Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $302
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Crafted with precision and a deep-rooted tradition, the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash is a compelling choice for drummers seeking vibrant soundscapes. A standout in the Agop Xist series, this cymbal is forged from the esteemed B20 bronze alloy, composed of 80% copper and 20% tin, and showcases a brilliant finish that captures both the eye and the ear. Each piece is meticulously crafted using pre-poured molds and hand-finished with expert hammering, ensuring a unique character in every strike.
The Xist Brilliant Crash is celebrated for its bright tonality and commanding presence, making it an ideal addition for both studio recordings and live performances. It delivers a clear, finely-structured sound with a paper crackling fast attack and a clean medium decay, ensuring that your rhythms cut through any mix with precision and clarity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner, this crash cymbal will enhance your musical expression with its modern, projecting, and cutting tonal profile.
Perfect for drummers who value both tradition and innovation, the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash promises to be a reliable partner in your musical journey, offering a blend of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary sound.
Key Features:
- Size: 20"
- Part of the Agop Xist series
- Material: B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin)
- Brilliant finish
- Bright tonality with fast attack and medium decay
- Hand-finished with traditional Turkish craftsmanship
Product specs
| Available since | May 2011 |
| Hand Hammered Cymbal | No |
| Finish | Brilliant, Glossy |
| Alloy | B20 Bronze |
FAQs
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What is the sound character of the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash?
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The Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash offers a dark, warm crash with articulate sticking and moderate overtones, making it versatile for various music styles.
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Is the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash suitable for live performances?
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Yes, its brilliant finish and articulate sound make it ideal for live performances, providing clear projection and a visually appealing presence.
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What material is the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash made from?
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This cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities.
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Does the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash have a hand-hammered finish?
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No, the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash is not hand-hammered, but it features a brilliant, glossy finish that enhances its sound and appearance.
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How does the Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash compare to other crash cymbals?
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The Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash is known for its warm, dark sound and moderate overtones, distinguishing it from brighter crash cymbals, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres.
Videos
Memphis Drum Shop
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Brilliant Crash Cymbal - 1667g (XCB20-1061620V)
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent tone and response suitable for regular crashing
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Maintains sound quality without choking under heavy use
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Strong, cutting, and full-sounding cymbal
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Durable for its price point
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Offers a beautiful papery attack with powerful sound
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Versatile performance for both soft and hard playing styles
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Appealing decay that adds musicality
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Bright and clear sound ideal for concerts
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Quick response with enough size for riding
CONS
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Brilliant finish picks up fingerprints quickly
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More suited for concerts than studio work
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Susceptible to material defects leading to cracks
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash.
Comparisons
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The 20" Xist Brilliant Crash is akin to Zildjian A Customs but offers more complexity and shimmer, leaning towards a thin/medium-thin sound profile.
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Istanbul Xist cymbals are often preferred over Meinl Classic Custom Duals due to their B20 bronze composition, which offers a more versatile and professional sound quality.
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Build quality
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The Xist series is machine-made, ensuring uniform sound quality, unlike the individual hammering in other Istanbul lines, which creates unique character per cymbal.
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Owners suggest avoiding overtightening to maintain durability, similar to Zildjian cymbals, as both derive from Zildjian craftsmanship.
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Value and pricing
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Priced at $160, the Xist Brilliant Crash highlights a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced brands, attributed to reduced labor and manufacturing efficiencies.
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A common observation is that Istanbul Xist sets are frequently found at a discount, making them a financially attractive option compared to Meinl sets.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the Istanbul Xist series' ability to capture the Zildjian/Sabian sound profile at a more accessible price point, ideal for those seeking similar tonal qualities.
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Some users highlight the difficulty of evaluating cymbal sounds from online videos and recommend in-person testing for a true assessment of tonal quality.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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It’s advised to keep cymbals loosely mounted and angled for longevity, preventing premature wear.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In the Video "The Get Up Kids - 25th Anniversary Livestream" we can see Ryan Pope playing an Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash with the old Printings on it, Live on Stage. Link: https://youtu.be/joBuqIOXtqM?t=181 Time: 3:00
Listed on Steele's official Istanbul Cymbals artist page.
Aaron's favorite set up for most shows is:
17" Xist Brilliant Crash Bottom/ Sultan Crash Top Hats
or
14" Epoc Hats
20" Xist Brilliant Crash
22" Agop Signature Medium Ride
- Subject to change depending on the needs of the music & venue
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Istanbul 20" Xist Brilliant Crash, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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