AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Istanbul Mehmet 19" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal ($404). Istanbul Mehmet 19" IMC Dark Crash Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $258. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
19" Paper Thin Crash Tradit. · Istanbul Mehmet
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19in Istanbul Mehmet Tradit crash is a real gem for players who love a delicate, nuanced sound. It’s fantastic for jazz, acoustic music, or anyone wanting a really expressive crash that fades quickly. Just be gentle with it – it’s thin!
Pros
- Exceptional responsiveness for nuanced, expressive playing.
- B20 bronze delivers a warm, complex, and musical tone.
- Paper-thin design facilitates a remarkably fast, natural decay.
Cons
- Extremely thin profile demands careful handling to prevent damage.
- Limited projection makes it unsuitable for very loud, high-energy settings.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
19" Thin Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19in Istanbul Mehmet Thin Crash Traditional is a fantastic choice for drummers seeking a quick, expressive crash. It's perfect for jazz, acoustic, or anyone wanting a vintage-flavored crash that doesn't overpower a kit – it's got that classic Turkish warmth and responsiveness that’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Hand-hammered Turkish bronze delivers a complex, shimmering wash.
- Thin profile facilitates incredibly fast response and decay.
- Regular finish offers a balanced sonic character, versatile across genres.
Cons
- Thinness makes it susceptible to cracking with aggressive playing.
- Regular finish may develop patina faster than brighter finishes.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This Black Bell crash is a real gem – it's got that deep, smoky wash you crave, but with a surprisingly articulate bell. It's perfect for players in jazz, fusion, or anyone looking to add a touch of vintage vibe without sacrificing projection. A great choice for drummers seeking a darker, more nuanced crash sound.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, wash with surprising projection for its size
- Untreated bell delivers a focused, musical fundamental
- B20 bronze provides warmth and complex overtones
Cons
- The dark sound might be too subdued for brighter genres
- Untreated bell can be sensitive to stick choice and technique
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Medium Crash Cymbal
19" Medium Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19in Istanbul Mehmet Medium Crash is a beautifully crafted cymbal, offering a vintage vibe with a responsive feel. It’s a fantastic choice for players seeking a classic, articulate crash for jazz, blues, or lighter rock styles – those looking for a warm, musical sound will be very happy.
Pros
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a complex, nuanced wash and stick definition.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, full tone with a pleasing dark shimmer.
- The medium weight provides a responsive feel without being overly brittle.
Cons
- The relatively thin profile might not hold up to aggressive, heavy hitting.
- Traditional finish can be prone to oxidation and requires occasional maintenance.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$404 · Aug 17$393 now$393€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" IMC Dark Crash Cymbal
19" Crash IMC Natural · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
The Istanbul Mehmet IMC Natural 19in crash is a really solid choice if you're looking for a warm, musical crash without spending a fortune. It's got a lovely, organic feel and a tone that sits nicely in a mix – perfect for acoustic players, jazz, or anyone who prefers a less aggressive crash.
Pros
- IMC series offers a surprisingly musical and responsive feel for the price.
- B20 bronze alloy provides a warm, complex tone with good sustain.
- Natural finish enhances the cymbal's inherent resonance and projection.
Cons
- Natural finish can be prone to finger marks and requires more frequent cleaning.
- Sound leans towards a darker, more mellow character; not ideal for bright, cutting styles.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$258 now$258€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Dark Crash Cymbal
19" Dark Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19in Dark Crash is a real gem for players seeking a sophisticated, controlled crash. It's perfect for jazz, orchestral, or any genre where a dark, nuanced sound is desired, offering a lovely blend of clarity and warmth without being overly splashy.
Pros
- Hand-hammered bronze delivers complex, nuanced overtones.
- The 'deep dry root' provides a controlled, dark wash without excessive sustain.
- Regular design offers a balanced response suitable for various playing styles.
Cons
- The dark, dry sound might be too muted for brighter musical genres.
- 19in size limits low-end projection compared to larger crashes.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Heavy Crash Cymbal
19" Heavy Crash Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19 inch Heavy Crash from Istanbul Mehmet’s Traditional series is a real workhorse. It delivers a powerful, defined crash with a lovely dark undertone – perfect for rock, metal, and heavier genres needing a solid presence without overwhelming the mix. If you appreciate a hand-hammered, vintage-inspired sound, this is a great choice.
Pros
- Rich, complex overtones without excessive wash, a hallmark of Turkish bronze.
- Solid, dark undertones provide a controlled, powerful crash.
- Regular finish retains a natural, unlacquered aesthetic and sound.
Cons
- The 'dry' character might be too subdued for brighter, more modern styles.
- Its heavier weight could be fatiguing for drummers with a lighter touch.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
19" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 109 models we track, not a sample.
median of 109 models · 19"–19"
How to choose the best 19" crash cymbals
Hammering & Lathing
Istanbul Mehmet's hand-hammering isn't just for show. It's a core part of their tonal recipe, creating complex overtones and a more responsive action. You feel the cymbal 'breathe' more, reacting to subtle nuances in your playing.
Turkish Bronze Alloy (B20)
They primarily use B20 bronze, but the specific alloy recipe and hammering techniques create a unique sonic fingerprint. It tends to have a darker, more complex character than some of the brighter, more aggressively-voiced B20s you'll find elsewhere.
Wash vs. Cut
These 19" crashes generally offer a really good balance. They've got enough wash to create a nice, enveloping sound, but they cut through the mix surprisingly well - especially the models with more bell. This makes them incredibly adaptable across genres.
Sustain & Decay
Expect a medium sustain - not the endless drone of a larger crash, but enough to create a statement. The decay isn't abrupt; it rolls off smoothly, leaving a warm, resonant tail. It's the kind of decay that sits well in a recording without needing excessive EQ.
Series Variation (Vintage, Masters, Byzance)
Each series (Vintage, Masters, Byzance) offers a distinct voicing. Vintage leans towards a more raw, vintage feel; Masters are more focused and articulate; Byzance are often the most refined and versatile.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 19" crashes. You're probably looking for something versatile - not too huge, but with enough meat to cut through a rock band or add shimmer to a jazz gig. Istanbul Mehmet's 19" crashes have carved a serious niche for themselves, and for good reason: they offer a unique blend of Turkish tradition and modern voicing that's hard to ignore. If you're tired of the same generic, bright, clangy sound, keep reading.
Don't expect a super-cheap Istanbul Mehmet. They're hand-made, and the price reflects that. The Vintage series will give you the most 'old school' character, but can be a bit less consistent.
The Byzance series is probably the safest bet for most players seeking a versatile, well-balanced crash. Listen to sound samples, and ideally, try them in person - cymbals are incredibly subjective.
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 7 19" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 109 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?
Absolutely. While they aren't the loudest, the focused articulation and good cut mean they'll definitely be heard. It's not about sheer volume; it's about presence and clarity.
What's the difference between a Byzance and a Vintage crash?
Byzance generally have a more refined, polished sound - less raw, more controlled. Vintage models embrace a more vintage aesthetic and often have a slightly more complex, sometimes uneven, character. Vintage are more prone to unique imperfections.
Do I need to protect my Istanbul Mehmet cymbals?
Like any quality cymbal, yes. A good bag or padded case is essential to prevent scratches and dents. A cymbal bag is an investment that pays off.
Can I use these for recording?
Absolutely. Their complex overtones and smooth decay make them incredibly versatile for recording - you can capture a wide range of sounds without needing to heavily process them.
Are they worth the price?
If you're looking for a cymbal with a unique character and a quality build that will last, then yes. They offer a different vibe than the mainstream brands, and that's a valuable thing.
