Ultra Rare ISTANBUL Pre Split AGOP MEHMET MINI CUP 20” Ride 2140 g Dark And Controlled! MELLOW

SO EARLY it has the SPRAY PAINTED Logo!

Very rare, very Early Istanbul Pre-Split AGOP MEHMET MINI CUP 20” Ride. The only one I’ve ever seen. And it’s THIN and DARK for this Early era. The metal has a softness to it.

Hand Hammered - before ANYONE had seen this kind of craftsmanship and beauty outside of Istanbul Ks. This is the early to mid 80s and this is THE company that ushered in the renaissance of old world craftsmanship - the kind of artistry that fomented a movement of boutique cymbalsmiths.

Istanbul’s old-world Zildjian Istanbul K-styled handiwork attracted the ears and signatures of jazz greats Mel Lewis,Jack DeJohnette and Elvin Jones. And this beauty is from that hallowed era.

What’s great about this specific Agop Mehmet is that it’s overall very smooth, warm and remains controlled - compliments of that Mini Bell. It has a light complexity but the last 40 years have mellowed it perfectly.

Dark and medium low in pitch. Crashes incredibly well for Pre Split Ride.

Weighing in at a THIN (for a Pre Split) 2140 grams, this cymbal plays like a terrific, warm, Smooth Dark Ride. The stick attack is prominent and subtly chime-like with a clean, pin-point definition. The ensuing wash is semi-complex but controlled and remains in the lower register.

Very deep, dark 4 decade patina naturally built up. Perfect for soft to loud and for anytime you want to play something with soul. 

A collectible harbinger of what was to come and the only Pre Split Mini Cup I’ve seen.