What is the primary sound characteristic of the Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash?

The cymbal is known for a bright sound with a 'papery' attack. This means it responds quickly to the stick with a crisp, explosive tone.

How long is the sustain on this cymbal?

It features a medium decay. The sound lasts long enough to fill the sonic space but does not sustain excessively like heavier rock crashes.

What material is used to make this cymbal?

It is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals.

How does the Brilliant finish affect the sound?

The Brilliant finish adds high-end shimmer and brightness. The buffing process slightly rounds out the tone, making it cleaner and more focused than a Traditional finish.

What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash?

The typical retail price for this model is approximately GBP 255. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

The Xist series uses a combination of modern machinery and traditional Turkish techniques. While it follows Istanbul Agop's quality standards, it is designed for greater consistency than their purely hand-hammered boutique lines.

Is a 19-inch crash suitable for beginners?

While beginners can use it, it is a professional-grade instrument. Its large 19-inch size requires some control to play effectively, but it offers a much better sound than standard beginner brass cymbals.

How does it compare to the Lenny White Epoch Crash?

The Xist Brilliant Crash is brighter and more versatile for general music styles. The Lenny White Epoch is a signature model with a more specific, darker, and jazz-oriented tonal profile.

Can this cymbal be used for heavy metal?

Yes, its bright attack and B20 construction allow it to cut through high-gain guitars. However, drummers playing extremely loud music should be mindful that it has a medium decay rather than a long, heavy sustain.

Does the Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash work for recording?

It is an excellent choice for recording because of its balanced decay. The 'papery' attack ensures the transient is captured clearly without the cymbal wash bleeding too heavily into other microphones.

What is the difference between this and a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry crash?

The Xist Brilliant is much brighter and more 'glassy' in its top end. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is intentionally darker, shorter in sustain, and features a raw, unpolished surface.

Is this a low-volume cymbal?

No, this is a standard-volume professional cymbal. It is significantly louder than perforated 'low volume' practice cymbals, such as those in silver finish packs by Gear4Music.

Gear article

Istanbul Agop Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash

The Istanbul Agop Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash is a professional-grade B20 bronze cymbal designed for versatility and projection. Part of the contemporary Xist series, it is distinguished by its 'papery' attack, bright tonal character, and medium decay.

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Overview

The Istanbul Agop Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash represents a modern approach to traditional Turkish cymbal making. While Istanbul Agop is renowned for their hand-hammered, dark, and complex cymbals, the Xist series utilises more modern manufacturing techniques to provide a cleaner, more consistent sound profile. The 19-inch variant serves as a large-format crash that balances the volume of a larger diameter with the fast response characteristic of thinner cymbals.

Design and Construction

This cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. The 'Brilliant' finish is achieved through extensive buffing, which results in a reflective surface. This process does not merely alter the aesthetics; it also serves to smoothen the surface of the metal, which contributes to the cymbal's brighter high-end response compared to traditional or 'natural' finish versions.

Sound Character

According to the manufacturer, the Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash is defined by a 'papery attack'. This refers to a quick, explosive response that does not feel overly heavy or metallic. The sound is naturally brighter than its unpolished counterparts, cutting through dense mixes with ease. It features a medium decay, ensuring that the sound lingers long enough to provide a full wash without overwhelming the rest of the drum kit or the performance space.

Market Position and Comparison

The Xist series is positioned to provide professional B20 bronze performance at a competitive price point, typically retailing around GBP 255. Within the Istanbul Agop catalogue, it offers a more standard, versatile sound compared to specialty items like the 19-inch Lenny White Epoch Crash.

When compared to other manufacturers, it sits as a brighter alternative to the Meinl Byzance 19-inch Extra Dry Thin Crash, which focuses on dry, dark textures. It is a significant upgrade in material and craftsmanship over entry-level brass options like the Meinl HCS series or basic low-volume packs. For drummers seeking a classic, high-fidelity sound, it competes with the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic series, though it retains the distinct Turkish bronze character.

Intended Users

Due to its bright attack and 19-inch size, this cymbal is suited for drummers playing pop, rock, and alternative genres where the crash needs to be heard clearly above amplified instruments. The medium decay also makes it a viable option for studio recording, where controlled sustain is often preferred. Its size allows it to be used as a light 'crash-ride' in lower-volume settings, though its primary function remains that of a high-impact crash.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash?: The cymbal is known for a bright sound with a 'papery' attack. This means it responds quickly to the stick with a crisp, explosive tone.
How long is the sustain on this cymbal?: It features a medium decay. The sound lasts long enough to fill the sonic space but does not sustain excessively like heavier rock crashes.
What material is used to make this cymbal?: It is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals.
How does the Brilliant finish affect the sound?: The Brilliant finish adds high-end shimmer and brightness. The buffing process slightly rounds out the tone, making it cleaner and more focused than a Traditional finish.
What is the typical price for the Istanbul Agop Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash?: The typical retail price for this model is approximately GBP 255. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: The Xist series uses a combination of modern machinery and traditional Turkish techniques. While it follows Istanbul Agop's quality standards, it is designed for greater consistency than their purely hand-hammered boutique lines.
Is a 19-inch crash suitable for beginners?: While beginners can use it, it is a professional-grade instrument. Its large 19-inch size requires some control to play effectively, but it offers a much better sound than standard beginner brass cymbals.
How does it compare to the Lenny White Epoch Crash?: The Xist Brilliant Crash is brighter and more versatile for general music styles. The Lenny White Epoch is a signature model with a more specific, darker, and jazz-oriented tonal profile.
Can this cymbal be used for heavy metal?: Yes, its bright attack and B20 construction allow it to cut through high-gain guitars. However, drummers playing extremely loud music should be mindful that it has a medium decay rather than a long, heavy sustain.
Does the Xist 19-inch Brilliant Crash work for recording?: It is an excellent choice for recording because of its balanced decay. The 'papery' attack ensures the transient is captured clearly without the cymbal wash bleeding too heavily into other microphones.
What is the difference between this and a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry crash?: The Xist Brilliant is much brighter and more 'glassy' in its top end. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is intentionally darker, shorter in sustain, and features a raw, unpolished surface.
Is this a low-volume cymbal?: No, this is a standard-volume professional cymbal. It is significantly louder than perforated 'low volume' practice cymbals, such as those in silver finish packs by Gear4Music.