Istanbul Agop 20″ Mel Lewis Ride Cymbal 1982

Available to Order
Regular price £389.00 inc. VAT
Stock Availability
Items marked ‘In Stock’ are held either in our showroom or warehouse. If you’d like to view a specific item in-store, please contact us before visiting so we can make sure it’s ready and waiting for you in the showroom.
Items marked ‘Available to Order’ are currently in stock with our supplier. Please contact us for an estimated delivery time.
Call us: 01507 526517 or Email: info@intomusicstore.com

Do you have questions about this product?

Ask an expert!

Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis 20" Ride Cymbal 1982

The Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis 20" Ride Cymbal 1982 delivers a warm, dark and richly expressive ride sound inspired by the legendary jazz drummer Mel Lewis. Handmade in Turkey using traditional cymbal-making techniques, this distinctive signature ride offers articulate stick definition, complex overtones and an organic response designed for expressive playing.

The versatile 20" diameter provides an excellent balance of definition, responsiveness and tonal depth. Stick patterns remain clear and musical across the bow, surrounded by a warm, complex wash that gives the cymbal plenty of character without overpowering the articulation.

The Mel Lewis 1982 Ride is particularly responsive to changes in touch and dynamics. Played lightly, it produces delicate definition and subtle tonal textures, while increasing the intensity brings out a broader and more expressive wash. This dynamic character makes it particularly suited to players who want the cymbal to react naturally to their playing.

Rather than the bright and highly focused character found in many modern rides, the Mel Lewis 1982 has a more traditional, organic voice. Its combination of warmth, complexity and articulation makes it particularly at home in jazz, big band, fusion, acoustic music and studio environments.

Key Features

  • 20" ride cymbal

  • Mel Lewis 1982 model

  • Mel Lewis signature cymbal

  • Warm, dark and complex tonal character

  • Clear and organic stick definition

  • Rich, expressive wash

  • Excellent dynamic sensitivity

  • Responsive 20" diameter

  • Traditional hand-hammered construction

  • Organic, musical response

  • Ideal for jazz, big band, fusion and acoustic applications

  • Excellent for live and studio use

  • Handmade in Turkey

Why Choose the Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis 20" Ride 1982?

The Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis 20" Ride Cymbal 1982 is an excellent choice for drummers looking for a compact and expressive jazz ride with plenty of traditional character. Its 20" diameter keeps the response controlled and articulate while still providing the warmth and tonal complexity expected from the Mel Lewis range.

For players searching for a darker and more nuanced alternative to a conventional modern ride, the Mel Lewis 1982 offers a highly musical combination of definition, warmth and expressive wash.

As a traditionally handmade cymbal, individual Istanbul Agop cymbals can vary slightly in weight, appearance and tonal character. Want to hear this exact cymbal before ordering? Contact the Into Music team and we'll be happy to provide a sound file where available.