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Istanbul Cymbals
Deep Roots in Tradition
Istanbul is one of several companies located in Turkey. Like Sabian, they are young on the cymbal market when compared to others like Zildjian and Paiste. The Istanbul cymbals are gaining a world wide following by drummers who prefer traditional handmade cymbals. Let's review the company's history and some of the products they offer.
Istanbul was founded by two cymbalsmiths, Mehmet Tamdeger and Agop Tomurcuk. Mehmet claims to have learnt his art from Mikhail Zilcan (sometimes spelled Zildjian), the grandson of Kerope Zilcan after whom the Zildjian K series is named. In the 1950s, he worked in the K Zildjian factory in Istanbul.
These cymbals were first exported to the USA in 1984, firstly under the name "Zildjiler", but the name was soon changed to "Istanbul" not too long after that. An interesting note about Istanbul cymbals from the early days is that both craftsmen signed each cymbal. Some of these superb and irreplaceable cymbals are now collectors' items.
Agop Tourcuk died in 1997, with control of the factory being assumed by Mehmet. Surviving members of Agop's family set out to produce their own line of cymbals under the Istanbul name.
Whenever you see the Istanbul brand name these days, notice the 'sub name'. One is called Istanbul Mehmet, and the other is Istanbul Agop. They share similar lines that where originally produced by the company, such as the Traditional, Turk, and Sultan. They each have unique models not created by the other. Both companies continue produce fine, Turkish handmade cymbals.
Cymbal Models
For my reivew of Istanbul Agop cymbals, I simply HAD to include some pictures. The patterns are so artful and unique. The following is a run down of "most" series with general descriptions.
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Traditional- This series contains the greatest variety of sizes and styles for each cymbal type. In general, all Traditional models have a full sound with responsive sticking. Pitch, sustain, and project vary quite a bit among the different models. [hi hats, crashes, rides, splases, chinas]
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Sultan- This is one of the models that use Istanbul's unique coloration patterns- simply eye candy! Warm, soft, smooth, with controlled sound and great stick control for micing are several good descriptions for the Sultan series. [hi hats, crashes, rides, splashes]
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Turk- The Turk Series is made heavy, great for fast stick response and cutting projection. [hi hats, rides]
The Ottoman Series has a similar sound and response, but looks very much like the Sultan Series. [hi hats, rides]
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Empire- With heavier metals inside and lighter metals outside, the Empire Series a full yet controlled sound. For the rides, this is excellent for sticking on or near the bell. [hi hats, rides]
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Pasha- This series has a metal arrangement opposite of the Empire Series, which gives the Pasha Series a very bright and projecting sound. [hi hats, rides]
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Other Models- sorry no pictures :-(
Marmara Onurhan- Have a heavier sound with a low full pitch. Several model event get into the dirty, trashy sound. [hi hats, crashes, rides, splashes, chinas]
Marmara Emirhan- Have a bright cutting sound that relies on attack more than sustain (i.e. short sustain). Considered explosive with a little trash mixed in on some models. [hi hats, crashes, rides, splashes, chinas]
Vezir- A middle weight cymbal with a traditional style. Good for all around musicality. [hi hats, rides]
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FINAL THOUGHTS: The Istanbul line of cymbals are as exciting to look as as they are to play. For cymbal rooted in traditional turkish crafting yet look to innovative styles and sounds, you can't go wrong with Istanbul!
For a well-informed choice, be sure to check out information on other cymbal companies here.
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