Istanbul
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Shop Istanbul Agop Cymbals
Shop the full Istanbul Agop cymbal range at Graham Russell Drums, available to buy online or compare in person at our Fareham drum store. We supply Istanbul Agop crash cymbals, ride cymbals, hi-hats, splashes, China cymbals, effects cymbals, cymbal packs and gongs, with options for a wide range of playing styles and budgets.
Our Istanbul Agop collection includes the Traditional, Xist, Sultan, Turk, 30th Anniversary and Agop Signature ranges, alongside artist signature cymbals and specialist models. Whether you want a warm and versatile set of cymbals, a dark jazz ride, a dry and controlled sound or brighter cymbals for rock and pop, our team can help you find the right setup.
Visit Our Dedicated Istanbul Cymbal Room
Our dedicated Istanbul room gives you the opportunity to hear and compare Istanbul Agop cymbals side by side. The handcrafted nature of these instruments means that cymbals of the same model can have subtle differences in pitch, response and feel, so trying the exact cymbal can be especially useful when choosing a ride, pair of hi-hats or complete cymbal setup.
We have the full Istanbul Agop range available, from individual cymbals to complete cymbal packs. Our experienced team of working drummers can talk you through the differences between each series and help you choose cymbals for your sound, playing style and budget.
Some in-stock products may be held at our warehouse rather than in the shop, so please check the individual product page or contact us before travelling if you would like to try a particular cymbal.
Which Istanbul Agop Cymbals Should You Buy?
The Traditional Series is a strong place to start if you want the classic warmth and musical response associated with Turkish cymbals. Xist provides versatile and more contemporary choices, including standard, Brilliant, Dry Dark and ION models. Sultan and Turk move towards darker, drier and more controlled sounds, while the 30th Anniversary, Agop Signature and artist signature ranges offer more specialised voices.
If you're unsure which range suits you, read The Ultimate Guide to Istanbul Agop Cymbals: Every Series Explained. It covers the full range and includes practical advice from the Graham Russell Drums team. You can also contact us for help before buying.
A Short History of Istanbul Agop
Istanbul Agop's story begins with cymbalsmith Agop Tomurcuk. After the only cymbal factory in Turkey ceased production there in 1977, Agop began making cymbals independently. In 1980, he partnered with Mehmet Tamdeğer to establish Zilciler Kollektif Şti. The brand name soon changed to Istanbul, and by 1982 the company was exporting cymbals to the United States. Mel Lewis became its first endorser that same year.
Following Agop Tomurcuk's death in 1996, his sons Sarkis and Arman formed Istanbul Zilciler in 1997 and developed the identity now known as Istanbul Agop. Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet are now separate manufacturers, although both share their roots in the original Istanbul cymbal company.
All of the new Istanbul cymbals we stock are Istanbul Agop. We do not stock new Istanbul Mehmet cymbals. From time to time, second-hand Istanbul Mehmet and older pre-split Istanbul cymbals may also appear on this brand page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you stock the full Istanbul Agop cymbal range?
Yes. We have the full Istanbul Agop range available, including crashes, rides, hi-hats, splashes, China cymbals, effects cymbals, cymbal packs and gongs across the main Istanbul Agop series. If you cannot find the exact model you want online, please contact us and our team will help.
Can I try Istanbul Agop cymbals before buying?
Yes. Our Fareham showroom has a dedicated Istanbul room where you can compare cymbals side by side. Some products may be held at our warehouse, so please check the product page or contact us before travelling to confirm that the particular cymbal you want to try is available in store.
Which Istanbul Agop series is right for me?
Traditional is a strong starting point for classic Turkish warmth, while Xist offers versatile and more contemporary choices. Sultan and Turk are darker, drier and more controlled, while the 30th Anniversary, Agop Signature and artist signature ranges provide more specialised sounds. Read our Istanbul Agop Buyer's Guide or contact our team for personal advice.
Do you sell Istanbul Agop or Istanbul Mehmet cymbals?
All of the new Istanbul cymbals we stock are made by Istanbul Agop. We do not stock new Istanbul Mehmet cymbals. We occasionally receive second-hand Istanbul Mehmet or pre-split Istanbul cymbals, and these may appear on this brand page when available.
What is the difference between Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet?
They are separate cymbal manufacturers with a shared history. Agop Tomurcuk and Mehmet Tamdeğer established the company that became Istanbul Cymbals in 1980. Following Agop's death in 1996, his sons formed Istanbul Zilciler in 1997 and developed the Istanbul Agop brand, while Istanbul Mehmet continued as a separate manufacturer.
What does pre-split Istanbul mean?
Pre-split Istanbul is the term commonly used for older Istanbul cymbals made before Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet became separate manufacturers. These are second-hand cymbals, and their age, markings and condition can vary from one instrument to another.
Where are Istanbul Agop cymbals made?
Istanbul Agop cymbals are made in Istanbul, Turkey. The company continues to use traditional cymbal-making skills while varying the construction, hammering, lathing and finishing methods across its different series.
Will two Istanbul Agop cymbals of the same model sound identical?
Not necessarily. Handcrafted cymbals can have subtle differences in pitch, response, feel and tonal character, even when they are the same model and size. If the exact sound is important to you, we recommend trying the cymbal in our Istanbul room or contacting us for advice.
