Mel Lewis was the first Istanbul endorser. After his death in 1990 and with the blessing of his family, Mel's chosen cymbals were flown back to the Istanbul factory and used as models for what would become his Signature Series. Every detail of every individual cymbal has been taken in with exacting detail and replicated by the hands of Istanbul cymbalsmiths. The 20" 1982 ride is a full sounding ride with warm, lush wash and a woody stick definition.