Used Istanbul Crash Ride 20", Pre-split Green Label

Vintage Pre-Split Istanbul Cymbals (1980–1996)

Hand-hammered history born from the original Turkish master cymbalsmiths.

Before Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet became separate entities, there was simply Istanbul—a brand born in 1980 out of the legendary K. Zildjian factory in Istanbul, Turkey. Crafted co-operatively by master cymbalsmiths Agop Tomurcuk and Mehmet Tamdeger, these pre-split cymbals represent a golden era of modern Turkish cymbal making. Double-signed by both founders beneath the bell, "Pre-Split" Istanbuls are highly prized collectors' items that bridge centuries-old Ottoman metalworking with 20th-century music history.

Why Pre-Split Istanbuls Matter

Pre-split Istanbul cymbals represent the direct continuation of the vintage "Old K" Turkish sound after the original K. Zildjian factory in Istanbul closed in 1977. Because they were produced in smaller quantities with completely traditional, non-industrialized techniques, they possess a warmth, depth, and musical character that modern mass-production simply cannot replicate. For players and collectors seeking authentic 1980s and early-90s Turkish dark bronze, a pre-split Istanbul is the holy grail.

Key Vintage Characteristics

• Dual-Master Signatures: Authentic pre-split cymbals carry the handwritten signatures of both Agop Tomurcuk and Mehmet Tamdeger under the bell, signifying their combined craftsmanship before the company divided in 1996.

• Centuries-Old B20 Metallurgy: Cast from proprietary B20 bronze formulas passed down through generations of Turkish smiths, these instruments were traditional hand-poured, hand-hammered, and hand-lathed from start to finish.

• Raw, Organic Aesthetic: Featuring subtle imperfections, deep hammer marks, and natural age patinas, every pre-split piece boasts a unique visual and sonic identity.