About Istanbul Agop
Istanbul Agop's story is inseparable from the history of cymbal making itself. The art of crafting bronze cymbals in Istanbul dates back to the 17th century, when the Zildjian family established their foundry in the city and developed the alloy and techniques that would define the modern cymbal. Agop Tomurcuk learned his craft directly from this tradition, working as a master cymbal maker before founding Istanbul Agop and establishing a workshop that carries this ancient knowledge forward into the present day.
Every Istanbul Agop cymbal is made by hand using traditional techniques that have changed little in centuries. Raw bronze is cast, heated, hammered by hand to shape and harden the metal, then lathed to create the playing surface. The hand-hammering process is where the magic happens — each blow of the hammer creates a subtle variation in the metal's thickness and density that contributes to the cymbal's unique tonal character. No two Istanbul Agop cymbals sound exactly alike, which is both a consequence of the hand-making process and a fundamental part of their appeal.
The Xist series makes this hand-crafted quality accessible at a more approachable price point, while the Sultan and Traditional series represent Istanbul Agop's most authentic and musically complex work. The 30th Anniversary series is a celebration of the brand's heritage, featuring some of the finest hand-craftsmanship in the range. The Mel Lewis Ride is perhaps the most celebrated individual model — a recreation of the cymbal used by the legendary jazz drummer Mel Lewis, whose warm, complex, singing ride tone has influenced generations of jazz drummers.
At Into Music Store, we're proud to be one of the UK's leading Istanbul Agop stockists. Visit our drum store in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, or shop online with free UK shipping on orders over £175.
