Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $319

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$200

$501+

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal, a favorite among percussion enthusiasts who crave a distinctive sound. This cymbal, part of the renowned Turk Series, is crafted with an unlathed surface, delivering a uniquely dry and tight sound profile. Whether you're exploring the dynamic landscapes of rock or the intricate rhythms of jazz, this crash cymbal offers a rich tapestry of overtones that add depth and character to your music.

Designed for drummers who appreciate subtlety and precision, the Turk Crash Cymbal stands out for its authentic, earthy tones. Its handcrafted finish ensures each cymbal is a work of art, offering a natural aesthetic that complements its robust acoustic properties. The cymbal's ability to produce a compact sound without overwhelming the mix makes it an excellent choice for both studio recordings and live performances.

Ideal for musicians who want their sound to be as unique as their style, the Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal is more than just an instrument—it's a gateway to a world of sonic possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Part of the Turk Series
  • Unlathed surface for a dry, tight sound
  • Rich overtones with a compact sound profile
  • Suited for rock and jazz genres
  • Handcrafted for a unique, natural finish

Product specs

Available since April 2013
Hand Hammered Cymbal Yes
Alloy B20 Bronze

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal?

The Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal offers a dry, complex sound with a quick decay, making it ideal for jazz, fusion, and other styles that benefit from its unique tonal character.

Is the Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the cymbal's hand-hammered B20 bronze construction provides a rich, articulate sound that projects well in live settings, especially in genres that require nuanced dynamics.

How does the hand-hammering process affect the Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal's sound?

The hand-hammering process gives the cymbal a unique, complex tonal quality with a slightly darker and more controlled sound compared to machine-made cymbals.

What is the primary material used in the Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal?

The cymbal is made from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its durability and rich sound characteristics, favored by professional drummers.

Is the Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal versatile enough for different music genres?

While it excels in jazz and fusion, its dry, complex sound can complement various styles, though it may not be as suitable for louder genres like rock or metal.

ATILLA KANDEMIR

ATILLA KANDEMIR

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal.

Video thumbnail for Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal. by ATILLA KANDEMIR

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal.

ATILLA KANDEMIR

ATILLA KANDEMIR

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm, pleasant sound ideal for jazz and concert music

  • Versatile for jazz, rock, and as a ride cymbal

  • Full, dark, and washy sound with a dry finish

  • Beautifully hammered for an attractive, dark look

  • Suitable for both indoor and festival stages

  • Great for emphasizing transitions in music

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Istanbul Mehmet 18" Turk Crash Cymbal.

User experience

  • Owners note Istanbul Mehmet cymbals, like the 18" Turk Crash, are less common in loud music settings but add unique character to recordings.

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  • Some users report needing to order these cymbals directly from Turkey due to limited North American availability.

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Comparisons

  • The Istanbul Mehmet cymbals are described as darker and lighter than Zildjian K series, with more personality under microphones.

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  • The A. Zildjian 18" medium thin crash is praised for its versatility across genres, likened to "Frank's Red Hot Sauce" for its compatibility with any setup.

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Use cases and applications

  • The 18" Mehmet Turk Crash is favored in heavy blues rock for its "cymbal wash" reminiscent of early Black Sabbath sounds.

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  • The Istanbul Mehmet Turk line is particularly suited for jazz and funk due to its dry, unlathed sound, making it less versatile for other genres.

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Value and pricing

  • Users have found deals for Istanbul Mehmet cymbals at $290 for a new piece from Sounds Anatolian, showcasing their affordability relative to quality.

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Features and functionality

  • The Black Sea Crash from Istanbul Mehmet has an initial strong attack and a dark, low-pitched decay, appealing to those who prefer a dry sound.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A user designed a custom muffling system using neodymium magnets, pipe clamps, and leather pieces for quickly altering drum sounds without retuning.

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Setup and maintenance

  • For smaller bass drums, a heavier two-ply batter head paired with a single-ply front head is recommended for versatility and minimal secondary muffling.

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