Mel Lewis could drive a big band, or a small group, with a fire that few drummers have been able to emulate. He was Istanbul Agop's first endorser. After his death in 1990 and with the blessing of his family, Mel’s chosen cymbals were flown back to Istanbul Agop factory. Every detail of every individual cymbal has been taken in with exacting detail and replicated by the hands of Istanbul Agop cymbal-smiths. These cymbals are Istanbul Agop's way of paying tribute to Mel’s legacy in the best way they know how. Originally created especially for his live performances, these tribute cymbals have highly versatile perspective ranging from small jazz settings to nostalgic big band sounds. Crash Rides offer the best of both worlds in ride and crash characteristics, display smooth overtones with plenty of stick attack for riding, when used as a crash the attack is warm, respond quickly and expansively with a dark swell underneath initial crash sound and subtle with no irritating high frequencies. Rides produce dark wash of subtle overtones along with a solid stick definition that cuts, their diversity of tones allow for driving ride action along with warm, trashy crash accents with minimal overtone build up. Hats exhibit a soft silvery tone, have excellent stick definition and plenty of tight chick sound when played with the foot.
Pre-orders are shipped out from the supplier which has about 10 days leading time. We usually ship before this lead time indicated as short as three days after your order has received.
Istanbul Agop cymbals have ONE year warranty against manufacturing flaws, starting from date of the purchase made from Cymbal House which is the authorized dealer of Istanbul Agop.
