Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (1)
$382.92 New
$539.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (4)
$498.00 $494.00 $4.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
ÂŁ409.00

Average Price: $472

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Istanbul 14" Agop Mel Lewis Hi-Hats". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Immerse yourself in the timeless groove with the Istanbul 14" Agop Mel Lewis Hi-Hats. A tribute to the legendary jazz maestro Mel Lewis, these hi-hats echo the soulful and warm tones that defined an era. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, they embody the essence of traditional Turkish cymbal making, offering a sound that's not only rich and responsive but also bright and full of character. Whether you're laying down a smooth jazz groove or exploring other musical landscapes, these hi-hats will ensure your beats are steeped in authenticity and style. Dive into a sonic experience that pays homage to the past while propelling you into the future.

Key Features:

  • Crafted as a tribute to jazz legend Mel Lewis
  • Rich, warm, and responsive tonal character
  • Embodies the essence of traditional Turkish cymbal making
  • Features Mel Lewis's signature logo stamping

Product specs

Available since March 2016
Hand Hammered No
Finish Regular, Traditional
Alloy B20 Bronze

FAQs

What type of music genres are the Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats best suited for?

The Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats are well-suited for jazz and traditional music styles, offering a warm, complex sound with a smooth and controlled wash.

Are the Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats hand-hammered?

No, the Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats are not hand-hammered, which contributes to their consistent sound and traditional finish.

What material are the Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats made from?

These hi-hats are crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its rich tonal characteristics and durability.

How would you describe the overall sound of the Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats?

The Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats offer a warm, dark, and complex sound with a smooth, musical wash, making them ideal for nuanced playing.

What is the finish of the Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats?

The finish of these hi-hats is regular and traditional, which enhances their classic aesthetic and contributes to their vintage sound profile.

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi Hats - 801g/1059g

Video thumbnail for Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi Hats - 801g/1059g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi Hats - 801g/1059g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats - 930/1092g (ML14-1030422D) by Memphis Drum Shop

Istanbul Agop 14" Mel Lewis Hi-Hats - 930/1092g (ML14-1030422D)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Sweet-sounding "tick" with extended high end, warm and pleasant

  • Exceptional complexity with very soft hits for dynamic play

  • Finely graduated half- or quarter-open sounds, easy to control

  • Washy and warm almost fully open slosh

  • Soft and subtle foot chick, not aggressive

  • Perfect match for jazz, complements the genre well

  • Ideal for quiet playing, emphasizes fine accents and subtle footwork

CONS

  • Not suitable for trashy, earthy, or aggressive styles

  • Expensive, may not fit all budgets

  • Middle-of-the-road sound, lacks uniqueness for avant-garde players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Istanbul 14" Agop Mel Lewis Hi-Hats.

User experience

  • The 14" Agop Mel Lewis Hi-Hats are praised for their crisp, buttery, and musical sound, even with a repaired crack, highlighting their resilience and tonal quality.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the significant variance in sound between identical hi-hat models, emphasizing the importance of testing cymbals in person before purchase to ensure satisfaction.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • These hi-hats, manufactured between 1998-2002, have unique measurement placements that differ from current models, offering a distinctive vintage appeal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The hi-hats' sound qualities make them suitable for musical styles that require a more nuanced and expressive cymbal response.

    Source
  • Some enthusiasts suggest using two 14" crashes or splashes as an alternative hi-hat setup, providing a unique sound that could suit diverse musical styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Dream Bliss hats are recommended for those seeking a sound that resembles the Agop 14" Mel Lewis hats, offering a cost-effective alternative with a similar tonal character.

    Source
  • For a more trashy Turkish sound akin to Agops, brands like Dream, Diril, Masterworks, Agean, and Mehteran are suggested as viable alternatives.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's noted that professional-level cymbals like the Agops retain their resale value well, making them a sound investment despite the initial cost.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Combining different hi-hat models, such as a Dark Energy top with a Signature Medium bottom, can achieve a personalized sound, showing the versatility in mixing cymbal components.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sam Hirschfelder uses Istanbul 14" Agop Mel Lewis Hi-Hats

Sam Hirschfelder

Drummer, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this video you can see Sam Hirschfelder using a pair of Istanbul 14" Agop Mel Lewis Hi-Hats

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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