What material is the Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Brilliant Crash made from?

The cymbal is crafted from a professional-grade B20 bronze alloy. This alloy is standard for high-end Turkish cymbals, offering a rich and musical frequency response.

Where is this cymbal manufactured?

The 22" Xist Brilliant Crash is hand-made by skilled craftsmen in Turkey. Istanbul Agop maintains traditional Turkish manufacturing standards for all their Xist series instruments.

How does the 'Brilliant' finish affect the sound?

The brilliant, lathed finish results in a naturally clear and defined sound. It typically adds a shimmering high-end brightness compared to 'Natural' or 'Raw' finish cymbals.

Is a 22-inch crash too large for small venues?

While large, its thin design allows it to open up at lower volumes. However, its extremely powerful sound is particularly well-suited for larger stages where projection is needed.

What is the decay time for this model?

This cymbal features a medium decay. This means the sound sustains long enough to feel full but fades quickly enough to not wash out the rest of the drum kit or the mix.

What playing style is this cymbal best suited for?

It is ideal for fast-playing drummers who need a charismatic and versatile sound. It performs well in rock, pop, and any genre requiring a powerful yet defined crash.

How does the thin design impact its versatility?

The thin design allows the cymbal to produce a wide range of tones. It responds sensitively to soft strokes while still being able to deliver a powerful crash when played hard.

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

The 22" Xist is larger and generally more powerful than the 19" Lenny White Epoch. The Xist Brilliant series focuses on clarity and projection, whereas the Epoch series often leans toward specific jazz-oriented characteristics.

Is this cymbal durable enough for heavy hitters?

Yes, it is designed for optimal sound quality and durability. The B20 bronze and modern manufacturing techniques ensure it can withstand the rigours of regular professional use.

Can the 22" Xist Brilliant Crash be used as a ride cymbal?

While designed as a crash, its 22-inch size and defined lathing offer some ride-like qualities. However, its thin weight means the wash will build up quickly if used primarily for riding.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 345. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.

How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic or Class series?

The UFIP Bionic and Class series cymbals are often heavier or geared toward different tonal niches, such as the 13" Bionic Hats. The 22" Xist Brilliant Crash offers a larger, more expansive Turkish wash compared to the tighter Italian sound of UFIP.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Brilliant Crash

The Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Brilliant Crash is a Turkish-made cymbal constructed from B20 bronze alloy using advanced manufacturing techniques. Designed for a balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern versatility, it features a thin profile and a brilliant, lathed finish that provides a clear, defined sound with a medium decay.

See live prices

Background and Construction

The Istanbul Agop Xist series represents a blend of traditional Turkish hand-hammering techniques and contemporary production methods. Each 22" Xist Brilliant Crash is hand-made by skilled craftsmen in Turkey, utilizing a B20 bronze alloy. This specific series incorporates brand new techniques designed to enhance overall performance and durability while maintaining the prestige associated with Turkish cymbal smithing.

The Brilliant version of the Xist crash undergoes a specific lathing process that results in a highly reflective, polished surface. This construction is intended to bridge the gap between the dark, complex tones of vintage cymbals and the brightness required for modern musical settings.

Technical Features and Design

A defining characteristic of this cymbal is its large 22-inch diameter combined with a thin weight profile. This combination allows the cymbal to be highly responsive to light touches while maintaining the ability to project an extremely powerful sound when struck with force.

Key features include: * Lathed Surface: Provides a naturally clear and defined tonal character. * B20 Alloy: A high-quality bronze mixture that ensures professional-grade resonance. * Thin Design: Increases the versatility of the cymbal, allowing it to open up quickly across various dynamics. * Medium Decay: Ensures the sound does not linger excessively, allowing it to sit neatly within a musical mix.

Sonic Character

The Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Brilliant Crash is noted for its charismatic and defined sonic footprint. Due to the brilliant finish and specific lathing, the cymbal produces a bright, shimmering high-end that cuts through loud instrumentation. Despite its size, the thin construction prevents the sound from becoming overly clanging or harsh. Instead, it offers a wash of sound that remains clear and focused, making it suitable for drummers who require both volume and musicality.

Target Audience

This cymbal is primarily aimed at musicians who require a versatile instrument capable of handling fast-playing styles. Because of its large size and powerful projection, it is well-suited for live performances in rock, pop, and fusion genres. However, the sensitivity of the thin B20 bronze also makes it an appropriate choice for drummers who play with lower dynamics and need a crash that responds instantly to a light touch.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional cymbals, the 22" Xist Brilliant Crash offers a distinct balance of size and response. In contrast to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which provides a short, trashy, and dark tone, the Xist 22" is significantly brighter and more powerful.

Unlike entry-level options such as the Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats or the Gear4Music Low Volume packs, the Xist is a professional-grade B20 instrument. While larger rides like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride might offer similar mass, the Xist is specifically tapered for crashing, offering a faster explosive peak than traditional ride cymbals.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the Istanbul Agop 22" Xist Brilliant Crash made from?: The cymbal is crafted from a professional-grade B20 bronze alloy. This alloy is standard for high-end Turkish cymbals, offering a rich and musical frequency response.
Where is this cymbal manufactured?: The 22" Xist Brilliant Crash is hand-made by skilled craftsmen in Turkey. Istanbul Agop maintains traditional Turkish manufacturing standards for all their Xist series instruments.
How does the 'Brilliant' finish affect the sound?: The brilliant, lathed finish results in a naturally clear and defined sound. It typically adds a shimmering high-end brightness compared to 'Natural' or 'Raw' finish cymbals.
Is a 22-inch crash too large for small venues?: While large, its thin design allows it to open up at lower volumes. However, its extremely powerful sound is particularly well-suited for larger stages where projection is needed.
What is the decay time for this model?: This cymbal features a medium decay. This means the sound sustains long enough to feel full but fades quickly enough to not wash out the rest of the drum kit or the mix.
What playing style is this cymbal best suited for?: It is ideal for fast-playing drummers who need a charismatic and versatile sound. It performs well in rock, pop, and any genre requiring a powerful yet defined crash.
How does the thin design impact its versatility?: The thin design allows the cymbal to produce a wide range of tones. It responds sensitively to soft strokes while still being able to deliver a powerful crash when played hard.
How does this compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?: The 22" Xist is larger and generally more powerful than the 19" Lenny White Epoch. The Xist Brilliant series focuses on clarity and projection, whereas the Epoch series often leans toward specific jazz-oriented characteristics.
Is this cymbal durable enough for heavy hitters?: Yes, it is designed for optimal sound quality and durability. The B20 bronze and modern manufacturing techniques ensure it can withstand the rigours of regular professional use.
Can the 22" Xist Brilliant Crash be used as a ride cymbal?: While designed as a crash, its 22-inch size and defined lathing offer some ride-like qualities. However, its thin weight means the wash will build up quickly if used primarily for riding.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 345. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.
How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic or Class series?: The UFIP Bionic and Class series cymbals are often heavier or geared toward different tonal niches, such as the 13" Bionic Hats. The 22" Xist Brilliant Crash offers a larger, more expansive Turkish wash compared to the tighter Italian sound of UFIP.