Welcome to the Virtual Cymbals.com vintage cymbal video library
Over the last few years many vintage cymbals have passed through Virtual Cymbals.com and I try and keep only the plates that I will actually play. These are the examples I've held back for myself, sometimes for pretty random reasons. I use these plates as 'benchmarks' when making the video and audio files here at Virtual Cymbals.com. Links for audio only (.mp3) files can be found below the embedded videos.
Cymbals manufactured in Turkey/Italy
Constantinople Zildjian - Turkey
Manufactured in Turkey up to the early 1940's Connies are the predecessors to Istanbul K's.
16+"Constantinople Turkey from the late 1930's/early 1940's, 776g. Most of these early Connies were manufactured for Symphonic/band use and so tend to be small and heavy. This example is unusual in that it is so light (IMO). The heritage of K Istanbul's is clearly shown in the general morphology and other characteristics of this cymbal.
Manufactured in Turkey between the early 1940's-1979 and generally held to be the jazz standard. I tend to prefer Transitional Stamp Avedis cymbals and so don't keep many Istanbul K's.
22" K Intermediate stamp, 1980g. This is the best 22k that I have ever heard - but hey - you be the judge.
Manufactured in United States starting in the late 1920's-early 1940's, pre-trans stamps represent the earliest cymbals manufactured by Zildjian USA. Like the Constantinople-Turkey examples these Avedis plates were manufactured for Symphonic/band use and so tend to be thick, small, and heavy - larger diameter cymbals (>16") are not common.
18+"Pre-transitional stamp Avedis Zildjian USA, 1650g. This is an amazing and - due to the large diameter - an uncommon cymbal. The morphology and sonic characteristics clearly show the transition to larger 'jazz' oriented cymbals.
Manufactured in United States between the early 1940's - the early 1950's these Avedis cymbals are the pinnacle of cymbal making (IMO). Completely hand shaped and hammered - even the bell - Transitional Stamps represent the highest level of quality, craftmanship, and sound of any vintage cymbal.
22" Avedis Zildjian Transitional Stamp, 2100g. I love this cymbal - what more can I say.
During the mid-late 1950's Zildjian USA begin to use mechanical shaping and hammering to some elements of cymbal production - probably just to the initial shaping of the cymbal?
18" Avedis Zildjian 1950's 1500g Ahhh - the cut-out cymbal, yes, even cracked cymbals can still be useful. This makes a nice, jangly, rock crash/ride.
