Osaka kita-ku, Japan
About this listing
We have just received a Turkish-made K Zildjian—commonly known as an "Old K"—a cymbal that remains immensely popular, particularly among jazz and blues drummers, for its distinctively deep, "aged" (dry/mellow) sound.K Zildjian cymbals were produced at the factory in Istanbul, Turkey, until around 1977–1978. Following the closure of that facility, the "K Zildjian" trademark was transferred to Canada. Those manufactured in Turkey are now referred to as "Old K" cymbals; prized for their unique tonal character and rarity, they hold a special, highly regarded status among vintage cymbals.This particular piece features the "Intermediate" stamp, dating it to approximately 1959–1966. A defining characteristic is its deep, widely spaced lathing—a testament to the artisanal, hand-crafted process that gives the cymbal a distinct, evocative aesthetic.Weighing in at 2,244g (a medium-thin weight), it offers the expansive resonance and long, lingering decay typical of a 22-inch cymbal, while maintaining a nimble, responsive feel. The dryness characteristic of the "Intermediate" era is relatively subtle here; the overall sound is broad, rich, and remarkably full-bodied.The attack, shaped by gentle hand-hammering, is exceptionally soft, with a refined, articulate stick definition. As the sound blooms, it reveals the gritty, "trashy" texture synonymous with the Old K sound. It remains expressive across the dynamic range—never becoming harsh or brittle when played forcefully, yet capturing the most delicate nuances when played with a lighter touch.The appeal of a 22-inch cymbal extends beyond its sheer size. Its rich low-end, expansive overtones, and long, graceful decay add significant depth to any performance. Thanks to its medium-thin weight, this cymbal avoids feeling overly heavy, striking a perfect balance between a soft attack and a natural, sweeping resonance. When played legato, it produces a deep, lingering decay that is truly pleasing to the ear; when crashed, it releases a dry, "aged" overtone that blossoms beautifully.It is an excellent choice not only for jazz and blues, but also for soul, vintage rock, and studio recording. In a piano trio setting, in particular, it blends naturally with the piano and bass, adding a rich sense of depth to the rhythm.Most noteworthy is its rarity: it is a 22-inch "Intermediate Stamp" model. While all vintage Turkish-made "Old K" cymbals are highly prized, a 22-inch specimen from the "Intermediate" period—with its own distinct tonal character—is an exceptionally rare find. Combining the sonic allure unique to a large-sized cymbal with the scarcity defined by its era and specifications, this piece is a compelling addition to any collection and a superb instrument for performance.Furthermore, the condition is remarkably good for an "Old K" of this vintage. There are no cracks or chips, and the edges are virtually free of any dents or scratches. Given that this is a vintage cymbal over half a century old, it is clear that it has been handled with great care.With the signature dry resonance, soft attack, and "trashy" overtones characteristic of an "Old K"—complemented by the expansive, rich sound and rarity of a 22-inch model—this vintage ride cymbal hits the perfect trifecta of sound, size, and condition. It is a piece that truly deserves to be experienced firsthand.Size: 22 inchesWeight: 2,244g
PriceA$3,565.88
+ A$112.71 Shipping
