i just got a new crash - 19" bosphorus master series. this cymbal manufacturer rules - though is sorta lesser known, so i wanted to make a thread about it saying i'm a big fan and you should check them out.

also, memphis drum shop is the best drum shop i've ever been to - if you're in memphis and a drummer, definitely check it out.

http://www.bosphoruscymbals.com/
http://memphisdrumshop.com/

they also have a cool site where they record each cymbal so you can hear it before buying online. pretty nifty.

http://www.mycymbal.com/

If you didn't have 997 posts I would think you were a sales rep for this outfit.

I will check them out. I'm always looking for sweeter sounding brass.

Bosphorus Cymbals = WAY NOT CRAP... great sounding cymbals for jazz to medium hard rock playing. Good tone, fantastic variety of sounds.

BUT, they're hand hammered cymbals from Turkey- these aren't cymbals for Harvey Milk style playing, or Music Hates You. You'll break 'em if you're playing from the shoulder with 5B or larger sticks.

This is their cymbal making team:



Old school...

So, if you're looking for sweeter sounding brass, you've found it. Great cymbals. Just don't expect them to be as durable as mass manufactured cymbals like Paiste 2002s or Zildjian As.

As for Memphis Drum Shop- FUCK YEAH. I call those guys once a month looking for odd parts or a swinging deal, and they nearly always come through.

Bosphorus is pretty bad-ace.

I just bought a new 18" Istanbul Traditional Dark Crash from the dude at www.cymbalsonly.com and am rather happy with it, too.

My general feeling on any of the boutique companies out there is that their cymbals seem just a bit more complex than the big guys' stuff. There's just a little more weirdness all up in the bouquet, if you will.

This 18" has an almost trashy quality to it - - but in a really awesome way, not like in a china-boy, nu-metal way.

Check out cymbalsonly.com if you haven't, incidentally. The guy does sound samples of every cymbal and has an awesome, upstate NY-type nice-dude demeanor.

I saw "Bosphorous" and thought of Julius Knipl.

Why is it that Turkey is ground zero for quality cymbal making? Is it because they have better quality of metals/better smelting facilities?

burun wrote:Why is it that Turkey is ground zero for quality cymbal making? Is it because they have better quality of metals/better smelting facilities?

They've been doing it for a couple thousand years.

vockins wrote:

burun wrote:Why is it that Turkey is ground zero for quality cymbal making? Is it because they have better quality of metals/better smelting facilities?

They've been doing it for a couple thousand years.

I know that, but I guess what I'm really asking is why that area of the world, and not a neighboring country like, say, Armenia, Syria, etc.

burun wrote:

vockins wrote:

burun wrote:Why is it that Turkey is ground zero for quality cymbal making? Is it because they have better quality of metals/better smelting facilities?

They've been doing it for a couple thousand years.

I know that, but I guess what I'm really asking is why that area of the world, and not a neighboring country like, say, Armenia, Syria, etc.

Don't Stump the Ringo, please.

I have no fucking idea.

Hey up, the drummer in the band I am in is a kind of 'endorsee' of Bosphorus in that he gets cymbals super cheap from them and has turned on most of his drumming friends to them too. Having spent a large portion of my life with my head inches away from his ride cymbal I can vouch for their harmonius, pleasing sizzle.