Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Medium Crash Traditional

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 Medium Crash features an extended sustain and balanced profile for applications in a wide spectrum of genres.

Years of production: ca. 1997-present

Notable players: Mel Lewis, Cindy Blackman, Dave Turncrantz