Istanbul Mehmet Samatya Cymbal Set 1-18

Fantastic handmade quality for a very reasonable price. Crashes have a nice ring to them and the ride have a rich tone and a clear bell. Everything about these cymbals breathe quality and even though there might be “better” cymbals out there, they will be twice as expensive but hardly twice as good. They are gorgeous and the pictures on Thomann do not represent how they look in reality. If you are unable to listen to the cymbals at your local music store, there are very little sound material and reviews on these online. But I was stunned by the sound and look when seeing them in person. You will not be disappointed at the craftsmanship or sound these cymbals produce. However, they need some hard hitting to really shine, the quality "ringing" tone will not be noticed until you give them powerful stroke. I only wish the Turkey cymbal makers had a union, watching YouTube content from the Istanbul Mehmet factory they do not seem to use any protection gear or earbuds. I don't want the workers being handicapped or losing their hearing for making us great cymbals. Thomann, please adress this to the best of your ability.

Pros: Sound and handmade quality. Pricetag.
Cons: The markings and lettering will smudge and disappear quickly. Do require some harder hitting to shine. Easily scratched because they are so shiny.