Who designed the Istanbul Agop Signature 22 Ride?

The cymbal was developed based on the personal notes, ideas, and lifelong technical specifications of master cymbalsmith Agop Tomurcuk.

What is the finish of this cymbal?

It features a natural, untreated finish that contributes to its earthy appearance and mellow sound profile.

How does the bell design affect the sound?

The cymbal has a low-profile bell designed to reduce high-overtones and help warm up the overall tone of the instrument.

Can this ride cymbal be used for crashing?

Yes, its weight and manufacturing methods provide mellow crashride capabilities, offering long-sustaining crashes suitable for minimal set-ups.

What is the typical price for the 22" Signature Ride?

The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately £535.

What is the stick definition like on this model?

The cymbal provides a dry stick definition, which allows for articulate playing even with the presence of complex overtones.

Is the profile of the cymbal high or low?

The cymbal has a relatively flat profile, which aids in producing its signature mellow and earthy sonic character.

What genres is the Istanbul Agop Signature 22 Ride suitable for?

While it has articulate multi-genre possibilities, its warm and complex nature makes it a popular choice for jazz and minimal acoustic set-ups.

How does it compare to the Lenny White Epoch Crash?

Both are premium Istanbul Agop models, but the 22" Signature Ride focuses on a flatter profile and dry stick definition compared to the specific crash characteristics of the 19" Epoch.

Does this cymbal have high-pitched overtones?

No, the design specifically uses a low bell and flat profile to suppress high overtones in favour of warmth and darkness.

Is this cymbal recommended for beginners?

Due to its high price point and very specific 'earthy' sound profile, it is generally considered a professional-grade instrument for experienced players.

What is the main sonic 'character' of the Signature series?

The series is defined as being mellow, earthy, and warm, offering a sound profile intended for exploration beyond standard cymbal tones.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop Signature 22 Ride Cymbal

The Istanbul Agop Signature 22 Ride is a professional-grade cymbal developed from the personal notes and design specifications of master cymbalsmith Agop Tomurcuk. It is characterised by its dry stick definition, complex overtones, and a distinctive natural, untreated finish that contributes to a mellow and earthy sonic profile.

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Background and Heritage

The Signature series holds a significant place in the Istanbul Agop catalogue as it represents the culmination of a lifetime of work by the brand's founder, Agop Tomurcuk. The designs were extracted from his personal notebooks containing years of ideas and technical experiments. Following his passing, these notes were used to create a series that honoured his vision of the ideal cymbal sound, blending traditional Turkish craftsmanship with specific tonal requirements.

Design and Construction

The 22" Ride features several specific design choices that differentiate it from standard jazz rides. It possesses a relatively flat profile and a low-profile bell, both of which serve to reduce high-frequency overtones and keep the sound grounded in the lower-mid frequencies. The cymbal is left with a natural, untreated finish, retaining the raw character of the alloy. The weight and hand-hammering methods employed result in a surface that offers both stick articulation and flexibility.

Acoustic Characteristics

Sonically, the Istanbul Agop Signature 22 Ride is described as being warm, complex, and earthy. The stick definition is distinctly dry, ensuring that rhythmic patterns remain clear even when the cymbal is played at higher volumes. Despite this dryness, it generates warm overtones that fill the frequency spectrum without becoming abrasive. Because of its specific weight and profile, it also functions effectively as a crash, offering a long-sustaining, mellow wash that is suitable for dramatic accents.

Application and Versatility

While often favoured by jazz drummers for its complexity and dark tones, the manufacturer notes that the 22" Ride offers multi-genre possibilities. Its ability to serve as a 'crashride' makes it particularly well-suited for minimal drum kit set-ups where a single cymbal must cover a wide range of tasks. It suits players looking for an alternative to bright, highly polished cymbals, offering a more nuanced and vintage-inspired sound profile instead.

Market Comparisons

Within the boutique cymbal market, the Signature 22 Ride competes with other character-heavy cymbals such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. While it shares some dry characteristics with the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, the Istanbul Signature tends to focus more on warmth and 'earthy' complexity rather than purely percussive dryness. It is positioned as a premium instrument, reflected in its retail price point of approximately £535.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Istanbul Agop Signature 22 Ride?: The cymbal was developed based on the personal notes, ideas, and lifelong technical specifications of master cymbalsmith Agop Tomurcuk.
What is the finish of this cymbal?: It features a natural, untreated finish that contributes to its earthy appearance and mellow sound profile.
How does the bell design affect the sound?: The cymbal has a low-profile bell designed to reduce high-overtones and help warm up the overall tone of the instrument.
Can this ride cymbal be used for crashing?: Yes, its weight and manufacturing methods provide mellow crashride capabilities, offering long-sustaining crashes suitable for minimal set-ups.
What is the typical price for the 22" Signature Ride?: The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately £535.
What is the stick definition like on this model?: The cymbal provides a dry stick definition, which allows for articulate playing even with the presence of complex overtones.
Is the profile of the cymbal high or low?: The cymbal has a relatively flat profile, which aids in producing its signature mellow and earthy sonic character.
What genres is the Istanbul Agop Signature 22 Ride suitable for?: While it has articulate multi-genre possibilities, its warm and complex nature makes it a popular choice for jazz and minimal acoustic set-ups.
How does it compare to the Lenny White Epoch Crash?: Both are premium Istanbul Agop models, but the 22" Signature Ride focuses on a flatter profile and dry stick definition compared to the specific crash characteristics of the 19" Epoch.
Does this cymbal have high-pitched overtones?: No, the design specifically uses a low bell and flat profile to suppress high overtones in favour of warmth and darkness.
Is this cymbal recommended for beginners?: Due to its high price point and very specific 'earthy' sound profile, it is generally considered a professional-grade instrument for experienced players.
What is the main sonic 'character' of the Signature series?: The series is defined as being mellow, earthy, and warm, offering a sound profile intended for exploration beyond standard cymbal tones.