hmm...

that's purely up to you, and the limitations of your gear lust.  tho, i know 563 and myself would have NO trouble making that drive.    

werd

Ive liked the Agops better than the Mehmets actually.   Just a preferance thing, Mehmets are by no means bad.  What I suggest however is that you check for other odd brands in the area.  If youre looking for Mehmets you should look for Agops, Bosphorus, Ufip, Masterwork, etc.  in that area.  Make the most of the drive

Hey Mark[563] and  jokerjkny- while we are on the subject. Which Istanbul line (Mehmet or Agops) have the coolest 'Trad K' sound in your opinion? I want to get a 20" ride and maybe a 17-19" crash/ride, specifically for trio/quartet jazz. What's your opinion on/experience with those? Got some Isties around here in L.A. but can't seem to get the two lines next to each other for an A/B.


TIA

Jim

i'm not exactly an expert on the Old K's.  tho, i have tried an old K 20" ride at Drummers' World, that was the only old K i ever tried, and it wasnt that memorable.

but i've heard if you want an easy, soft, jazzy kinda sound, the Mehmets, especially the Nostalgia and Mel Lewis lines are great.  not too offensive, very little trash, and very musical.

if you want something that's a little more brash, with a bit more of a unique funky color with hints of "trashiness", then the Agop's are for you.  the Traditionals are akin to the Mehmet Nostalgia line.  while the Agop version of the Mel Lewis line are a bit trashier, livelier.

i havent played many in the Mehmet line, but the Mehmet cymbals i've played pretty much fall in line with this thinking, and is the consensus i've gotten from Isti players.  and FYI, i'm mainly an Agop player.