Bosphorus cymbals sets the gold standard for what a Turkish cymbal is supposed to be about. As of July 01 we have just started to carry Bos. plates - please stop by for more information soon. At the moment we only have Masters Series cymbals, but more are coming.
Bosphorus Master Series cymbals were designed by jazz great Neal Smith to recreate ‘that sound’ found on classic jazz, blues, and big band recordings. Like all Bos. cymbals the Master Series are completely hand created – no hammering is done by machines. This makes them complex and multi-dimensional with an amazing presence.
Master cymbals mimic the proportions and morphology of vintage K Istanbuls manufactured in Turkey until 1979. The profile is typically slightly flanged starting and the bridge and gently increasing over the width of the bow. This yields a softer stick feel but with more control. The bridges on Bos. Masters tend to be very gradual so that some bell sound is incorporated into the overall wash. The bells tend to be in proportion to the overall diameter of the cymbal – falling closer to a late model K Istanbul. Bosphorus Master cymbals tend to be thin with a softer stick feel. This yields a pronounced wobble that helps transmit sonic vibration and increase the spread of the cymbal.
This vintage morphology translates directly into the Bosphorus Master ‘classic sound’. Master cymbals are characterized by a balanced smoky wash that incorporates a higher pitched sparkle helping the cymbal carry. The Master Series wash stands alone forming a cushion of support that provides context and atmosphere for the stick attack. The stick sound is woody and distinct often incorporating highs from the bell.
The Master Series includes rides, flat rides, and two distinct hi hats perfect for recreating the sound and atmosphere found on jazz, blues, and big band stages and recordings.
