Istanbul Agop 10" Traditional Trash Hit

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.

The Traditional series features individual hand-hammering, differing weights for each cymbal and a secret alloy. This produces cymbals unique from one another, even two cymbals of the same size and model. This series is warm, responsive and dark.

The Trash Hit features fine lathing close to the bell and wider lathing toward the edge for a trashy, china-like tinge.

Years of production: ca. 1997-present

Notable players: Mel Lewis, Cindy Blackman, Dave Turncrantz