Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride

$599.00 to $657.99 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 23, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$657.99 8 available New

$659.00 3 available Used

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5.0 (2)

$599.00

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Average Price: $639

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the Ride Cymbals category, Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

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Step back in time with the Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride, a cymbal that captures the essence of jazz's golden era. Crafted with precision by Istanbul Agop, this ride cymbal is a tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Mel Lewis. Designed after Lewis's own prized cymbals, it delivers a classic warm and dark sound that is both rich and inviting, making it a staple for drummers who seek a timeless tone.

The Mel Lewis Ride is not just about nostalgia; it offers modern players the same good stick definition and responsiveness that made it a favorite among jazz aficionados. Whether you're playing in a small club or a large concert hall, this cymbal's bright, full sound will effortlessly cut through the mix while retaining its subtlety and musicality. With its signature warm tonal profile, this cymbal is perfect for jazz, blues, and any genre requiring nuanced expression.

Each Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride features the iconic Mel Lewis signature logo stamping, a mark of authenticity and quality. Crafted with the same dedication that Agop Tomurcuk brought to the art of cymbal making, this ride is more than an instrument; it's a piece of history waiting to be part of your musical journey.

Key Features:

Size: 22"
Mel Lewis signature model
Classic warm and dark cymbal sound
Good stick definition
Full, responsive tonal profile

Product specs

Brand	Istanbul Agop
Model	22" Signature Mel Lewis Ride
Finish	Traditional
Year	2010s
Categories	Ride Cymbals
Diameter	22"

FAQs

What musical genres is the Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride best suited for?: The Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride is renowned for its warm, complex tones, making it ideal for jazz and other dynamic, expressive genres where nuanced cymbal work is appreciated.
How would you describe the sound characteristics of the Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride?: This ride cymbal offers a dark, rich sound with a woody stick definition and a smooth, controlled wash, perfect for adding subtle texture in a musical setting.
Is the Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride's versatile sound and dynamic range make it an excellent choice for live performances, particularly in acoustic or small ensemble settings.
What is the finish of the Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride, and how does it affect the sound?: The Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride features a traditional finish, which contributes to its warm, complex tonal character and enhances its vintage aesthetic.
How does the Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride compare to other ride cymbals in terms of weight?: The Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride is typically medium-thin in weight, providing a balance of clear stick definition and a lush, musical wash, distinguishing it from heavier, more cutting ride cymbals.

Videos

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Memphis Drum Shop

Istanbul Agop 22" Signature Mel Lewis Ride Cymbal - 2385g (ML22-1062317W)

Memphis Drum Shop

Istanbul Agop 22" Mel Lewis Ride Cymbal - 2422g (ML22-1061722K)

Memphis Drum Shop

Istanbul Agop 22" Mel Lewis Signature Ride - 2376g

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Reviews

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PROS

Distinctive hip hop and jazz sound that stands out
Superb definition for intricate drumming
Buttery, smooth, and silky tone
Versatile; can cover a whole gig with just this cymbal
Perfect balance of crash and ride capabilities
Bright, warm sound ideal for jazz and other styles
Unique shimmer suitable for various music genres

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Istanbul 22" Mel Lewis Ride.

Use cases and applications

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The 21" Mel Lewis Ride with rivets is praised for its versatility, suitable for jazz and adaptable across various genres.
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The Istanbul Agop 22" Mel Lewis Ride is noted for its ability to balance both crash and ride functions effectively, making it versatile for various musical settings.
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Features and functionality

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The 20" version of the Mel Lewis ride is noted for its ability to ride and crash beautifully, providing a buttery sound.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners consider removing rivets from the 21" ride to explore different sound profiles, suggesting potential for customization.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the Istanbul Agop line for its pleasing sound quality, though it is acknowledged that these cymbals can be a significant financial investment.
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There's a consensus that while no ride cymbal perfectly balances ping and crash, the 22" Mel Lewis Ride offers a satisfying wash and crash response when struck on the edge.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the Paiste 2002 24" Big Beat, the Istanbul Agop 22" Mel Lewis Ride is highlighted as a favorite for dual crash and ride functionality among enthusiasts.
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Artist usage

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Max Bassin

Drummer

Geese

Verified via Istanbul Cymbals

According to Max, he uses Istanbul Agop cymbals. He is featured on Istanbul's artist page on their website.

Aaron Steele

Drummer

Fences

Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

Mentioned in this August 2011 Modern Drummer blog post.

Now for the juicy stuff—gear, what everyone has been waiting for (or at least the drummers as geeky as me). For most of my gigs I use different setups in order to get the best sounds for the song, including 1960s Sonor beechwoods (13″, 16″, 20″), 1971 Ludwig three-ply maples (13″, 16″, 22″), 1970s Camco maples (14″, 20″, 24″), and 1970s Gretsches (13″, 16″, 22″). I’m getting a C&C luan mahogany kit so I can keep my Vintage kits at home or in the studio (12″, 15″, 18″ toms, 20″ and 24″ kicks). By the way, if you haven’t checked out C&C Drums www.candccustomdrums.com, please do, because they are amazing. My main snares are a 10×14 1964 Leedy wood, a 5×14 Black Beauty copy by Precision Drums, a 5×14 Ludwig Acrolite, and my favorite, a 4×14 C&C MPM. I have a few more but I use these the most. Thanks to the great people at Istanbul www.istanbulcymbals.com I have a couple of awesome setups for cymbals as well. On the East Coast I use 15″ Special Edition hats, a 22″ Mel Lewis Ride as a crash, and a 22″ Traditional Dark ride. On the West Coast I use 15″ Xsist Brilliant hats, a 22″ Xsist Brilliant crash, and a 24″ Xsist Natural ride. To bang all that I use Silverfox www.silverfoxpercussion.com drumsticks because they last an extremely long time.