Istanbul Agop are one of the most respected cymbal makers in the world - a Turkish company with roots stretching back to the Ottoman Empire, producing hand-crafted B20 bronze cymbals that are used by some of the most discerning professional drummers on the planet. From the accessible Xist range through to the legendary Mel Lewis series, every Istanbul Agop cymbal is hand-hammered by skilled craftsmen in Istanbul, Turkey - and the difference in character, complexity, and musicality compared to mass-produced cymbals is immediately apparent.
Into Music Store stocks the full Istanbul Agop cymbal range in Horncastle, Lincolnshire - one of the most comprehensive Istanbul Agop selections available from a UK independent drum shop. This guide covers every series to help you find the right cymbals for your playing style and budget.
What Makes Istanbul Agop Cymbals Different?
Every Istanbul Agop cymbal is made from B20 bronze - an alloy of 80% copper, 20% tin, and trace elements - and hand-hammered by skilled craftsmen. The hand-hammering process is what gives Istanbul Agop cymbals their distinctive character: no two cymbals are identical, and the complex, irregular surface produces a warm, complex, and highly musical tone that machine-made cymbals simply cannot replicate. Istanbul Agop cymbals are particularly prized for their dark, dry, and responsive character - qualities that make them a favourite among jazz, fusion, and studio drummers worldwide.
Istanbul Agop Cymbal Series - The Full Range
Xist - The Accessible Entry Point
The Istanbul Agop Xist range is the most accessible series in the Istanbul Agop lineup - machine-assisted production that retains the B20 bronze alloy and much of the Istanbul Agop character at a more accessible price. The Xist range is available in four distinct finishes, each with a different tonal character:
- Xist Traditional - a natural, unlathed finish for a warm, dark, and complex tone. Available in hi-hats (13", 14", 15"), crashes (14" to 22"), rides (20", 22", 24"), and splashes (8", 10", 12"). The Traditional Cymbal Set (14" Hi-Hats, 16" Crash, 20" Ride) is an excellent complete setup.
- Xist Brilliant - a brilliant polished finish for a brighter, more cutting tone with excellent projection. Available in hi-hats (13", 14", 15"), crashes (14" to 22"), rides (20", 21", 22", 24"), and splashes (8", 10", 12").
- Xist Dry Dark - a dry, dark, and complex character with a fast response and low sustain. Available in hi-hats (10", 13", 15", 17"), crashes (13", 17", 20", 22"), rides (22"), flat ride (20"), and splashes (10"). Also available in a Brilliant finish for added brightness.
- Xist ION - a distinctive raw, unfinished edge for a trashy, complex, and highly musical character. Available in hi-hats (10", 14", 16"), crashes (16", 18", 20", 22"), china (16", 18", 20"), splashes (8", 10", 12"), and the Dark ION Trash and Dark ION Ride.
Traditional - Fully Hand-Crafted
The Istanbul Agop Traditional range is where the full hand-crafting process comes into its own - every cymbal individually hammered and lathed by skilled craftsmen in Istanbul. The result is a warm, complex, and highly musical tone with exceptional responsiveness and a character that develops and opens up over time. Available in hi-hats (14"), crashes (16" Medium, 16" Thin, 17" Paper Thin, 18" Medium), splashes (7", 8", 9", 10"), mini china (8", 10"), and trash hits (10", 14", 16").
Special Edition - Hand-Crafted with Extra Character
The Istanbul Agop Special Edition range sits above the Traditional in terms of specification and character - hand-crafted cymbals with additional hammering and finishing for an even more complex and distinctive tone. Available in crashes (16", 18") and the 20" Jazz Ride.
Sultan - Dark, Warm, and Deeply Musical
The Istanbul Agop Sultan range is one of the most acclaimed series in the entire Istanbul Agop lineup - dark, warm, and deeply musical cymbals with a complex, layered tone that rewards sensitive playing. Available in hi-hats (15"), crashes (16", 18", 19"), rides (20" Jazz Ride, 20" Ride, 22" Jazz Ride), and splashes (8", 10").
30th Anniversary - A Celebration of Craftsmanship
The Istanbul Agop 30th Anniversary range was created to celebrate three decades of Istanbul Agop's independence and represents some of the finest cymbals the company produces. Hand-crafted to an exceptional standard with a warm, complex, and highly musical character. Available in hi-hats (12", 14", 15", 16"), crashes (16", 18", 19"), and rides (20", 22", 24", 26") - the 26" ride in particular is a remarkable instrument.
Mel Lewis - A Living Legend
The Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis series is named after the legendary jazz drummer Mel Lewis, who worked closely with Istanbul Agop to develop cymbals with his specific tonal requirements. These are among the most revered jazz cymbals available - dark, dry, complex, and extraordinarily musical. Available in hi-hats (13" 1982), crash rides (18" 1982, 19"), and rides (20" 1982, 21", 22"). If you play jazz and want the finest hand-crafted cymbals available, the Mel Lewis series is the pinnacle.
Signature & Turk
The range also includes the Joey Waronker Signature 14" Hi-Hats - a collaboration with the acclaimed session and touring drummer - and the Turk Crash, a distinctive and characterful cymbal with a raw, unfinished aesthetic.
Hybrid Gongs
For drummers looking for something truly unique, Istanbul Agop also produce a range of Hybrid Gongs - hand-crafted B20 bronze gongs available in sizes from 12" to 28". These are extraordinary instruments that blur the line between cymbal and gong, producing a complex, evolving wash of sound unlike anything else available.
Which Istanbul Agop Series Should You Choose?
- New to Istanbul Agop and want to explore the brand? → Xist Traditional or the Traditional Cymbal Set
- Want a brighter, more cutting Istanbul Agop sound? → Xist Brilliant
- Want a dry, fast, low-sustain character? → Xist Dry Dark
- Want a trashy, raw, complex effects character? → Xist ION
- Want fully hand-crafted at an accessible price? → Traditional
- Want dark, warm, and deeply musical? → Sultan
- Play jazz and want the finest cymbals available? → Mel Lewis or 30th Anniversary
Shop Istanbul Agop at Into Music Store - Horncastle, Lincolnshire
Into Music Store stocks one of the most comprehensive Istanbul Agop cymbal selections available from a UK independent drum shop - both online and in our showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, where you're welcome to come in and try cymbals in person before you buy. Our team of experienced drummers are on hand to help you find the right Istanbul Agop cymbals for your playing style and budget.
If you're looking for Istanbul Agop cymbals UK, a cymbal shop near me stocking Istanbul Agop, or simply want expert advice on which series is right for you, Into Music Store is the place to visit. UK next day delivery is available on all Istanbul Agop cymbals.
Browse the full Istanbul Agop range at Into Music Store here.