Istanbul Agop Picture-Fest

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by aydee

Stan, Bilkays got the ride I want!.... but I'll wait for the new STAN'S buls!

Ha Ha very funny aydee!. Yup some new Agop gems coming out at the Winter NAMM I believe. We'll all have to wait to see what new B20 bronze hand hammered Turkish surprises the good people at Istanbul Agop have in store for the new year.

Originally Posted by Steamer

No kidding!. I know all about {as you do Bill} the Agop bug.

The Bosphorus Bug must be from the same strain. I've been sick with it since February :)

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by fourstringdrums

The Bosphorus Bug must be from the same strain. I've been sick with it since February :)

Same related strain of the "Turkish" bug fourstringdrums.

[claywood]

Well, here's what just showed up at my door today... 22" Dark Ride. Sounds amazing!

[Steamer]

Awesome claywood!. Any idea of the gram weight of that Agop beauty?. Enjoy!.

[aydee]

Originally Posted by masonni

Nice....

Here's my current Istanbul Agop setup:


.

fabulous set-up.. and I love that floor. The drums must sound beautiful surrounded by all that old wood...?

[claywood]

Originally Posted by Steamer

Awesome claywood!. Any idea of the gram weight of that Agop beauty?. Enjoy!.

Unfortunately, I don't. But my best guess is the 2300-2400g range. The 22" Dark on CymbalsOnly.com sounds virtually identical to this one. Crashing it is a pleasure because it doesn't linger around. It's a big sound, but backs off rather quickly... so cool! It should be quite the versatile cymbal that I need it to be.

[Snowdogyyz]

By the way guys, the cat is finally out of the bag on the new signature AGOP cymbal. He loaned them one of Tony William's rides he has to reproduce the sound.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Lenny White Joins Istanbul Agop Artist Roster. Signature "Epoch" Ride To Be Released 2008


Istanbul Agop / Alchemy Cymbals is pleased to announce that Lenny White has joined the Istanbul Agop Artist Roster. Early in 2008 we will release a new 22” Lenny White Signature"Epoch" Ride. The Istanbul Agop Lenny White Signature "Epoch" Ride was developed via a collaborative process between Lenny, our master Cymbalsmiths in Istanbul, Turkey and our product specialists in The United States and is heavily inspired by a ride given to Lenny by the late, great Tony Williams. Said Lenny, “I met the gentlemen at Istanbul Agop in 2006. After hearing and playing the cymbals they were making and seeing how they were doing it, I knew that they could actually create a ride cymbal that would have that vintage sound that I’ve always loved.” The ride is made from Istanbul Agop’s own special B20 alloy. A combination of more advanced hand hammering, shaping and lathing techniques give it a dry, yet cutting, full sticking sound with a thunderous, dark crash.

Lenny began his recording career on Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew and gained further recognition as a member of Return To Forever and has since maintained his status of one the most sought after and influential fusion drummers of all time.

Istanbul Agop Cymbals are hand made in Istanbul Turkey, and combine cutting edge designs with traditional handmade craftsmanship. Each one of our cymbals is as unique as the artist who plays it.

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by Snowdogyyz

By the way guys, the cat is finally out of the bag on the new signature AGOP cymbal. He loaned them one of Tony William's rides he has to reproduce the sound.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Lenny White Joins Istanbul Agop Artist Roster. Signature "Epoch" Ride To Be Released 2008


Istanbul Agop / Alchemy Cymbals is pleased to announce that Lenny White has joined the Istanbul Agop Artist Roster. Early in 2008 we will release a new 22” Lenny White Signature"Epoch" Ride. The Istanbul Agop Lenny White Signature "Epoch" Ride was developed via a collaborative process between Lenny, our master Cymbalsmiths in Istanbul, Turkey and our product specialists in The United States and is heavily inspired by a ride given to Lenny by the late, great Tony Williams. Said Lenny, “I met the gentlemen at Istanbul Agop in 2006. After hearing and playing the cymbals they were making and seeing how they were doing it, I knew that they could actually create a ride cymbal that would have that vintage sound that I’ve always loved.” The ride is made from Istanbul Agop’s own special B20 alloy. A combination of more advanced hand hammering, shaping and lathing techniques give it a dry, yet cutting, full sticking sound with a thunderous, dark crash.

Lenny began his recording career on Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew and gained further recognition as a member of Return To Forever and has since maintained his status of one the most sought after and influential fusion drummers of all time.

Istanbul Agop Cymbals are hand made in Istanbul Turkey, and combine cutting edge designs with traditional handmade craftsmanship. Each one of our cymbals is as unique as the artist who plays it.

Yes I was told to sit on this info but it appears now that Agop wanted it out before the Winter NAMM as this release has indicated. More Agop " surprises" in store too but will all have to wait till NAMM for those.

Along with this Lenny White ride and whatever else is in the works should be a very exciting year ahead regarding Istanbul Agop. Can't wait!.

[bilkay]

The prototype I posted is one of the early Lenny White prototypes. The final version is very different.

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by bilkay

The prototype I posted is one of the early Lenny White prototypes. The final version is very different.

Have you had a chance to hear the final version Bill?.

[Snowdogyyz]

Originally Posted by bilkay

The prototype I posted is one of the early Lenny White prototypes. The final version is very different.

Yeah... it took awhile for AGOP to convince Lenny to let them actually take his cymbal to try and get close to it. After all... it is one of Tony's cymbals! This cymbal actually has taken quite sometime from idea to release.

[Snowdogyyz]

Originally Posted by Steamer

Yes I was told to sit on this info but it appears now that Agop wanted it out before the Winter NAMM as this release has indicated. More Agop " surprises" in store too but will all have to wait till NAMM for those.

Along with this Lenny White ride and whatever else is in the works should be a very exciting year ahead regarding Istanbul Agop. Can't wait!.

Yeah, Scott told me it was going to be announced before NAMM. Should be a great NAMM for AGOP..... last year they didn't really have anything new to present. The next one should be great with the Lenny cymbal and a couple of other surprises they are releasing. I'm looking forward to it!

[bilkay]

Originally Posted by Steamer

Have you had a chance to hear the final version Bill?.

Haven't played it- only saw the pictures.

[Steamer]

Thanks for letting me know Bill. Looks like will all have to wait till NAMM to hear more about it and actually hear one in the flesh down the road.

Actually I'm very well set for Agop rides myself but still have interest in this new ride and other "surprises" coming out soon. What i'm really hoping for is a production issue of the 06/25th alloy 14" and 15" hats. This would be a nice finishing touch to my collection and a great compliment to my 06 and 25th alloy cymbals. Already let Noel at Heartbeat Percussion the Canadian Agop guy to see if he can snag me a pair well at NAMM or get some shipped from Agop to us after NAMM. We'll see.

My 14" med. weight Agop Signature hats are killer so i'm anything but Agop high hat deprived at the moment so i'm willing to wait to see on these 06/25th hats down the road as a alternate pair of hats to add to the family.

[aydee]

Ok, I've got positive identification the targets A & B and got them missle-locked. My hand rests on the joystick, nervously waiting for the right moment.................

As soon as I can fly under the enemy radar ( read wife ), I'll pull the trigger. Two short bursts, to hits........

A) A jazz ride

B)14" hats

[Snowdogyyz]

Those hats in the bottom right corner were 15" Sultans. After playing those, I had to get a set. I called Scott and got a different set about a week later (someone beat me to the ones at the booth). They are killer hats, if you like a trashy hat sound. Now, I'm thinking of getting some 15" traditional hats for a little more "clean" sound. I did, however, end up with the 24" Alchemy Raw Ride that was in the booth as well. I put my initials on that one pretty early.

[Steamer]

Speaking of the new Lenny White ride got the official word today from the local Agop distributor out of the blue that I may have a chance sooner than later to hear this ride. Probably not till the beginning of January but it's going to be an awesome opportunity indeed. Will certainly post all my impressions and hopefully some photos of this cymbal when it happens down the road.

[aydee]

Originally Posted by Steamer

Speaking of the new Lenny White ride got the official word today from the local Agop distributor out of the blue that I may have a chance sooner than later to hear this ride. Probably not till the beginning of January but it's going to be an awesome opportunity indeed. Will certainly post all my impressions and hopefully some photos of this cymbal when it happens down the road.

Stan, I'd really like a review and your opinion/description of that ride. thanks, in advance...

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by aydee

Stan, I'd really like a review and your opinion/description of that ride. thanks, in advance...

Will do aydee and looking forward to seeing and hearing it in the flesh.

[Steamer]

Lenny White and his new "Epoch" signature model 22" ride. Photo courtesy Istanbul Agop.

[Snowdogyyz]

Finally got a chance to snap some pics of my new AGOPS. Added 17 and 18" Trad dark crashes, an 18" Trad medium crash, and 15" Trad medium hats. Follow the link to my site (my gearhead site.. done for fun) to see pics:

http://home.mindspring.com/~stevecarmichael/id2.html

[Steamer]

Lots of lovely Agop Turkish B20 bronze shots on your site Snowdogyyz.

Nice collection and that 24" Alchemy ride sure is a thing of beauty!

[Steamer]

Time to revive this old thread with some new Agop Turkish B20 handmade bronze blood.

First up one front and 2 back shots of a Agop green label 22' Signature ride at 2210g followed by a Agop 18" Signature China at 1360g front followed by a back shot. Simply delicious sounding Istanbul Agop pies! Enjoy!

[Drummer Karl]

God, Stan...these look beautiful, especially this 22" Ride.
I wish I could finally sell my Dry Light Ride for such a beautiful SE or Signature pie!

BTW, I`m currently listening to "We knew" by your friend Allan Johnston. Did you use the SE TW for this recording. Sound incredibly woody and dark with a smooth vibe if you know...

Karl

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by Drummer Karl

God, Stan...these look beautiful, especially this 22" Ride.
I wish I could finally sell my Dry Light Ride for such a beautiful SE or Signature pie!

BTW, I`m currently listening to "We knew" by your friend Allan Johnston. Did you use the SE TW for this recording. Sound incredibly woody and dark with a smooth vibe if you know...

Karl

Yes Karl the main ride you hear is the 22" SE TW on "We knew". The others used for that piece were a 22" Turk Jazz Ride,21" Mel Lewis {2 rivets} and 14" Agop Sig hats.

That 22" Agop Sig is indeed a stunning ride cymbal and the 18" Sig china has an incredible trash factor in all the best ways possible Karl.

[foursticks]

Stan, We Knew sounds absolutely fantastic - absolutely GOLD playing, sir. Those cymbals are something else too and I know this is a bit off topic, but what kit are you using on it?
I need to get some pics of my humble 2 Istanbul Agop pies on here soon...

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by foursticks

Stan, We Knew sounds absolutely fantastic - absolutely GOLD playing, sir. Those cymbals are something else too and I know this is a bit off topic, but what kit are you using on it?
I need to get some pics of my humble 2 Istanbul Agop pies on here soon...

Thanks for the kind words foursticks. The drums were a studio Yamaha kit and my 14"x 5 1/2" Peace 9 ply bubinga snare drum. The rest of the recording of more tunes for an upcoming CD will feature my entire Peace bubinga kit in the studio.

Join the fun let's see your Agops foursticks.

[spartacus1989]

My Contribution,




The best cymbal I have ever played (in my opinion!)
18" Istanbul Agop Traditional China!

I am fully converting from Sabian to Istanbul now!

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by spartacus1989

My Contribution,




The best cymbal I have ever played (in my opinion!)
18" Istanbul Agop Traditional China!

I am fully converting from Sabian to Istanbul now!

Very sweet china and another convert to Istanbul Agop to boot!

[spartacus1989]

Damn, I'd love your collection Steamer lol!

[foursticks]

Originally Posted by spartacus1989

Damn, I'd love your collection Steamer lol!

Wouldn't we all.....

[Steamer]

Thanks guys. Keep your own Agop appreciation coming in this thread. Once you start... well you can see where it might end up down the road...

[Steamer]

Time to add some new Turkish bronze to the fun.

14" Empire high hats 1060g top 1270g bottom
21" Ottoman Jazz Ride 1970g

[KONA]

I took all eleven of my Istanbul Agop cymbals down for a while and put my two (2) Istanbul Agop ride cymbals up here (all alone) to really check them out with the drums. I bought them along with my other cymbals last October but I had them packed away in their cymbal bags until now.

They are:

The serial numbered collectors 06 22 inch and 25th Anniversary 20.5 inch rides.
They sound wicked with those Vic Firth (Steve Smith) birch Tala Wands!

[Latin Groover]

Thought I might finally put up some pictures of my AGOPs.
Both beautiful and very thin. A few pictures.
21" Signature Ride 1856g







Crazy how the camera and lighting can totally change the look of the cymbal. I really like the tan/brown sort of look, like from the close up and back shot, but really it's color is closer to the other shots, maybe even a bit darker. Even in real life they change their appearance often. lol

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by KONA

I took all eleven of my Istanbul Agop cymbals down for a while and put my two (2) Istanbul Agop ride cymbals up here (all alone) to really check them out with the drums. I bought them along with my other cymbals last October but I had them packed away in their cymbal bags until now.

They are:

The serial numbered collectors 06 22 inch and 25th Anniversary 20.5 inch rides.
They sound wicked with those Vic Firth (Steve Smith) birch Tala Wands!

Nice Kona. I rotate my Agops alot too well trying to select just the right cymbal for certain musical situations so it's cool just to put up just a couple to get to know better what you have.

In regards to the 06 and 25th rides. Well selecting my new "treasures" last Monday in walks in right after i'm done but another local jazz drummer veteran i've known going on some 30 years now. This was his first venture into the world of Istanbul Agop cymbal and to make a long story short after going through lots of cool jazz type rides and hanging out and sharing old stories he went home with both the 06 and 25th rides at the end of the day as his personal favorites. His first step into the "Turkish addiction" is off to a good start i'd say :}

This also means that there is only a couple of brand new 06 rides up for grabs in North America since the quota has long been reached and production of them has ceased and Heartbeat Percussion has the last few of what's left of them in stock at present.

[Steamer]

Originally Posted by Latin Groover

Thought I might finally put up some pictures of my AGOPs.
Both beautiful and very thin. A few pictures.
21" Signature Ride 1856g







Crazy how the camera and lighting can totally change the look of the cymbal. I really like the tan/brown sort of look, like from the close up and back shot, but really it's color is closer to the other shots, maybe even a bit darker. Even in real life they change their appearance often. lol

Awesome Latin Groover. The Agop Signature cymbals are pure bronze art in my view and your pictures yet again capture the beauty of these cymbals.

Hey how's the stick over wash ratio on on your 21" 1856g Sig by the way? . Pretty light for a 21" incher but hey when I heard the way on top woody stick click on my Ottoman 21" Jazz Ride at 1970g it changed FOREVER everything I had previously believed in regards to thinner Agop rides at least in regards to what this particular Ottoman design managed to pull off which came as quite a surprise to me. Best heard stick click over wash according to an old long time friend and jazz guitar player I work with and this is the LIGHTEST/ THINNESS Agop ride in my collection. Go figure :}

[Latin Groover]

Originally Posted by Steamer

Awesome Latin Groover. The Agop Signature cymbals are pure bronze art in my view and your pictures yet again capture the beauty of these cymbals.

Hey how's the stick over wash ratio on on your 21" 1856g Sig by the way? . Pretty light for a 21" incher but hey when I heard the way on top woody stick click on my Ottoman 21" Jazz Ride at 1970g it changed FOREVER everything I had previously believed in regards to thinner Agop rides at least in regards to what this particular Ottoman design managed to pull off which came as quite a surprise to me. Best heard stick click over wash according to an old long time friend and jazz guitar player I work with and this is the LIGHTEST/ THINNESS Agop ride in my collection. Go figure :}

Yea both mine are very thin
21" Signature 1856g
20"SE 1581g
But they are both amazing. The sig has a fairly strong, stick definition over that dark, trashy wash that is the AGOP sig. I like to describe the stick definition as 'beady', as it has this small, precise, but still very present click. It's amazingly controllable, I can play from a whisper to crashing it and it follows. It doesn't ring for ages either, perfectly controllable.
Whats your lightest sig? Do you only have a 21" and 22", I'd love a 22"sig, big brother set-up.
But then I'm also saving for a 22", 21" Turk, and I love the sig hats. I'd love to know how your Epoch goes too. My addiction definitely has started.

[Latin Groover]

Here is my 20" SE at 1581g Yet again the lighting does alot.