20" Zildjian K Istanbul 1950s Old Stamp IIb Ride Cymbal 1980g *Video Demo*

For your supreme viewing and listening delight is this vintage 20" K Zildjian Istanbul ride cymbal. This rare beauty has the short-lived Old Stamp II b stamp that was only struck between 1949 to 1950. Like most old Istanbul Ks, it is slightly undersized at 19-5/8". The beautiful old world hammering and lathing show the incredible craftsmanship involved in producing these distinctive instruments. This masterpiece maintains an authoritative woody stick definition with a dry, nuanced warmth that's instantly recognizable as the mark of a truly gifted cymbal smith. The smaller, hand formed bell is full and musical, and is everything one could want from a vintage 20" K bell. Cosmetically, the cymbal is in fabulous condition with some wispy, superficial surface scratches around the bottom edge and no cracks, bends, warping, or keyhole. While it is in an exemplary condition that far exceeds that of the vast majority of Old Stamp K's you will see, it also shows one minuscule closed micro fissure near the hole that is almost not worth mentioning as it is less than an 1/8" long, fully closed, and is very common given the hand forged nature of these cymbals. One cool feature of this cymbal that is rarely seen these days is that it is still sporting the original "Zildjian Made In Turkey" paper tag opposite the cymbal smith's signature. This is a beautiful sounding survivor cymbal that would equally be at home amongst the finest of collections, studios, or stages. Very rarely does an Old Stamp K that sounds this good in this condition become available, so seize the moment! Enjoy!