AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Istanbul Mehmet 17" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Mehmet 17" Samatya Crash Cymbal ($323). Istanbul Mehmet 17" Crash IMC Natural gives you the most for the money at $222. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Istanbul Mehmet 17" Samatya Crash Cymbal
17" Crash Samatya Series · Istanbul Mehmet
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
The Samatya 17 in crash is a really solid choice for modern pop, rock, and lighter jazz styles. It cuts through the mix nicely without being overly aggressive, and the hammering gives it a really responsive feel. It’s a great all-around crash for drummers wanting a bright, musical sound without spending a fortune.
Pros
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex, and musical wash.
- Samatya hammering creates a focused, articulate, and relatively quick response.
- Brilliant finish enhances projection and offers a clean, modern aesthetic.
Cons
- Might be too bright for players seeking a darker, vintage crash tone.
- Samatya series, while versatile, isn’t ideal for extremely heavy metal applications.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$323 now$323€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
The Istanbul Mehmet IMC Natural 17 in crash is a fantastic entry point into higher-quality cymbals. It’s got a lovely, musical tone with a responsive feel, making it great for intermediate players or anyone wanting a versatile, warm crash without spending a fortune.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers warm, complex overtones and sustain
- IMC series offers excellent value without sacrificing quality
- Natural finish provides a responsive, lively playing feel
Cons
- Natural finish can be prone to oxidation and requires more care
- 17 in size might lack projection for louder ensemble settings
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
This 17-inch crash has a traditional look and uses B20 bronze for a solid tone. The untreated bell keeps the sound pure and bright. It fits well on large kits but lacks listed weight details.
Pros
- Traditional finish looks classic on any stage.
- B20 Bronze alloy offers a solid, warm tone.
- Untreated bell provides a pure, clear ringing sound.
Cons
- No specific sound character described in text.
- Weight is not listed in the provided info.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$323 now$323€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 17" Traditional Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
17" Thin Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This 17 in Istanbul Mehmet Thin Crash is a fantastic choice for players seeking a vintage-inspired crash with a really quick, responsive feel. It's ideal for jazz, acoustic, and lighter styles where you need a delicate wash and immediate articulation; it's a really nice, expressive cymbal.
Pros
- Hand-hammered Turkish bronze delivers a warm, complex tonal character.
- Thin profile provides exceptionally quick response and short sustain.
- Fully lathed surface promotes even cymbal vibration and clear wash.
Cons
- The thinness makes it less durable than heavier crash models.
- Lacks the projection needed for very loud, modern rock/metal styles.
50AudioFu
Index↓ 3.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$301 · Aug 17$289 now$289€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 17" Turk Crash Cymbal
17" Crash Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This Istanbul Mehmet Turk 17 in crash is a fantastic choice for rock, jazz, and any genre needing a controlled, articulate crash. It cuts through the mix beautifully without being overpowering, offering a refined and musical response. If you’re looking for a crash that’s responsive and doesn't wash out other instruments, this is a solid pick.
Pros
- The untreated surface delivers a remarkably dry and focused crash sound.
- Turk series bronze creates complex overtones without excessive wash.
- Compact size makes it ideal for smaller kits or tighter spaces.
Cons
- Limited versatility; not ideal for orchestral or very bright musical styles.
- Dry sound might be too muted for drummers seeking a shimmering crash.
50AudioFu
Index↓ 3.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$312 · Aug 17$301 now$301€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 17" Traditional Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
17" Paper Thin Crash Tradit. · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This 17 in Istanbul Mehmet Paper Thin Crash is a beautiful, sensitive cymbal perfect for jazz, acoustic, and lighter genres where subtlety is key. The thinness and lathing create a really gorgeous, shimmering wash, but be aware it's not built for heavy hitters. It’s a real gem for drummers seeking that vintage vibe and nuanced expression.
Pros
- Extremely responsive, fast decay ideal for delicate musical passages.
- Fully lathed construction yields a complex, nuanced wash and articulation.
- Traditional series offers a vintage, open sound characteristic of classic jazz.
Cons
- Paper-thin construction makes it fragile and susceptible to cracking.
- Limited projection; not suited for louder, more aggressive musical styles.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$289 now$289€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 17" Traditional Series Medium Crash Cymbal
17" Medium Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This Istanbul Mehmet 17 in Medium Crash is a seriously versatile cymbal, especially great for players seeking a vintage vibe without sacrificing modern responsiveness. It’s got a lovely warmth and complexity that sits beautifully in a mix, making it ideal for jazz, blues, and even lighter rock applications. The hand-lathing really shines through, giving it a unique feel and sound.
Pros
- Hand-lathing creates a uniquely responsive, musical wash.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex overtone profile.
- Medium weight provides a balance of projection and control.
Cons
- The medium weight might lack substantial projection for louder genres.
- Lathing can be slightly inconsistent across different cymbals.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$296 now$296€265 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 17" Traditional Series Dark Crash Cymbal
17" Dark Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
This 17 in Dark Crash from Istanbul Mehmet’s Traditional series is a really solid choice if you’re after a controlled, articulate crash. It’s fantastic for players who need a cymbal that cuts through a mix without being overly splashy – think jazz, funk, or even a more nuanced rock setup. The fully lathed construction gives it a really unique feel and a surprisingly complex sonic character.
Pros
- Fully lathed surface provides consistent stick response and complex overtones.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a darker, more controlled sound than typical cymbals.
- Quick response makes it ideal for fast passages and intricate rhythms.
Cons
- The dry tone might lack projection for louder, more aggressive genres.
- Lathing process can make the cymbal slightly more susceptible to cracking.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$301 now$301€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
17" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 100 models we track, not a sample.
Median $301 — half of all 17" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 100 models · 17"–17"
How to choose the best 17" crash cymbals
Hand Hammering
Istanbul Mehmet's traditional hammering techniques are a huge part of their sound. It's not just for looks; the hammering creates micro-variations in the cymbal's surface, leading to a more complex and nuanced wash and articulation. You'll hear the difference in the decay - it's less "thud" and more "bloom."
B20 Bronze Alloy
Most of their 17" crashes are B20 bronze, which gives them a warmer, more complex tone than B8. B20 offers a richer low-end and more harmonic content - that's what gives them that "vintage" feel, even in their newer models. It's a step up in sonic complexity.
Variable Bell Sizes
Mehmet isn't afraid to vary bell sizes across their lines. This subtly alters the cymbal's character - a larger bell will push more volume and higher frequencies, while a smaller bell will have a more controlled, focused sound. It's a small detail that makes a big difference.
Lighter Weighting
Istanbul Mehmet 17" crashes generally err on the lighter side, which is what makes them responsive to quieter playing. You get a lot of dynamic range - from a whisper-quiet brush stroke to a full-on crash that cuts through a wall of guitars. They're not built for pounding, though; they'll warp if you treat them like a trash can lid.
Finish Options
From Brilliant to Dark, their finish options significantly impact the sound. Brighter finishes emphasize the higher frequencies, giving you a more cutting, articulate sound. Darker finishes mellow the highs and enhance the warmth and low-end - great for a more vintage, blended tone.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a 17" crash? It's a sweet spot - big enough to cut through a rock band, but small enough to be manageable in a jazz setting. Istanbul Mehmet has been quietly building some of the best sounding cymbals out there for decades, and their 17" crashes are no exception. Let's dive into what makes them tick and whether one of these should be your next splashy addition.
Don't expect a super-cheap Istanbul Mehmet. These are hand-crafted instruments, and you pay for that. Be mindful of the finish - a darker finish will be quieter and warmer, while a brighter one will be more cutting.
And treat them right - these aren't indestructible. A cymbal bag is a must for gigging.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 8 17" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 100 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Istanbul Mehmet cymbals loud enough for a rock band?
Generally, yes, especially if you choose a Brilliant finish or a model with a larger bell. However, they're not known for sheer volume; they prioritize complexity and musicality over pure loudness. If you're playing in a super-heavy band, you might want to layer them with something brighter.
How do Istanbul Mehmet 17" crashes compare to Zildjian A's?
Zildjian A's are often brighter and more focused, while Mehmet's tend to be warmer and more complex. It's a matter of preference - A's are a classic choice for a reason, but Mehmet's offer a more nuanced and vintage-inspired tone.
What's the difference between the Mastersound and Vintage series?
Mastersound is their more modern line, often with a more consistent and predictable sound. Vintage is closer to their traditional, hand-hammered style, with more variation and character - expect more imperfections and a more 'organic' feel.
Can I use these for recording?
Absolutely. Their complexity and dynamic range make them fantastic for recording, especially if you're looking for a vintage or more nuanced cymbal sound. Experiment with mic placement to capture their full character.
How do I care for my Istanbul Mehmet crash?
Keep them clean! Regular wiping with a cymbal cleaner will prevent buildup and preserve their sound. Avoid hitting them directly on the bell and always use a proper cymbal bag for transport.
