AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Istanbul Mehmet 19" Ride Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Mehmet 19" Sultan Medium Ride Cymbal ($401). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Istanbul Mehmet 19" Sultan Medium Ride Cymbal
19" Medium Ride Sultan Series · Istanbul Mehmet
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19 inch medium ride is part of the Sultan series, which blends Traditional and Turk cymbal sounds. You get a dry, dark tone with great stick definition and controlled overtones. It suits you if you want a ride that keeps each stick hit distinct and focused.
Pros
- Sultan series combines the Traditional and Turk cymbal sound traits
- Brilliant qualities of Traditional cymbals with the dry, woody sound of unlathed Turk cymbals
- Great stick definition for clear articulation on every hit
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Turk Jazz Ride Cymbal w/ Rivets
19" Jazz Ride Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This is a 19-inch jazz ride from the Turk Series. It is lighter and has a lower bell, so you get a darker, faded sound with a dry, compact feel. If you play rock or jazz and want a ride with plenty of low overtones, this one suits that job well.
Pros
- Turk Series jazz ride, built for a dry, compact sound
- Lighter build than standard ride cymbals
- Lower bell for a darker, faded tone
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
You get a 19" crash ride with a small bell and a dark sound with limited overtones. It suits you if you want a cymbal that stays simple and controlled, especially if you like a vintage-style feel. It is a good pick if you prefer a darker voice over a shimmering one.
Pros
- Small bell gives a focused stick sound
- Dark sound with limited overtones keeps things simple and controlled
- Vintage Crash Ride design works as both a crash and a ride
Cons
- Limited overtones may not suit players wanting a loud, shimmering wash
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$412 · Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This 19 inch ride cymbal has rivets and a natural finish. The maker designed it for jazz and describes its sound as full and warm. If you play jazz and want a ride with rivets, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Specially designed for jazz, according to the manufacturer
- Has rivets along the cymbal, adding to its sizzle character
- Comes in a natural finish
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
If you play jazz, this 19 inch ride is built for you. It has rivets for a sizzle effect and a natural finish. Its dark design is meant for jazz, so you may want something else for louder styles.
Pros
- Dark Ride design made for a dry, focused jazz sound
- Has rivets, which add a sizzle character to the ride
- Natural finish on a 19 inch ride cymbal
Cons
- Its size and design suit jazz more than loud rock stages
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Medium Ride Cymbal
19" Medium Ride Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
You get a 19 inch medium ride cymbal from the Traditional series. It is fully lathed and follows a classic design that has proven itself over the years, from the first jazz drummers and bebop pioneers to heavy metal and newer styles. If you play many different styles and want a ride that responds clearly to your sticks, this one is a good fit.
Pros
- Fully lathed cymbal built on a classic traditional concept
- Clear stick response for a crisp, responsive ride
- Suitable for all musical styles, from early jazz to heavy metal
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
19" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
median of 11 models · 19"–19"
How to choose the best 19" ride cymbals
Hand Hammering & Profile
This isn't machine-stamped. The hand-hammering is evident - you can feel it in the action and hear it in the wash. Istanbul Mehmet's hammering leaves a distinctive profile, often with those signature 'dimples' that contribute to the complex overtones and responsiveness. It's a big part of what separates them from mass-produced cymbals.
B20 Bronze Alloy
Mehmet almost exclusively uses B20 bronze, which is generally considered the gold standard. This alloy gives you a warmer, more complex tone than B8, with more harmonic content. It's more forgiving too - you get more nuance and expression without that harsh, brittle edge you can find with some other alloys.
Sonic Character
These rides aren't just "bright" or "dark." They have a distinct complexity. You'll find a really nice, controlled wash that isn't overwhelming, alongside a bell that has a clear, defined ping - not that dull thud you get with cheaper cymbals. The stick definition is crisp and articulate, without being overly dry or brittle.
Durability & Lathe Work
Istanbul Mehmet's cymbals are built to gig. They're not as fragile as some of the thinner, more fragile boutique options. The lathe work is generally clean and consistent, contributing to the overall sonic character - the unlathed areas really influence the sustain and wash.
Variety of Models
Mehmet offers a range of 19" rides - the Efféctive, the Tradition, the MySound, and more. Each has its own voicing and character. This lets you dial in the exact sound you want, whether you're after a darker, vintage vibe or something more modern and cutting.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're after a 19" ride? Smart move - it's the sweet spot for a lot of genres. If you're looking for something that's got that Turkish heritage vibe, but isn't just another cookie-cutter cymbal, Istanbul Mehmet's 19" rides deserve a serious listen. They're not the cheapest, but they offer a complexity you just don't find everywhere, especially when you want something that cuts through a rock mix but can still whisper in a jazz setting.
Don't expect a budget-buster. Istanbul Mehmet cymbals are an investment, and you're paying for that hand-hammered quality and the unique Turkish sound. Listen to audio samples - they're not all created equal, and the different lines have very different personalities.
If you're just starting out, the Efféctive line is a great entry point; if you're a seasoned pro looking for something special, the Tradition line is worth the splurge.
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 6 19" ride cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 11 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're not the loudest cymbals out there, the clarity and articulation mean they cut through a mix really well. The bell has plenty of projection, and the overall sustain gives them plenty of presence.
How do Istanbul Mehmet cymbals compare to Zildjian?
They have a different sonic signature. Zildjian often leans towards a brighter, more immediate sound, while Mehmet tends to be warmer, more complex, and with more harmonic content. It's a matter of preference, but Mehmet offers a more nuanced and 'organic' feel.
What's the difference between the Efféctive and Tradition lines?
The Efféctive line is a more modern, versatile option, often slightly thinner and brighter. The Tradition line is a more vintage-inspired sound - darker, more complex, and with a more prominent wash. Think of Efféctive as a workhorse, Tradition as a studio secret weapon.
Will these cymbals oxidize?
Not really. Regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner will keep them in good shape. Avoid abrasive cleaners, and be careful not to over-tighten the cymbal sleeve on your stands.
