Istanbul Agop 15" 30th Anniversary Hi-Hat (Pair)

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.

Conceived to celebrate the anniversary of the original Istanbul company Zilclier (Turkish for "cymbal maker"), the 30th Anniversary series was introduced in 2010. These cymbals are produced in accordance with traditional Turkish cymbal smithing and feature a completely handmade bell, each hammered by one cymbal smith.

Paper thin in weight with a gradual bow profile, the hi-hats are low in timbre with a woody stick response suited for quieter playing environments.

This price reflects the pair of hats.

Years of production: 2010-present

Tonal profile: dark, dry, articulate, quiet

Notable features: no inked logo, three vertical stamps in accordance with antiquated aesthetic

Associated artists: Jim White (Dirty Three), Josh Block (White Denim), Christopher Bear (Grizzly Bear)