Istanbul Mehmet is a well-known Turkish company that produces high-quality, handcrafted cymbals.

Here is a description:

Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals is a brand founded by master cymbalsmith Mehmet Tamdeğer. The company is dedicated to preserving and continuing the ancient Turkish tradition of handmade cymbal production, often expressed by their philosophy: « Machines don’t have ears. »

Key Highlights:

• Founder: Mehmet Tamdeğer began his apprenticeship in the K. Zilcan factory in Istanbul at the age of nine, learning the ancient art of cymbal making from masters like Mikhail Zilcan and Kirkor Kücükyan.
• Heritage: The company is a direct continuation of the craftsmanship from the original « Istanbul Cymbals » brand, which Mehmet Tamdeğer co-founded in 1980 with his friend Agop Tomurcuk. Following Agop’s death in 1996, Mehmet continued the legacy under his own name, establishing the « Istanbul Mehmet » brand.
• Craftsmanship: Their cymbals are renowned for being hand-hammered in Turkey, primarily using a B20 bronze alloy. This traditional, labor-intensive process is what gives the cymbals their unique and complex tonal characteristics, which are particularly sought after by jazz drummers for the « old K sound » reminiscent of vintage Turkish cymbals.
• Product Range: Istanbul Mehmet offers a vast catalog of cymbals for various musical styles, including series like:
  • Traditional: Known for a wide dynamic spectrum and a soft, warm sound.
  • Turk: Characterized by an unlathed (untreated) surface for a dry, dark, and compact sound.
  • Sultan: A combination of the Traditional and Turk series, resulting in a defined, dry, dark, and very warm sound.
  • Samatya: Offers brilliant performance and a modern, quick-response sound, often in a brilliant finish.

In essence, Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals represents a commitment to handcrafted quality and the rich sonic history of Turkish cymbal making.