Buzin
Buzin cymbals were originally a private-label line produced in Turkey by Masterworks, later evolving into the Soultone brand, and are known for their handmade quality and unique tonal characteristics.
Contents
Origin and Manufacturing
Buzin cymbals were handmade in Turkey at the Masterworks factory, a respected Turkish cymbal manufacturer.
They were essentially rebranded Masterworks cymbals, often selected as premium or specialty pieces, sometimes labeled as “Buzin Vintage A Class” to indicate hand-selected cymbals of superior quality.
The Buzin name emerged as a private-label venture and was the precursor to the Soultone brand, which Iky Levi rebranded after the original Buzin line was phased out.
Types and Series
Buzin produced various lines, including:
- Sapphire Series – hybrid finishes, sandblasted/brilliant, available as crash/rides, praised for controlled sound
- Hybrid Dark Crashes – thin, low-profile crashes with a dual handmade finish produced in its later years (2015–2017), considered part of the final Buzin batches
- Vintage A Class Hi-Hats – hand-selected cymbals from the Masterworks “Jazz Master” line, reflecting meticulous curation for tone and character
Legacy and Quality
Although initially a niche or private-label brand, Buzin cymbals earned a reputation for high-quality Turkish craftsmanship. Drummers praised them for sound quality, responsiveness, and the “handmade” feel.
They are comparable in quality to Masterworks and, later, early Soultone cymbals, often distinguished by their unique tonal personality rather than brand recognition.
Collectibility and Market Availability
Buzin cymbals are rarer in the market today because production ceased after transitioning to Soultone, making vintage Buzin pieces collectible. Some are sold on Reverb or specialty drum shops, with examples ranging from crash/rides, hi-hats, and rare series like the Sapphire.
They are considered a good value for drummers who appreciate handmade Turkish cymbals without paying premium rates for big-brand vintage pieces.
