Istanbul Agop
Istanbul Agop's founder, Agop Tomurcuk, was born in Istanbul-Turkey in 1941. Growing up in the Samatya neighborhood of Istanbul, he followed in the footsteps of his older brothers Oksant and Garbis, by beginning work as an apprentice cymbal-smith at the age of 9 at the only cymbal factory in Turkey. Here, Agop learned, and later helped to refine every aspect of the cymbal making process, becoming a master at every process and eventually becoming the chief cymbal-smith, until that company ceased production of their cymbals in Turkey in 1977.
Feeling “like a fish out of water,” after a little over a year spent working various odd jobs, Agop became to determined to continue the Turkish tradition of handmade cymbals on his own. With a little bit of asking around, he was able to locate and buy up much of the equipment and tools he used at his previous company. He rented a small workshop in the Bakırköy-Kartaltepe area of Istanbul, and began to experiment and produce some cymbals with the help of his dear wife, Uskui Tomurcuk. But the limited resources and manpower made things very difficult.
“At the end of the day, my father’s cousin once brought him home by carrying him on his back” explains Agop’s son and now company Co-President, Arman Tomurcuk. Eventually, he was able to set up a small, but functional factory and his older brother, Oksant joined the company as chief cymbalsmith. They began by selling cymbals locally to some music stores in Istanbul’s Tünel area, but the prospects of this were limited.
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Xist Natural Crash 20"
Modern production techniques combined with traditional by hand cymbal-making processes bring drummers a diverse selection of sounds from classic to innovative and distinctly modern designs to cover every style of music. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop 20” Traditional Crash Ride
Open and smooth ride response with a powerful and dynamic crash. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop XIST DRY DARK BRILLIANT CRASH 21
Modern production techniques combined with traditional by hand cymbal-making processes bring drummers a diverse selection of sounds from classic to innovative and distinctly modern designs to cover every style of music. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop 19" Xist Dry Dark Brilliant Crash
XIST Dry Dark Brilliant crashes are thin and malleable with a dynamic and explosive, higher pitched attack and a dark, very quick decay. They also make for a unique cutting but dry ride for lower volume music. Slightly increased weight compared to original XIST Dry Dark models yields increased volume and projection while maintaining their own distinct and complex character. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop XIST DRY DARK BRILLIANT CRASH 22"
Modern production techniques combined with traditional by hand cymbal-making processes bring drummers a diverse selection of sounds from classic to innovative and distinctly modern designs to cover every style of music. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop 14” Traditional Jazz Hi Hat Pair
Istanbul Agop Traditional Jazz Series Cymbals are designed as an homage to our history yet are very much in the present. Made to express a wide dynamic range, they’re equally at home with an acoustic trio or among electric and electronic instrumentation. The 22” and 20” rides yield and clear and ever present stick sound while maintaining a musical, dark wash that can range from the subtle to the explosive. The 14” Hi Hats have a crisp and pronounced chick sound, yet remain balanced and musical when played with sticks. These cymbals are designed to be musically dynamic and responsive - furthering connection and expression between the player and the instrument. Initially conceived as Jazz cymbals, they are equally at live or in the studio for nearly any style. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop 22" Mel Lewis Ride
Dark and warm buttery, with a woody stick definition. A true classic sound. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Ride
Dark and warm buttery, with a woody stick definition. A true classic sound. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop 18" Mel Lewis 1982 Crash Ride
Clear stick definition. The flatter profile gives this ride a deeper crash. Learn More -
Istanbul Agop 19" Mel Lewis Crash Ride
Dry crash qualities. Clear stick definition with subtle dark overtones. Learn More