What is the primary finish of the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride?

The cymbal features a natural, untreated finish. This aesthetic choice is functional, helping to control overtones and provide an earthy, dark appearance.

Who designed the Agop Signature series?

The series was developed based on the lifetime notes and ideas of Agop Tomurcuk. He was the master cymbalsmith and founder of Istanbul Agop.

How does the bell shape affect the sound of this ride?

It features a low-profile bell. This design reduces high-frequency overtones and aids in warming up the overall tone of the cymbal.

Can the 20 Ride be used as a crash cymbal?

Yes, it has mellow crashride capabilities. Its weight and manufacturing methods make it ideal for long-sustaining crashes in minimalist setups.

What kind of stick definition should I expect?

The cymbal is known for dry stick definition. This allows for articulate playing where the individual strikes remain clear over the complex wash.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

It is better suited for genres requiring nuance, such as jazz or acoustic music. Its mellow and earthy profile may not cut through high-volume amplified environments as well as heavier, brighter cymbals.

What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride?

The typical price range for this specific 20-inch model is approximately GBP 425. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current availability.

How does the profile of the cymbal affect its playability?

It has a relatively flat profile. This contributes to a mellow and earthy sound, making it a distinct choice for drummers looking for a non-traditional sound profile.

What overtones does this cymbal produce?

It produces warm and complex overtones. These provide a rich 'wash' that supports the dry stick sound without becoming overpowering.

Is every Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride identical?

No, because they are made using traditional manufacturing methods and natural finishes, each cymbal has unique characteristics. This is a hallmark of the Istanbul Agop brand.

What is a 'crashride' capability?

It refers to a cymbal that is balanced enough to provide a clear ride 'ping' but thin or responsive enough to produce a full crash sound when struck on the edge. The Agop Signature 20 Ride is specifically noted for this versatility.

How does this compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch series?

While both are professional Istanbul Agop cymbals, the Signature 20 Ride is based on Agop Tomurcuk’s personal designs, whereas the Epoch is a specific collaboration with drummer Lenny White. The Signature model focuses on Agop's vision of dry, complex warmth.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride Cymbal

The Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride is a professional-grade cymbal developed based on the personal notes and design philosophies of master cymbalsmith Agop Tomurcuk. It is characterised by its untreated natural finish and a low-profile bell, resulting in a dry stick definition accompanied by warm, complex overtones.

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Background and Development

The Istanbul Agop Signature series holds significant historical weight within the brand's catalogue. The 20 Ride was developed using a lifetime of notes, sketches, and ideas compiled by Agop Tomurcuk, the company's founding master cymbalsmith. Following his passing, these designs were realised to honour his legacy, representing his personal vision of the ideal jazz sound. The manufacturing methods used for this series are traditional and labour-intensive, ensuring each cymbal carries a unique character consistent with Tomurcuk's specifications.

Design and Construction

The Signature 20 Ride features several distinct physical traits that define its acoustic performance:

Natural Finish: The surface is left untreated, which contributes to its earthy aesthetic and controlled resonance.
Low-Profile Bell: The bell is integrated with a low shape to reduce high-frequency overtones and promote a warmer overall tonality.
Flat Profile: The cymbal possesses a relatively flat bow, which encourages a mellow and dark response.
Weight: Crafted to a weight that facilitates both clear stick articulation and the ability to open up when struck on the edge.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride is defined by 'dry stick definition' and 'complex overtones.' Unlike brighter, machine-made cymbals, this model offers a dark, trashy, and earthy wash that stays beneath the stick sound. The low-profile bell ensures that the 'ping' is integrated into the body of the cymbal rather than standing out as a piercing high-frequency note. Due to its specific weight, it functions effectively as a 'crashride,' offering long-sustaining, mellow crashes that are ideal for dynamic playing.

User Suitability

This cymbal is a primary choice for drummers seeking a 'new sound profile' that deviates from standard bright or overly polished cymbals. It is particularly well-suited for:

Jazz and Acoustic Settings: Where nuance, warmth, and complexity are required.
Minimalist Set-ups: Drummers who prefer a single ride that can double as a crash will benefit from its versatile crashride capabilities.
Articulate Playing: The dry definition ensures that fast patterns remain audible even as the dark wash builds up.

Comparative Analysis

Within the market, the Signature 20 Ride is often compared to other boutique and specialized cymbals. It shares the 'dry' and 'earthy' characteristics found in the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, though the Istanbul tends to offer more 'warmth' and 'complex overtones' due to its traditional Turkish heritage. While the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash provides a different flavour of signature sound, the 20 Ride remains the foundational choice for those seeking Agop Tomurcuk's specific legacy sound. It is significantly more complex and darker than entry-level or student cymbals like the Meinl HCS or Gear4Music low-volume series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish of the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride?: The cymbal features a natural, untreated finish. This aesthetic choice is functional, helping to control overtones and provide an earthy, dark appearance.
Who designed the Agop Signature series?: The series was developed based on the lifetime notes and ideas of Agop Tomurcuk. He was the master cymbalsmith and founder of Istanbul Agop.
How does the bell shape affect the sound of this ride?: It features a low-profile bell. This design reduces high-frequency overtones and aids in warming up the overall tone of the cymbal.
Can the 20 Ride be used as a crash cymbal?: Yes, it has mellow crashride capabilities. Its weight and manufacturing methods make it ideal for long-sustaining crashes in minimalist setups.
What kind of stick definition should I expect?: The cymbal is known for dry stick definition. This allows for articulate playing where the individual strikes remain clear over the complex wash.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: It is better suited for genres requiring nuance, such as jazz or acoustic music. Its mellow and earthy profile may not cut through high-volume amplified environments as well as heavier, brighter cymbals.
What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride?: The typical price range for this specific 20-inch model is approximately GBP 425. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current availability.
How does the profile of the cymbal affect its playability?: It has a relatively flat profile. This contributes to a mellow and earthy sound, making it a distinct choice for drummers looking for a non-traditional sound profile.
What overtones does this cymbal produce?: It produces warm and complex overtones. These provide a rich 'wash' that supports the dry stick sound without becoming overpowering.
Is every Istanbul Agop Signature 20 Ride identical?: No, because they are made using traditional manufacturing methods and natural finishes, each cymbal has unique characteristics. This is a hallmark of the Istanbul Agop brand.
What is a 'crashride' capability?: It refers to a cymbal that is balanced enough to provide a clear ride 'ping' but thin or responsive enough to produce a full crash sound when struck on the edge. The Agop Signature 20 Ride is specifically noted for this versatility.
How does this compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch series?: While both are professional Istanbul Agop cymbals, the Signature 20 Ride is based on Agop Tomurcuk’s personal designs, whereas the Epoch is a specific collaboration with drummer Lenny White. The Signature model focuses on Agop's vision of dry, complex warmth.