Operating in its current incarnation since 2004 after creating a headquarters in the United States, Istanbul Agop is one of the cymbal industry's leaders in crafting traditional Turksih cymbals. The company was founded by and named after Agop Tomurcuk, who spent decades in Turkey's sole cymbal foundry learning the craft before creating his own company.
Crafted in the traditional Turkish cymbal-making tradition, the Custom Turk series is characterized by heavily hammered bows, crisp stick presence, and a raw finish. This line is intended for applications in jazz and lower volume environments.
The Turk Jazz Ride features a broader bell and bow profile for warmer, softer response and atmospheric decay.
Years of production: ca. 2000-present
Tonal profile: woody, dry, lower frequency attenuation
Notable features: heavy hammering, raw finish, black logo stamping
Associated artists: Matt Schulz, John Harris, Paul Wells