What is the primary material used in the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China?

The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze, a traditional alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is preferred for professional cymbals due to its wide frequency range and resonance. The alloy choice is critical for achieving the 'dark' and 'exotic' tones described by the manufacturer.

How does the 'Signature' series differ from other Istanbul Agop lines?

The Signature series is uniquely based on the private notes and design ideas of the company's founder, Agop Tomurcuk. It represents his personal vision for cymbal sound, whereas other lines may be designed for specific modern genres or developed in collaboration with contemporary artists. It is considered a legacy series within the brand's catalogue.

What kind of sound should I expect from a 20-inch China cymbal?

A 20-inch China generally offers a deeper, fuller sound compared to 16 or 18-inch models. The Istanbul Agop Signature 20 specifically emphasizes a dark, exotic character. It provides a significant 'wash' and a powerful, complex strike that stands out in a drum kit setup.

Is the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used in any genre, its 'dark' and 'exotic' description suggests it is tuned for complexity rather than sheer volume. In very loud rock settings, its nuanced overtones might be lost compared to brighter, thicker China cymbals. It is most at home in settings where the drummer's touch and the cymbal's tonality can be clearly heard.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

The Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China typically retails for approximately £580. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-hammered instrument. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

How does the 'exotic' sound differ from a standard crash cymbal?

An 'exotic' sound refers to complex, often non-harmonic overtones that lean towards a 'trashy' or white-noise quality. Unlike a standard crash which is designed for a shimmering, pure explosion, this China cymbal provides a shorter, grittier burst of sound. It is designed to add texture and variety to a percussion setup.

Who designed the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China?

The design is based on the lifework and technical notes of Agop Tomurcuk, the master cymbalsmith and founder of Istanbul Agop. The series was completed by his sons as a tribute to his craftsmanship and sonic philosophy. It represents a culmination of traditional Turkish cymbal-making techniques.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

Both the Istanbul Agop Signature and the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series focus on dark, earthy tones. However, the Istanbul Agop model is strictly based on the specific historical notes of Agop Tomurcuk, often resulting in a more traditional 'Turkish' feel. The Meinl Extra Dry series is often even more stripped back and 'dry' in its finish.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

Yes, Istanbul Agop is renowned for employing traditional hand-hammering techniques. This process ensures that every cymbal in the Signature series has a unique character. The hammering is a vital component in creating the dark, complex harmonics the series is known for.

Can I use the Signature 20 China as a ride cymbal?

While primarily an effects cymbal, its 20-inch size allows for some 'riding' techniques, which will produce a very dark, trashy wash. However, it lacks the clear stick definition of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21. It is best utilized for accents and atmospheric textures.

What does 'dark' mean in relation to this cymbal?

In cymbal terminology, 'dark' refers to a sound profile dominated by lower-frequency overtones rather than high, bright ones. A dark cymbal like the Signature 20 China sounds deeper and more mellow. This quality makes it blend more smoothly into a musical mix rather than cutting sharply through it.

Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?

Due to its high price point of approximately £580 and its very specific 'exotic' sound, it is generally recommended for intermediate to professional players. Beginners may find more versatile and affordable options in series like the Meinl HCS or Gear4Music packs. The Signature 20 China is a specialist tool for those seeking a particular sonic aesthetic.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China Cymbal

The Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China is a professional-grade effects cymbal developed based on the lifelong design principles and technical notes of master cymbalsmith Agop Tomurcuk. It is characterised by its exotic, dark tonality and is designed to provide a full, traditional China sound suitable for high-end percussion applications.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China forms a central part of the Signature Series, a line that serves as a legacy project for the brand's namesake founder, Agop Tomurcuk. The series was created by synthesising a lifetime of Tomurcuk's personal notes, sketches, and experimental ideas into a cohesive range of instruments. Unlike mass-produced cymbals, the Signature line focuses on traditional Turkish craftsmanship and specific sonic signatures that reflect the founder’s vision for a complex, nuanced percussion voice.

Technical Characteristics

Constructed from high-quality B20 bronze, the 20-inch China features the characteristic physical traits of the genre: an upturned flange and a distinct bell shape. The manufacturing process involves extensive hand-hammering to achieve the specific 'exotic' tonal quality described by the manufacturer. The 20-inch diameter provides a larger surface area for vibration compared to smaller effects cymbals, resulting in a 'full' sound that occupies a significant portion of the frequency spectrum.

Sound and Performance

The sonic profile of the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China is defined as dark and exotic. While many China cymbals are valued for their abrasive or 'trashy' qualities, the Signature 20 is designed to maintain a fullness of sound alongside its complex overtones. It delivers a fast attack with a relatively quick decay, though the 20-inch size ensures it has enough body to carry through a dense musical mix. Its dark character avoids the high-pitched piercing frequencies often found in thinner or smaller effect cymbals.

Target Audience

This cymbal is positioned as a premium instrument for professional drummers and percussionists who require a sophisticated effects sound. Given its specific dark and exotic character, it is particularly well-suited to jazz, fusion, and experimental genres where nuance and tonal complexity are prioritised over raw volume. With a price point typically around £580, it is an investment piece for serious musicians seeking the specific artisanal qualities of the Istanbul Agop hand-hammered tradition.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the wider market, the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China occupies a unique space compared to other high-end cymbals. While models like the Meinl 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offer a similarly dark and 'trashy' response, the Agop Signature China provides the specific structural projection of a traditional China shape. It differs significantly from entry-level or budget options, such as the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or the Meinl HCS series, which use different alloys and manufacturing methods focused on durability or reduced volume rather than complex tonality. Even compared to other boutique items like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or UFIP Class Series, the Signature China remains a distinct effects-heavy choice focused on Agop Tomurcuk’s specific design legacy.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China?: The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze, a traditional alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is preferred for professional cymbals due to its wide frequency range and resonance. The alloy choice is critical for achieving the 'dark' and 'exotic' tones described by the manufacturer.
How does the 'Signature' series differ from other Istanbul Agop lines?: The Signature series is uniquely based on the private notes and design ideas of the company's founder, Agop Tomurcuk. It represents his personal vision for cymbal sound, whereas other lines may be designed for specific modern genres or developed in collaboration with contemporary artists. It is considered a legacy series within the brand's catalogue.
What kind of sound should I expect from a 20-inch China cymbal?: A 20-inch China generally offers a deeper, fuller sound compared to 16 or 18-inch models. The Istanbul Agop Signature 20 specifically emphasizes a dark, exotic character. It provides a significant 'wash' and a powerful, complex strike that stands out in a drum kit setup.
Is the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used in any genre, its 'dark' and 'exotic' description suggests it is tuned for complexity rather than sheer volume. In very loud rock settings, its nuanced overtones might be lost compared to brighter, thicker China cymbals. It is most at home in settings where the drummer's touch and the cymbal's tonality can be clearly heard.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: The Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China typically retails for approximately £580. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-hammered instrument. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
How does the 'exotic' sound differ from a standard crash cymbal?: An 'exotic' sound refers to complex, often non-harmonic overtones that lean towards a 'trashy' or white-noise quality. Unlike a standard crash which is designed for a shimmering, pure explosion, this China cymbal provides a shorter, grittier burst of sound. It is designed to add texture and variety to a percussion setup.
Who designed the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 China?: The design is based on the lifework and technical notes of Agop Tomurcuk, the master cymbalsmith and founder of Istanbul Agop. The series was completed by his sons as a tribute to his craftsmanship and sonic philosophy. It represents a culmination of traditional Turkish cymbal-making techniques.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Both the Istanbul Agop Signature and the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series focus on dark, earthy tones. However, the Istanbul Agop model is strictly based on the specific historical notes of Agop Tomurcuk, often resulting in a more traditional 'Turkish' feel. The Meinl Extra Dry series is often even more stripped back and 'dry' in its finish.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: Yes, Istanbul Agop is renowned for employing traditional hand-hammering techniques. This process ensures that every cymbal in the Signature series has a unique character. The hammering is a vital component in creating the dark, complex harmonics the series is known for.
Can I use the Signature 20 China as a ride cymbal?: While primarily an effects cymbal, its 20-inch size allows for some 'riding' techniques, which will produce a very dark, trashy wash. However, it lacks the clear stick definition of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21. It is best utilized for accents and atmospheric textures.
What does 'dark' mean in relation to this cymbal?: In cymbal terminology, 'dark' refers to a sound profile dominated by lower-frequency overtones rather than high, bright ones. A dark cymbal like the Signature 20 China sounds deeper and more mellow. This quality makes it blend more smoothly into a musical mix rather than cutting sharply through it.
Is this cymbal a good choice for beginners?: Due to its high price point of approximately £580 and its very specific 'exotic' sound, it is generally recommended for intermediate to professional players. Beginners may find more versatile and affordable options in series like the Meinl HCS or Gear4Music packs. The Signature 20 China is a specialist tool for those seeking a particular sonic aesthetic.