AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Istanbul Mehmet 20" Ride Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Mehmet 20" IMC Bronze Ride Cymbal ($321). Istanbul Mehmet 20" Nostalgia 70s Ride Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Istanbul Mehmet 20" IMC Bronze Ride Cymbal
20" Ride IMC Natural · Istanbul Mehmet
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Istanbul Mehmet IMC 20" Natural Ride is a fantastic option for players seeking a warm, articulate ride cymbal without the premium price tag. It’s a great all-around choice, particularly well-suited for jazz, acoustic, and lighter rock styles where a dark, musical sound is desired. This is a workhorse ride that will deliver consistent performance.
Pros
- IMC series utilizes B20 bronze for a warm, complex, and musical tone.
- Natural finish retains the bronze's character, offering a more organic sound.
- 20" size provides a balanced wash and clear stick definition for diverse styles.
Cons
- The natural finish can be prone to oxidation and requires occasional maintenance.
- IMC series is not as bright or cutting as some other Mehmet lines.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$321 now$321€285 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Traditional Series Original Ride Cymbal
20" Original Ride Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Istanbul Mehmet Original Ride is a real gem – a beautifully crafted cymbal with a warm, vintage tone that’s perfect for jazz, blues, classic rock, and anything needing a touch of class. It’s got that hand-hammered responsiveness that makes it a joy to play, and the B20 bronze delivers a lovely complexity. If you want a traditional ride with a great feel and a gorgeous sound, this is a strong contender.
Pros
- Warm, complex wash provides a beautifully musical foundation.
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a responsive, lively feel.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a classic, vintage-inspired tone.
Cons
- The lower volume performance can feel a bit ‘waspish’ to some.
- Its versatility, while broad, isn't ideal for very modern, electronic genres.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Traditional Series Medium Ride Cymbal
20" Medium Ride Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Istanbul Mehmet Traditional ride is a real gem – it’s got that classic, smoky tone that’s perfect for jazz, blues, and vintage rock. It’s incredibly responsive and feels fantastic under the sticks, making it a joy to play. If you’re chasing a more vintage vibe and don’t need a super-bright, modern sound, this is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Warm, dark tone with surprising projection for a 20 in ride
- Hand-hammered lathing provides complex overtones and shimmer
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a vintage, responsive feel
Cons
- Can lack the cutting high-end needed for very modern, bright genres
- The Traditional series finish may require more frequent cleaning
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$449 now$449€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Nostalgia 50s Ride Cymbal
20" Nostalgia 50's Ride · Istanbul Mehmet
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Nostalgia 50's ride is a real gem if you're chasing that classic, smoky cymbal vibe. It’s got a beautiful warmth and a surprising amount of articulation for a darker ride – perfect for jazz, blues, or anyone wanting a vintage feel without being overly splashy. It’s a focused sound, so be sure that’s what you're after.
Pros
- Warm, vintage-inspired wash with a surprisingly clear stick definition
- Larger bell provides a pronounced, musical projection
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a complex, shimmering undertone
Cons
- Smaller size limits its wash and overall volume potential
- Darker sound may not suit brighter musical styles or players
54AudioFu
Index↓ 2.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$483 · Aug 17$472 now$472€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Origin Dark Ride Cymbal
20" Ride Origin Dark Series · Istanbul Mehmet
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Istanbul Mehmet Origin Dark 20in ride is a fantastic choice for players seeking a warm, controlled ride cymbal. It’s perfect for jazz, acoustic, and lighter rock styles where you want a sophisticated, nuanced sound without excessive volume or a piercing bell. It's a solid, reliable ride at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Warm, dark wash provides a beautifully musical and controllable sound.
- The smaller bell delivers a focused, articulate ping without being overpowering.
- Hand-hammered construction ensures nuanced dynamics and complex overtones.
Cons
- The dark sound might lack the bright shimmer preferred by some genres.
- Smaller size limits projection and volume for larger ensembles.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$438 now$438€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Samatya Ride Cymbal
20" Ride Samatya Series · Istanbul Mehmet
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Samatya 20' ride is a solid choice for drummers needing a modern, responsive ride. Its bright, clear tone cuts through mixes beautifully, making it ideal for pop, rock, and lighter funk styles. It's a well-built cymbal offering a lot of value for the price point.
Pros
- Bright, articulate stick definition thanks to the B20 bronze alloy.
- Quick response and clear wash make it surprisingly versatile.
- The brilliant finish offers a visually striking, professional aesthetic.
Cons
- The sound leans towards bright; might not suit darker, vintage tones.
- The thinner profile means it's more prone to cracking with aggressive playing.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$467 now$467€415 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 20" MC Jazz Ride Cymbal
20" Ride MC Jazz Series · Istanbul Mehmet
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Istanbul Mehmet MC Jazz ride is a beautifully crafted cymbal, perfect for jazz drummers seeking a warm, nuanced sound. Its thin profile and hand-hammered lathing give it a sensitive response and a lovely, complex wash – it's a real gem for those who prioritize feel and tone over sheer volume.
Pros
- Warm, dark tone ideal for subtle jazz voicings
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex overtones
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a classic, refined shimmer
Cons
- Limited versatility outside of jazz and quieter genres
- Thinness may make it less durable for aggressive playing
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$467 now$467€415 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Nostalgia 70s Ride Cymbal
20" Nostalgia 70's Ride · Istanbul Mehmet
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Nostalgia 70's Ride is a real gem for drummers chasing that classic Turkish sound. It’s got a gorgeous, warm wash and a dark stick attack that cuts through the mix without being overly bright. Ideal for jazz, blues, and vintage rock players who want a unique, expressive ride.
Pros
- Warm, complex wash evokes vintage Turkish cymbals beautifully
- Dark stick definition provides clarity and cut
- Hand-hammered lathing creates unique sonic character
Cons
- Limited versatility; excels in vintage styles, less suited for modern genres
- Can be a bit loud for quieter, more nuanced playing situations
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$517 now$517€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This Sizzle Flat Ride is a real gem for players wanting something a bit different. The dry stick sound combined with that unique sizzle creates a really interesting wash – perfect for jazz, fusion, or even adding some texture to rock. It's responsive and expressive, but be mindful of its thinner weight if you're a heavy hitter.
Pros
- The 'Sizzle' effect provides a unique, shimmering wash beyond typical ride sounds.
- Hand-hammered Tradition series construction delivers exceptional complexity and character.
- The relatively thin weight offers a responsive, articulate feel for nuanced playing.
Cons
- The 'Sizzle' can be overly prominent in very bright or heavily miked recordings.
- The thinner profile might not hold up as well to aggressive playing styles.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$467 now$467€415 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Black Sea 1623 is a beautifully crafted ride that nails that vintage Turkish cymbal vibe. It’s perfect for players seeking a darker, more controlled sound—think jazz, neo-soul, or even atmospheric rock—where you want to hear the stick without overwhelming the mix. Mehmet’s attention to detail really shines here.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, dry articulation thanks to hand-hammering.
- B20 bronze provides a complex, shimmering undertone.
- Well-defined stick definition, cuts through dense mixes.
Cons
- The dark, dry sound isn't ideal for brighter, more splashy genres.
- Can feel slightly heavy for extended playing sessions.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$472 now$472€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 14 20" ride cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Istanbul Mehmet 20" 61st Vintage Sizzle RideIstanbul Mehmet52Stable$505€449$505€449Check ↗
- 12
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Nostalgia 50's Sizzle RideIstanbul Mehmet52Stable$517€459$517€459Check ↗
- 13
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Turk Medium Ride Cymbal20" Medium Ride Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet50Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 14
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Turk Jazz Ride Cymbal20" Jazz Ride Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet50Stable$438€389$438€389Check ↗
20" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 146 models we track, not a sample.
Median $467 — half of all 20" ride cymbals here cost less.
median of 146 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" ride cymbals
Hammering & Lathing
Istanbul Mehmet's hammering isn't just for looks; it's deep and complex, creating a really responsive cymbal with a surprising amount of stick definition. This isn't a shallow hammering that just adds shimmer - it's shaping the fundamental tone. You'll notice a quicker action and more nuanced wash.
Turkish Bronze Alloy (B20)
They consistently use B20 bronze, but their process is different. It's not just about the alloy; it's how they work it. This results in a darker, more complex tone than many other B20 cymbals - less brittle, more organic. It's a subtle difference, but it adds a lot of warmth.
Wash & Stick Definition
This is where they really shine. You get a controllable wash - not a runaway, muddy thing - and the stick definition is crisp without being harsh. It cuts through a mix without being aggressively bright, making it great for a wide range of genres. The bell has a nice, focused 'ping' without being overly dry.
Sound Character
Expect a darker, more vintage-inspired tone. It's not a bright, modern sound; it's got that warm, almost smoky quality that's hard to find in newer cymbals. They often have a subtle complexity - a kind of 'honk' in the midrange that adds a lot of character and responsiveness.
Build Quality & Consistency
Istanbul Mehmet's build quality is superb. They are consistently well-latted, evenly hammered, and free from major flaws. The cymbal's weight is distributed evenly, which contributes to its responsiveness and overall musicality - a sign of careful craftsmanship.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Istanbul Mehmet 20" rides. You're at that point where you need a ride that's not a clang, not a splash, but something that sits right in the pocket - versatile enough for jazz, usable in a rock band, and won't bury you in a busy mix. Istanbul Mehmet has been quietly building a reputation for seriously musical cymbals, drawing on centuries of Turkish cymbal-making tradition, and their 20" rides are often overlooked but deliver a ton of character. They're not the flashiest brand, but they're the kind of cymbal players reach for when they want something that feels right.
Don't expect a bright, glassy sound. These are darker, more complex cymbals, and if you're chasing that super-shiny, modern tone, you'll be disappointed. Pay attention to the specific series - the Vintage series will be darker and more complex than the Masters series.
Also, remember that Turkish cymbals often require a bit of break-in time to really open up - don't judge them on the first few hits.
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 14 20" ride cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 146 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?
They can be! While they're not the loudest, the focused stick definition and controlled wash allow them to cut through a rock mix, especially if you're not playing full blast all the time. It's more about musicality than sheer volume.
How do Istanbul Mehmet cymbals compare to Zildjian?
Zildjian often leans towards brighter, more aggressive tones. Istanbul Mehmet offers a warmer, more nuanced alternative. It's a tonal preference thing - Zildjian for aggressive rock, Istanbul Mehmet for a broader range of styles where subtlety matters.
What's the difference between the Vintage and Masters series?
The Vintage series is generally darker and more complex, with more extensive hammering. The Masters series tends to be slightly brighter and more focused, but still retains that signature Istanbul Mehmet warmth.
Do I need to season Istanbul Mehmet cymbals?
Yes, like most hand-hammered cymbals, they'll benefit from being played in. The initial stick sound will change and mellow out over time, revealing more of their full tonal character.
Are they worth the price?
If you're looking for a cymbal with a unique voice, excellent build quality, and a more organic feel than the mainstream brands, absolutely. They're an investment, but they deliver a sound and feel that's hard to replicate.
