One of my all-time favorite cymbals was my 1978 A Zildjian 16" thin crash, affectionately called "steve god" by drummer friends because it had been autographed by THE Steve Gadd. Unfortunately, the sound has has deteriorated considerably due to mishaps and a period of extremely hard playing. (Its complete history is in an earlier post) I thought of "retiring" it, but I have no other cymbal in that size and range. And if I did get another 16", I wouldn't want a replacement, but something with its own unique voice.
So last week when I saw a Turkish (yes, that's the brand name) 16" thin crash, I became intrigued. It was made in Turkey, check. It was a 16" thin crash, check. Potentially darker sounding, check. No issues, check. Priced right, CHECK! And the seller actually bought it in a store next to the factory in Istanbul. The only problem was it would be coming from Cavite. But I figured it was a Sunday, so there would be less traffic. And it was small enough to fit in a motorcycle, so shipping would be cheap. It took a couple of hours to get here, and was given a soap and water bath as soon as it arrived. It weighs 921 grams, has a funky complex wash, and a nice smooth sustain. It's not particularly "dark" sounding, but is distinct enough from my A Zildjian 18" thin crash which it will usually partner. Buying a cymbal without hearing it first is a risk. Thankfully this risk paid off.
Steve god can finally rest from crash duties. He's earned it. But he will come out occasionally to serve as an alternative hihat top together with a Stagg SH China bottom.
