it lacks the bright cutting power of lathed cymbals. It is generally preferred for jazz, funk, or studio work where subtlety is valued.
What kind of stick definition can I expect?: The stick definition is very clear and 'woody'. Because the wash is so controlled, every stroke remains distinct, even when playing rapid notes near the edge.
How much does the Istanbul Agop 22" Turk Ride typically cost?: In the United Kingdom, this cymbal typically retails for approximately £580. Prices may vary slightly based on specific dealer stock and shipping costs.
Does this cymbal have a large bell?: The bell is integrated into the raw design and is also unlathed. It provides a clear, dry 'ping' that is less piercing than a traditional brilliant-finish bell.
Is each Turk Ride identical?: No, because these cymbals are hand-hammered by Istanbul Agop artisans, each 22" Turk Ride will have slight variations in weight and tonal character. This makes every individual cymbal unique.
How does this compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?: While both are professional-grade Istanbul Agop cymbals, the 22" Turk Ride is larger and drier. The Lenny White Epoch is designed more for crashing, whereas the Turk is focused on rhythmic ride patterns.
What are the overtones like on this model?: The overtones are complex and dark. However, they are described as 'controlled,' meaning they do not ring out for a long time or become dissonant.
Can the 22" Turk Ride be used as a crash?: It can be crashed, but the response will be very short and trashy. It does not open up like a traditional thin crash cymbal due to its raw thickness.
Is this cymbal durable?: Yes, Istanbul Agop cymbals are made from high-quality B20 bronze. The lack of lathing does not affect the structural integrity, though like all cymbals, it requires proper technique to avoid damage.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Both occupy the 'dry and raw' category, but the Istanbul Agop Turk tends to have a more traditional Turkish character. The Agop is often perceived as having a deeper, more organic complexity due to the specific hammering methods used.