The Ultimate Guide to Istanbul Cymbals: Every Series Explained.

• Posted on 30 June 2026
• 0

Choosing the right Istanbul cymbals can feel surprisingly difficult. With popular ranges such as Xist, Traditional, Traditional Dark, Sultan and Turk, each offering a very different sound and playing experience, it's not always obvious which series is the best fit for your music.

At Graham Russell Drums, we've spent years helping drummers compare and choose Istanbul cymbals, both in-store and online. One thing we've learned is that there isn't a single "best" range. The right choice depends on the sound you're looking for, the music you play and the feel you want behind the kit.

Before we begin, it's worth mentioning that there are two independent Istanbul cymbal manufacturers: Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet. Although both share the same heritage and continue to produce handcrafted Turkish cymbals, this guide focuses exclusively on the Istanbul Agop ranges available at Graham Russell Drums.

Why Choose Istanbul?

One of the reasons Istanbul cymbals have developed such a loyal following is their character. Unlike many cymbals that are manufactured to achieve near-identical consistency, Istanbul cymbals are still handcrafted in Turkey using traditional methods. This means every cymbal has its own subtle differences in pitch, response and feel, giving players an instrument with its own individual voice.

Most Istanbul cymbals are made from B20 bronze, an alloy consisting of approximately 80% copper and 20% tin. Combined with traditional hand hammering and lathing, this creates the warm, rich and complex sound that Turkish cymbals are renowned for. Whether you're playing delicate jazz, classic rock or modern pop, they offer excellent dynamic response and a wide range of musical tones.

At Graham Russell Drums, one of the things we hear most often is that drummers are looking for a cymbal with more personality. Rather than choosing the brightest or loudest option, many players want an instrument that responds to their touch and develops with the way they play. That's one of the reasons Istanbul cymbals continue to be a popular choice for everyone from enthusiastic hobbyists to experienced touring and recording drummers.

Traditional Series

If you're looking for the classic Turkish cymbal sound, the Istanbul Agop Traditional Series is the ideal place to start. Handcrafted from B20 bronze, these cymbals deliver the warm, expressive character that has made Istanbul Agop one of the most respected names in handmade cymbals.

One of the biggest strengths of the Traditional Series is its versatility. Crash cymbals open up quickly with a smooth, balanced wash, ride cymbals provide clear stick definition with plenty of musical character, and the hi-hats offer a crisp, articulate response that works across almost any style of music. Whether you play rock, pop, blues, jazz or acoustic music, the Traditional Series feels equally at home.

For many drummers, the Traditional Series represents the benchmark of the Istanbul Agop range. It offers the timeless sound that many players associate with handcrafted Turkish cymbals, making it an excellent choice if you're buying your first professional cymbals or looking for a versatile set that will suit almost any musical situation.

If you'd prefer a more modern take on that sound, the Xist Series offers a different approach while retaining many of the qualities that have made Istanbul Agop cymbals so popular.

Xist Series

The Istanbul Agop Xist Series offers a more modern take on the classic Turkish cymbal sound. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, Xist cymbals deliver excellent consistency while retaining the warmth and musicality that Istanbul Agop is known for.

One of the biggest strengths of the Xist Series is the variety available. Whether you prefer a traditional finish, extra brightness, dry articulation or fast effects sounds, there's a Xist model designed to suit your playing style.

Xist Traditional

The standard Xist models offer a balanced, versatile sound that works across almost any genre. They're an excellent choice for drummers looking for their first set of professional crash cymbals, ride cymbals or hi-hats, combining warmth with plenty of projection.

Xist Brilliant

The Xist Brilliant range features a highly polished finish, producing a brighter sound with more attack and projection than the standard models. They're particularly well suited to rock, pop and contemporary worship drummers looking for cymbals that need to cut through a busy mix.

Xist Dry Dark

The Xist Dry Dark range features deep hammer marks, large unlathed areas and a sandblasted finish, giving the cymbals their distinctive appearance. Combined with their relatively thin profile, these design features produce a dry, earthy sound with a shorter sustain, excellent stick definition and a quick response. They're ideal for drummers who prefer a more controlled, modern voice, particularly in indie, alternative and studio settings.

Xist ION

Featuring precision-cut holes, Xist ION cymbals deliver a fast, trashy response with very little sustain. Rather than replacing your main crash cymbals, they're designed as effects cymbals, adding quick accents and extra texture to your setup.

Whether you're buying your first handmade cymbals or expanding an existing setup, the Xist Series offers one of the broadest and most versatile collections in the Istanbul Agop range. If you're looking for an even drier and more traditional sound, the Sultan Series is well worth exploring next.

Sultan Series

The Istanbul Agop Sultan Series sits between the Traditional and Turk ranges, offering a balance of warmth, control and articulation. If you like the richness of traditional Turkish cymbals but want a cleaner, more focused sound, the Sultan Series is an excellent choice.

Its distinctive appearance comes from two broad unlathed, heavily hammered rings separated by traditionally lathed playing surfaces. This unique design isn't just for looks—it reduces wash and sustain while preserving the warmth and musicality of a fully lathed cymbal. The result is a darker, more controlled sound with excellent stick definition and a woody attack.

Available as crash cymbals, ride cymbals and hi-hats, the Sultan Series is particularly well suited to jazz, blues, funk, indie and lighter rock. Players who value articulation, dynamics and musical expression will appreciate the balance between control and warmth that these cymbals offer.

If you're looking for an even drier, rawer sound with very little wash, the Turk Series takes that philosophy one step further.

Turk Series

The Istanbul Agop Turk Series is one of the most distinctive cymbal ranges available. Unlike the Traditional, Xist and Sultan series, Turk cymbals are left completely unlathed, giving them a raw, natural finish that's immediately recognisable. Rather than chasing brightness and projection, the Turk Series is designed to produce a dry, earthy and highly controlled sound.

The absence of traditional lathing, combined with extensive hand hammering, suppresses high-frequency overtones and emphasises the cymbal's fundamental tone. The result is a darker voice with a shorter sustain, minimal wash and excellent stick articulation, allowing every note to remain clear and defined. Most Turk models also feature a relatively thin profile, helping the cymbals open up quickly while retaining their controlled character.

Available as crash cymbals, ride cymbals hi-hats, and China cymbals, the Turk Series excels in situations where subtlety and dynamics are more important than outright volume. Jazz, acoustic, experimental and studio drummers often favour these cymbals for their complex tonal character and ability to sit naturally within a mix without overwhelming other instruments.

The Turk Series isn't designed to be loud or explosive, and that's precisely its appeal. If you're looking for shimmering crashes and long, washy sustain, another Istanbul Agop range may be a better fit. However, if you value tonal complexity, expressive stick definition and one of the driest handmade cymbal sounds available, the Turk Series is difficult to overlook.

Vintage & Jazz-Inspired Series

While the Traditional, Xist, Sultan and Turk ranges form the core of the Istanbul Agop catalogue, the company has also developed a number of specialist series inspired by vintage Turkish cymbals and some of the most influential jazz drummers of all time. These cymbals aren't designed to suit every player. Instead, they prioritise tonal complexity, dynamic expression and musicality, making them a favourite among professional drummers, recording musicians and players searching for a truly distinctive voice.

30th Anniversary Series

Released to celebrate Istanbul Agop's 30th anniversary, this iconic series pays tribute to the legendary handcrafted Turkish cymbals produced during the 1950s and 1960s. Developed as a faithful recreation of those highly sought-after vintage instruments, the 30th Anniversary Series has become one of the most respected and desirable collections in the Istanbul Agop catalogue, prized by drummers seeking an authentic old-world Turkish cymbal sound.

Each cymbal is individually handcrafted from B20 bronze, featuring exceptionally thin profiles, extensive hand hammering and traditional lathing techniques that allow the metal to vibrate with remarkable freedom. This construction produces a low fundamental pitch with a soft, buttery attack, broad wash and layers of dark, complex overtones that evolve naturally as the cymbal opens up. Despite their richness, the cymbals remain incredibly responsive, reacting effortlessly to even the lightest touch.

One of the defining characteristics of the 30th Anniversary Series is its dynamic sensitivity. Rather than relying on volume and projection, these cymbals excel at lower playing levels, revealing extraordinary detail, warmth and tonal complexity. Ride cymbals deliver beautifully articulated stick definition over a deep, smoky wash, while the crashes respond with a fast, effortless bloom before decaying into a smooth, musical sustain.

Favoured by jazz musicians, studio drummers and players who appreciate vintage-inspired instruments, the 30th Anniversary Series captures the expressive character that made the original Turkish cymbals so revered. For many drummers, it represents one of the closest modern interpretations of those legendary handmade cymbals, combining traditional craftsmanship with the consistency expected from a contemporary professional instrument.

Agop Signature Series

The Agop Signature Series represents one of the purest expressions of Istanbul Agop's handcrafted cymbal-making philosophy. Developed to capture the dark, complex character of the legendary Turkish cymbals that inspired the brand, these cymbals sit among the most expressive and musical instruments in the entire catalogue. They're designed for drummers who prioritise feel, dynamics and tonal colour over outright power and projection.

Among the darkest and driest cymbals Istanbul Agop produces, the Agop Signature Series features exceptionally thin profiles, allowing each cymbal to respond effortlessly to the lightest touch. They produce a low fundamental pitch with rich, smoky overtones, while their controlled sustain and soft attack create a sound that feels organic and constantly evolving. Rather than delivering an immediate burst of volume, they bloom gradually, rewarding players with layers of tonal complexity that reveal themselves the more they're played.

Despite their dark character, these cymbals retain outstanding stick definition, making them equally suited to intricate ride cymbal patterns and highly dynamic playing. Their combination of warmth, articulation and sensitivity has made them a favourite among jazz musicians, recording drummers and players who value nuance above sheer volume. In quieter musical settings, the Agop Signature Series offers an almost vocal quality, responding naturally to every subtle change in touch and dynamics.

For drummers searching for one of the most authentic handmade Turkish cymbal sounds available today, the Agop Signature Series stands as one of Istanbul Agop's defining achievements. They aren't designed to dominate a mix—instead, they become part of the music itself, delivering exceptional expression, musicality and character with every stroke.

Mantra Series

Developed in collaboration with Cindy Blackman Santana, the Mantra Series was created for drummers who love the warmth, complexity and musicality of vintage Turkish cymbals but need greater projection and attack for contemporary playing styles. While the OM Series captures the expressive character of classic jazz cymbals, the Mantra Series takes the same design philosophy in a more powerful direction, making it equally at home in rock, fusion, pop and modern live performance.

Rather than offering an extensive catalogue, the Mantra Series consists of just three carefully matched cymbals — a 22" Ride, 20" Crash and 15" Hi-Hat. Together they form a complete professional setup, with each model designed to complement the others while delivering the power and versatility required by today's working drummers.

22" Mantra Ride

The 22" Mantra Ride combines a beautifully defined stick sound with a warm, full-bodied wash that never feels overwhelming. It offers excellent articulation for intricate ride patterns, while the pronounced bell provides plenty of authority when extra projection is needed. Rich musical overtones give the cymbal an expressive quality, allowing it to move effortlessly between delicate passages and more powerful playing without losing clarity.

20" Mantra Crash

The 20" Mantra Crash is designed to open up instantly with a broad, full-bodied attack that projects confidently without becoming harsh. Despite its power, it retains the warmth and complexity associated with handcrafted Istanbul Agop cymbals, producing a rich, musical crash that decays smoothly rather than abruptly. It's equally comfortable delivering explosive accents in louder music or adding colour and expression to more dynamic performances.

15" Mantra Hi-Hats

The 15" Mantra Hi-Hats complete the setup with a voice that's slightly brighter, louder and more open than the OM Hi-Hats. They deliver a crisp, articulate foot "chick" with excellent stick definition, while opening into a thick, powerful wash that cuts through modern mixes without sacrificing warmth. Their larger 15" diameter also gives them a deeper, more authoritative character than traditional 14" hi-hats, making them particularly appealing to drummers looking for a bigger, more commanding sound.

For drummers who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the OM Series but regularly perform in louder musical environments, the Mantra Series provides a natural next step. It successfully bridges the gap between vintage Turkish musicality and modern performance, offering a complete cymbal setup that's expressive, powerful and remarkably versatile.

Mel Lewis Series

Designed to recreate the sound of legendary jazz drummer Mel Lewis' personal cymbals, the Mel Lewis Series has become one of Istanbul Agop's most respected signature ranges. Following his passing in 1990, Mel's own cymbals were returned to the Istanbul workshop, where they became the reference for every cymbal in the series.

The result is a warm, buttery and smoky sound with dark, complex overtones, a soft attack and a smooth, rolling wash. Stick definition remains beautifully clear without ever becoming harsh, making these cymbals exceptionally well suited to small jazz ensembles, big bands and acoustic settings where subtle dynamics and musical expression are essential.

Special Edition Jazz & Fusion

The Special Edition Jazz and Special Edition Fusion series continue Istanbul Agop's pursuit of refined, expressive cymbal sounds. Both are handcrafted with jazz musicians in mind, offering outstanding sensitivity, excellent stick definition and a beautifully controlled wash.

The Special Edition Jazz models favour darker, lower-pitched tones and effortless dynamic control, making them ideal for traditional and modern jazz settings. The Special Edition Fusion range retains much of that warmth and complexity but introduces greater projection and definition, making it a versatile choice for drummers moving between jazz, fusion, funk and contemporary styles.

Cindy Blackman OM Series

Developed in collaboration with legendary drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, the OM Series captures the warmth, musicality and expressive character of classic 1960s jazz cymbals while offering the consistency and versatility expected from a modern handmade instrument. The result is a series that feels equally at home in jazz, fusion, rock and contemporary settings.

Each cymbal features extensive hand hammering, traditional lathing and a distinctive dark, pre-aged patina. This unique finish isn't purely aesthetic—it helps soften the attack and contributes to the dry, smoky character that defines the series. The cymbals produce a clear, focused stick sound over a warm, complex wash, with a short to medium sustain that remains controlled even during more dynamic playing.

The OM rides deliver exceptional articulation with a rich, thunderous crash when opened up, while the crashes respond with a fast, explosive attack before decaying quickly into dark, trashy undertones. The hi-hats combine a crisp, articulate "chick" with a full-bodied, sloshy response when played open, making them equally expressive in delicate passages and more energetic performances.

For drummers who appreciate vintage-inspired cymbals but need enough versatility to move between multiple genres, the Cindy Blackman OM Series offers one of the most distinctive voices in the Istanbul Agop catalogue. If you're looking for greater projection and a more aggressive response for louder music, the related Mantra Series takes the same artistic vision in a more powerful direction.

Mantra Series

Also developed in collaboration with Cindy Blackman Santana, the Mantra Series builds on the philosophy of the OM range but is designed for drummers who need greater projection, faster attack and more presence. While the OM Series captures the dark, smoky character of vintage jazz cymbals, the Mantra Series retains that warmth and musicality while adding the power and definition required for rock, fusion and contemporary music.

Featuring a more traditional lathed finish and a carefully balanced profile, the Mantra Series delivers a brighter leading edge, increased projection and a broader dynamic range without sacrificing the handcrafted character that defines Istanbul Agop cymbals. The series consists of a 22" Ride, 20" Crash and 15" Hi-Hats, each designed to work together as a balanced, expressive setup.

22" Mantra Ride

The 22" Mantra Ride combines a clear, well-defined stick sound with plenty of warmth and musical overtones. It offers enough articulation for intricate ride patterns while retaining a full-bodied wash that opens up naturally as your playing becomes more dynamic. This balance of definition and musicality makes it equally suited to studio work and live performance.

20" Mantra Crash

Designed to project without becoming harsh, the 20" Mantra Crash delivers a fast, open response with a rich, full-bodied voice. It speaks quickly, producing a broad, musical crash with excellent volume before decaying smoothly into a warm, controlled wash. It's an ideal choice for drummers who need a crash cymbal capable of cutting through louder bands while still retaining the complexity associated with handcrafted Turkish cymbals.

15" Mantra Hi-Hats

The 15" Mantra Hi-Hats retain much of the warmth and musicality of the OM Hi-Hats, but with a brighter, slightly louder and more open response. They produce a crisp, articulate foot "chick" while opening into a broad, expressive wash that works particularly well in rock, fusion and contemporary settings where extra projection and energy are required.

For drummers who love the feel and craftsmanship of the OM Series but regularly perform in louder musical environments, the Mantra Series offers a natural progression. It successfully combines vintage Turkish character with the power, projection and versatility expected from a modern professional cymbal setup.

Joey Waronker Signature Series

Developed in collaboration with acclaimed session and touring drummer Joey Waronker, this signature series reflects the needs of modern recording musicians who value musicality, subtlety and versatility over sheer volume. Known for his work with artists including Beck, R.E.M., Oasis and Atoms for Peace, Waronker wanted cymbals that blended effortlessly into both studio productions and live performances while still offering plenty of character.

Rather than producing an extensive range, the Joey Waronker Signature Series consists of just two carefully developed models: a 24" Ride and a pair of 14" Hi-Hats. Both feature light hand hammering, fine lathing and a balanced profile, delivering a warm, woody voice with controlled dynamics and a beautifully musical response.

24" Joey Waronker Ride

The 24" Joey Waronker Ride was designed to offer exceptional versatility, combining the articulation of a dedicated ride cymbal with the musicality of a large crash. Its medium weight, light hand hammering and fine lathing produce a clear, woody stick sound that remains focused without feeling overly bright or aggressive. The distinctive raw bell adds definition and character, allowing it to cut through when required while remaining balanced within the overall voice of the cymbal.

When opened up, the ride develops into a broad, glassy crash with a smooth, even decay that never becomes overpowering. Rather than producing an explosive wash, it blooms gradually with rich, atmospheric overtones, making it equally effective for studio sessions, live performance and modern recording environments. It's an ideal choice for drummers looking for a highly expressive ride that comfortably blurs the line between traditional ride and crash cymbal.

14" Joey Waronker Hi-Hats

The 14" Joey Waronker Hi-Hats continue the same design philosophy, prioritising musicality and feel over sheer volume. Featuring medium weights, light hammering and fine lathing, they deliver a crisp, articulate foot "chick" with excellent control, while opening up into a warm, smoky wash that remains balanced and easy to manage.

Their controlled response makes them particularly well suited to studio recording, indie, alternative, singer-songwriter and contemporary music, where subtle dynamics and tonal detail are often more important than projection. While they have enough versatility for live performance, these hi-hats really excel in situations where every nuance of your playing can be heard, rewarding drummers with a refined, expressive sound that sits naturally within the mix.

Lenny White Epoch Series

Developed in collaboration with pioneering jazz fusion drummer Lenny White, the Epoch Series blends vintage warmth with the clarity and articulation demanded by modern players. Best known for his work with Return to Forever, Miles Davis and Chick Corea, White wanted a range of cymbals that retained the musical depth of traditional Turkish cymbals while offering greater definition, faster response and excellent projection.

The Epoch Series includes crash cymbals, a 22" Ride and hi-hats, all sharing the same balanced design philosophy. With carefully controlled hammering, refined lathing and relatively flat profiles, these cymbals produce a dark, expressive voice while maintaining enough high-frequency presence to remain articulate in both live and studio environments.

Epoch Crash Cymbals

Available in a range of sizes, the Epoch Crashes deliver a warm, dark sound with a fast, controlled decay. Their relatively flat profile allows them to open up quickly before disappearing just as naturally, making them an excellent choice for drummers who want expressive crashes without excessive wash. Although rooted in jazz and fusion, their balanced character also lends itself well to funk, contemporary pop and studio work where tonal control is just as important as projection.

Epoch Ride & Hi-Hats

The 22" Epoch Ride features a medium-thin weight, slightly curved edge and a compact bell, producing a clear, articulate stick sound over a dry, controlled wash. Rather than overwhelming the mix, it creates a spacious, atmospheric character with excellent note definition, making it particularly appealing to drummers who favour intricate ride patterns and dynamic playing.

The Epoch Hi-Hats continue that philosophy, offering a dark, controlled voice with a pronounced, articulate foot "chick" and excellent dynamic control. Together, the ride and hi-hats make the Epoch Series an outstanding choice for drummers looking for sophisticated cymbals that prioritise clarity, expression and musical nuance over sheer volume.

Idris Muhammad Signature Ride

Unlike the other artist collaborations in the Istanbul Agop catalogue, the Idris Muhammad Signature consists of a single 22" Ride. Developed in collaboration with the legendary New Orleans drummer, it was designed to reflect the dynamic range, musicality and expressive touch that defined Idris Muhammad's playing across jazz, funk, soul and fusion.

Built around a medium-heavy profile, the ride combines traditional hand hammering with a raw, unlathed underside and a broad, pronounced bell. These distinctive design features create a cymbal with exceptional stick articulation, a dark, controlled wash and impressive dynamic range. The unlathed underside helps suppress excessive overtones, while the thicker bell provides greater projection and a clear, defined ping that remains musical even in busier arrangements.

Despite its focused stick sound, the Idris Muhammad Signature Ride retains the warmth and complexity expected from a handcrafted Istanbul Agop cymbal. It responds beautifully at lower dynamics but has enough power to cut through larger ensembles without becoming harsh or overpowering, making it equally at home in jazz clubs, fusion groups and modern studio sessions.

For drummers looking for a ride cymbal that combines articulate stick definition with warmth, depth and remarkable dynamic control, the Idris Muhammad Signature Ride stands as one of the most distinctive specialist models in the Istanbul Agop catalogue.

Aaron Sterling Series

Designed in collaboration with acclaimed session drummer Aaron Sterling, this signature series combines the warmth and musicality of vintage Turkish cymbals with the clarity and consistency required for modern recording and live performance. Best known for his work with artists including John Mayer and Taylor Swift, Sterling wanted cymbals that could move effortlessly between subtle studio sessions and larger stage productions without losing their character.

Rather than offering a full range of cymbals, the Aaron Sterling Series focuses on highly versatile Crash-Rides, available in 20" and 22" sizes. Individually handcrafted from B20 bronze and extensively hand hammered in Turkey, these cymbals deliver a beautifully balanced response with clear stick definition, a warm, dark wash and a full-bodied crash.

Aaron Sterling Crash-Rides

The defining feature of the Aaron Sterling Crash-Rides is their versatility. They function equally well as expressive ride cymbals and musical crashes, opening up with a warm, full-bodied swell before decaying in a controlled manner that never overwhelms the mix. Their balanced profile makes them particularly appealing to drummers who prefer carrying fewer cymbals without compromising on tonal options.

The 20" Crash-Ride offers a slightly quicker response and shorter decay, making it ideal for tighter, more articulate playing. The 22" Crash-Ride produces a deeper fundamental pitch with a broader spread and slightly longer sustain, giving players a little more warmth and presence while retaining the articulate stick definition that defines the series.

For drummers looking for a premium, recording-friendly cymbal that blurs the line between a traditional ride cymbal and a crash cymbal, the Aaron Sterling Series offers one of the most versatile designs in the Istanbul Agop catalogue.

Trash Hit

The Istanbul Agop Trash Hit is one of the most distinctive effects cymbals in the catalogue, designed to deliver fast, explosive accents that sit somewhere between a splash, crash and china cymbal. Available in sizes ranging from 8" to 22", the Trash Hit offers everything from quick, cutting punctuation to larger, more expansive effects, allowing drummers to choose a size that best complements their setup.

Part of the renowned Traditional Series, the Trash Hit features a uniquely warped edge created through a specialised lathing process. This unconventional design gives the cymbal its instantly recognisable appearance while helping produce a fast, trashy attack with a short, controlled decay. The result is a cymbal that adds excitement and texture without overwhelming the rest of your kit.

The smaller 8" to 12" models produce bright, cutting accents that blur the line between a splash and a china cymbal, making them ideal for quick punctuation and layered effects. As the sizes increase, the sound becomes fuller and more complex, with the larger 18" to 22" models combining elements of a crash, china and even a swish cymbal. This gives the larger Trash Hits enough body to be used as expressive effects cymbals while still retaining their signature fast response.

Whether you're playing rock, metal, pop, fusion or contemporary worship music, the Trash Hit is an excellent way to expand your sonic palette beyond traditional crashes, rides and hi-hats. It adds character, texture and explosive accents without replacing your primary cymbals, making it one of the most versatile effects cymbals in the Istanbul Agop range.

Clap Stack

Designed in collaboration with renowned session drummer Trevor Lawrence Jr., the Istanbul Agop Clap Stack is one of the most innovative effects instruments in the company's catalogue. Rather than producing a traditional cymbal sound, it has been specifically developed to recreate the sharp, percussive hand clap samples that have become a defining part of modern music. The result is an acoustic instrument that delivers electronic-inspired sounds while retaining the feel and musicality of a handcrafted cymbal.

The standard Clap Stack consists of three specially shaped cymbals measuring 11", 13" and 15", carefully voiced to function as a single instrument. By tightening or loosening the cymbal felts and wing nut, drummers can dramatically alter the response, ranging from an ultra-tight, dry clap sound to a looser, trashier effect with greater sustain and complexity. For players looking to expand the range even further, Istanbul Agop also offers an optional expansion pack, adding 9" and 17" cymbals for even greater tonal flexibility and stacking configurations.

Unlike the Trash Hit, which delivers explosive accents with a fast decay, the Clap Stack is designed for tight, controlled punctuation that sits neatly within a groove. Its short, articulate response has made it a favourite among drummers playing pop, hip-hop, gospel, electronic music, contemporary worship and modern studio sessions, where sampled hand claps are frequently layered into drum parts.

Whether used for backbeats, ghost notes, breakdowns or creative rhythmic textures, the Istanbul Agop Clap Stack offers something that conventional crash cymbals, ride cymbals and hi-hats simply can't. For drummers looking to expand their sonic palette without relying on electronic samples, it's one of the most creative and versatile additions available to a modern drum kit.

Which Istanbul Agop Series Should You Choose?

By now, you've hopefully got a good understanding of what makes each Istanbul Agop series unique. The final decision comes down to your playing style, the music you perform and the sound you're trying to achieve. Here's a quick guide to help narrow down your options.

If you want one set of cymbals to cover almost any style...

Choose the Traditional Series. Offering the classic handmade Turkish cymbal sound, it's the most versatile range in the catalogue and comfortably handles everything from jazz and blues to rock, pop and contemporary music.

If you're buying your first professional handmade cymbals...

Choose the Xist Series. Combining handcrafted B20 bronze construction with excellent consistency and outstanding value, Xist is an ideal introduction to premium Turkish cymbals. With Traditional, Brilliant, Dry Dark and ION models available, there's a sound to suit almost every drummer.

If you want a darker sound with more stick definition...

Choose the Sultan Series. Its distinctive combination of lathed and unlathed surfaces delivers excellent articulation, controlled wash and plenty of warmth, making it a great choice for players who want extra definition without losing musicality.

If you prefer an ultra-dry, earthy cymbal sound...

Choose the Turk Series. Completely unlathed and extensively hand hammered, these cymbals offer minimal sustain, exceptional stick definition and a raw, organic character that's particularly popular with jazz, acoustic and studio drummers.

If you love vintage Turkish cymbal sounds...

Explore the Vintage & Jazz-Inspired Series. Including the 30th Anniversary, Agop Signature, Mel Lewis and Special Edition ranges, these cymbals prioritise warmth, tonal complexity and dynamic expression, making them ideal for players chasing the classic sound of handcrafted Turkish cymbals.

If you're searching for a very specific artist-inspired sound...

The Artist Signature Series has been developed in collaboration with some of the world's most respected drummers, including Cindy Blackman Santana, Joey Waronker, Lenny White, Idris Muhammad and Aaron Sterling. Each model reflects its artist's individual musical philosophy, offering highly specialised sounds for drummers who know exactly what they're looking for.

If you want to expand your setup with new sounds and textures...

Choose one of the Effects Series cymbals. Whether it's the explosive accents of the Trash Hit or the electronic-inspired sounds of the Clap Stack, these specialist instruments add entirely new colours to your kit while complementing your existing crashes, rides and hi-hats.

Ultimately, there's no single "best" Istanbul Agop series—only the one that best suits your music and the way you play. Whether you're investing in your first handcrafted cymbals or refining a carefully curated setup, understanding the character of each range will help you choose a collection that inspires you every time you sit behind the kit.