I was looking for a dark, washy crash with the lowest possible fundamental tone — something that would work beautifully for atmospheric swells and more mellow settings. I bought this cymbal based on Memphis Drum Shop videos, slightly hesitant to order without hearing it in person — but I’m happy to say it fully met (and even exceeded) my expectations.
As usual, Istanbul Agop delivers exceptional craftsmanship and quality. The dark, hand-hammered finish looks stunning in real life — photos simply don’t do it justice. Sonically, it’s outstanding: dark, mildly dry, and smoky, with a unique musical complexity.
The bell and stick definition are surprisingly clear for such a dark cymbal. With a bit of Moongel, it even works great as a ride — smoother and mellower than the 22" OM Ride. It opens up easily and reveals different personalities depending on dynamics: when played softly, it’s dark and smoky with a mellow wash; when pushed harder, it blooms with a touch of bright, cutting overtones. That makes it a very versatile crash — I use it both in alt-rock and stoner rock settings.
It’s worth noting that this is a big, medium-heavy weight crash, so it has some inertia — it opens up more slowly and has a long decay. In some situations that can be too much, but adding a bit of Moongel shortens the sustain without killing its character or responsiveness.
Overall, an exceptional instrument — full of musical depth, with the unmistakable Istanbul Agop vibe. Perfect complement to my setup (Agop Signature 16" Hats, 22" Signature Medium Ride, Agop 20" OM Crash, Bosphorus Black Pearl 18" crash, and Xist Dark Dry 17"). Highly recommended for anyone looking for a dark, atmospheric, and expressive crash with real soul.
