What cymbals are included in the Istanbul Agop Sultan Set?

The set includes 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash cymbal, and a 20-inch ride cymbal. These provide a complete core setup for most standard drum kits.

Does this set come with a case?

Yes, this specific bundle includes a free cymbal case. It is designed to assist drummers who need to transport their gear for performances or rehearsals.

What is unique about the Sultan series' appearance?

The Sultan series features concentric circles of alternating lathed and unlathed surfaces. This creates a striking visual contrast between shiny and raw bronze areas.

How does the unlathed part of the cymbal affect the sound?

The unlathed, raw sections of the cymbal provide a more controlled tone. They help reduce excessive sustain and focus the frequency response compared to fully lathed cymbals.

Are Istanbul Agop Sultan cymbals hand-hammered?

Yes, the Sultan series features visible hand-hammering marks. These marks are part of the traditional manufacturing process used by Istanbul Agop to ensure a complex, musical tone.

What musical genres are these cymbals best for?

They are ideal for jazz, fusion, and other genres requiring wide dynamic capabilities. Their balanced tone also makes them suitable for blues and acoustic rock settings.

Is the 20-inch ride cymbal included in this set suitable for jazz?

Yes, its controlled tone and clear stick definition make it a popular choice for jazz fusion. It offers the expressive range needed for intricate patterns.

What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop Sultan Cymbal Set?

The typical retail price is approximately £799. This covers the three professional-grade cymbals and the protective travel case.

How do these cymbals differ from standard Agop cymbals?

Unlike fully lathed series, the Sultan series uses the hybrid lathed/unlathed design. This specifically targets a middle ground between 'dry' and 'bright' sound profiles.

Is the Sultan crash cymbal fast or slow in response?

The 16-inch Sultan crash is described as having wide dynamic capabilities with strong results. Its design typically allows for a quick, full-bodied response that doesn't linger too long.

Can these cymbals be used for heavy rock or metal?

While they are versatile, they are primarily designed for control and expression. They may lack the ultra-high volume and 'glassy' pierce often preferred in extreme metal.

Are these cymbals made from B20 bronze?

Yes, Istanbul Agop professional series cymbals, including the Sultan range, are traditionally crafted from high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This provides a rich, complex harmonic structure.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop Sultan Cymbal Set w/Case

The Istanbul Agop Sultan Cymbal Set is a professional-grade collection of hand-crafted cymbals featuring a unique aesthetic of concentric lathed and unlathed surfaces. This comprehensive pack includes a 14" hi-hat, 16" crash, and 20" ride, bundled with a protective transport case for mobile drummers.

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Background and Design

Istanbul Agop is a brand rooted in the traditional Turkish cymbal-making legacy, known for maintaining hand-hammering techniques passed down through generations. The Sultan series represents a distinct visual and sonic departure from standard polished or raw cymbals. They are characterised by 'concentric circles,' a design choice where sections of the cymbal are lathed while others are left raw and showing hand-hammering marks. This hybrid approach is intended to provide a specific balance between the brightness of a lathed cymbal and the dry, controlled character of an unlathed one.

Included Components

The set is curated to provide a versatile foundation for a full drum kit. It includes:

14" Sultan Hi-Hats: Standard-sized hats that offer crisp articulation and a controlled wash.
16" Sultan Crash: A responsive crash with a fast decay and full-bodied tone.
20" Sultan Ride: A large ride cymbal featuring a clear stick definition and balanced harmonic overtones.
Cymbal Case: A free dedicated transport bag designed to protect the set during travel, making it suitable for gigging musicians.

Sonic Character

The Sultan series is noted for its wide dynamic range and expressive capabilities. The combination of lathed and unlathed surfaces results in a 'controlled' tone; the raw sections help dampen excessive overtones, while the lathed sections ensure the cymbal retains enough shimmer to cut through a mix. Drummers often describe the sound as full-bodied with a great balance of frequencies, lacking the harsh high-end frequencies found in many machine-made alternatives.

Applications

Due to their expressive nature and balanced frequency response, these cymbals are particularly well-suited for genres that require nuance and dynamic control. They are frequently used in jazz and fusion contexts, where players need to shift between subtle textures and powerful accents. However, their full-bodied sound also makes them adaptable for various contemporary styles where a more 'earthy' or 'traditional' tone is desired over a modern, glassy sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Istanbul Agop Sultan Set?: The set includes 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash cymbal, and a 20-inch ride cymbal. These provide a complete core setup for most standard drum kits.
Does this set come with a case?: Yes, this specific bundle includes a free cymbal case. It is designed to assist drummers who need to transport their gear for performances or rehearsals.
What is unique about the Sultan series' appearance?: The Sultan series features concentric circles of alternating lathed and unlathed surfaces. This creates a striking visual contrast between shiny and raw bronze areas.
How does the unlathed part of the cymbal affect the sound?: The unlathed, raw sections of the cymbal provide a more controlled tone. They help reduce excessive sustain and focus the frequency response compared to fully lathed cymbals.
Are Istanbul Agop Sultan cymbals hand-hammered?: Yes, the Sultan series features visible hand-hammering marks. These marks are part of the traditional manufacturing process used by Istanbul Agop to ensure a complex, musical tone.
What musical genres are these cymbals best for?: They are ideal for jazz, fusion, and other genres requiring wide dynamic capabilities. Their balanced tone also makes them suitable for blues and acoustic rock settings.
Is the 20-inch ride cymbal included in this set suitable for jazz?: Yes, its controlled tone and clear stick definition make it a popular choice for jazz fusion. It offers the expressive range needed for intricate patterns.
What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop Sultan Cymbal Set?: The typical retail price is approximately £799. This covers the three professional-grade cymbals and the protective travel case.
How do these cymbals differ from standard Agop cymbals?: Unlike fully lathed series, the Sultan series uses the hybrid lathed/unlathed design. This specifically targets a middle ground between 'dry' and 'bright' sound profiles.
Is the Sultan crash cymbal fast or slow in response?: The 16-inch Sultan crash is described as having wide dynamic capabilities with strong results. Its design typically allows for a quick, full-bodied response that doesn't linger too long.
Can these cymbals be used for heavy rock or metal?: While they are versatile, they are primarily designed for control and expression. They may lack the ultra-high volume and 'glassy' pierce often preferred in extreme metal.
Are these cymbals made from B20 bronze?: Yes, Istanbul Agop professional series cymbals, including the Sultan range, are traditionally crafted from high-quality B20 bronze alloy. This provides a rich, complex harmonic structure.