Istanbul Agop Mantra Signature 22" Ride

Group: Rides
Type: Ride
Size: 22 Inch
Series: Mantra Signature
Weight: 2766g, 2819g, 2848g, 2852g, 2856g, 2870g, 2870g, 2874g, 2880g, 2882g, 2898g, 2899g, 2913g, 2950g
Median Weight: 2872g (n=14)
Years of production: ? - Present
Sound file: Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Mantra Signature 22" Ride
Istanbul Agop's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "While retaining the complex, jazzier side of the OM rides, the 22" Mantra Ride has a brilliant leading edge with a sharp stick response, exactly what you imagine the brief asked for. It cleverly combines its jazz and funk roots with a modern, more sparklingly loud and cutting thrust.

The result is the ride will serve you on medium volume jazzy noodles right through to all-out Kravitz style rock-funk blasts. There is power aplenty, so if you do find you need to stoke things up, this ride won't be left trailing and played out.

This is not a dry cymbal, and underneath the initial stick clarity is a plentiful wash adding much to the rounded presence of the ride tone. Overtones are complex but harmonious, there are no unpleasant long-lasting hums, the cymbal has been expertly hammered to get the maximum body while extracting any discords. This applies whether you play it loud or soft.

But this is just the start. Adding to this power, when you crash-ride/shoulder it the crash sound is surprisingly bright. It's a dazzling shimmer with that full-bodied deeper wash filling out the total effect.

And then there's the bell. This is a classic solid and clear clanger that means business, but is not stabbing in the unpleasant manner that some HM cymbals have that is actually painful. There is always that darker component warming out the stroke."

Review written by Geoff Nicholls ("Istanbul Agop Mantra Cymbals review - New metals for the Lenny Karvitz drum ace", musicradar.com, November 29, 2015)

Artist/song where it can be heard: Cindy Blackman