Istanbul Agop Mel Lewis 13" 1982 Hi-Hat 755/855 g

Mel Lewis was known for his fiery drumming that could lead both big bands and small groups. Being the first endorser for Istanbul Agop, his chosen cymbals were brought back to the factory after his passing in 1990, with his family's blessing. The skilled cymbal-smiths at Istanbul Agop meticulously recreated each detail, paying tribute to Mel's legacy in the best way possible. Originally designed for his live performances, these tribute cymbals offer a versatile range from intimate jazz settings to nostalgic big band sounds.

Mel Lewis Hi-Hat

• Features a delicate and refined sound with a smooth, silver tone.
• Offers exceptional clarity in stick definition.
• Offers a versatile range of chick sounds, from tight to airy, when played with the foot.
• Boasts a warm wash when opened.

• Reviews

  "The Mel Lewis 1982 13" hi-hats are bright and capable of holding their own within a musical context. While I generally don’t like the light wash that smaller hats produce, these cymbals produced a quick, penetrating sizzle. Their "chick" sound is clean and loud, clearly stating the time for the entire band. Even under the "swoosh" of the Lewis ride, it cut through. At one point I played the hi-hat alone in a practice session. A taut, quick response and a crisp "tsst" sound emanated when the hats were open and shut. I played single strokes and built up to doubles. I loosened up the hats, letting out some steam. In so doing, I discovered a monster tone that was containable but still capable of generating lots of power. That sound convinced me that these hats would be great not only for jazz, but also for funk and hip-hop. " - Will Romano

• Warranty

  Istanbul Agop has ONE year warranty against manufacturing flaws, starting from date of the purchase.

We ship in-stock orders within the same or next business day.