Best Musical Instrument Co., Inc. | 1716 Broadway | Oakland, CA | 94612 | 800-821-3557 | 510-832-2024 | Fax: 510-832-3570

 

 

Cymbals

Bosphorus Masters
Bosphorus Traditional
Bosphorus Turk
Bosphorus Artist
Bosphorus Antique
Rockwood


The Masters Series: First, like all Bosphorus cymbals, they are completely hand made from the casting process through the final hammering (not one hammer mark is made by a machine). Second, the alloy is from an ancient formula passed down by first generation cymbal smiths which give these instruments a soft, "played-in" feel. Finally, these cymbals are much thinner than today's heavier weighted cymbals. Simply put, today's medium weight is much heavier than a medium weight cymbal in 1950. Another testimony to their weight is the characteristic "ripple" made by the cymbal's edge when played. The Masters 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.

These instruments reflect the famous history of Turkish cymbal making at its finest. They also represent the widest collection of sounds in the Bosphorus catalog. Cymbals from this series are diverse enough to be used in delicate symphonic situations and aggressive enough to be played in arena rock concerts. Their sounds can range from dark, delicate, and complex to bright, sharp, and penetrating. Regardless of their setting, these cymbals will inspire the player to maximize his creative output and further expand his musical endeavors. The Traditional Series prides itself on allowing the performer to customize his cymbal setup with a generous selections of different models, sizes, and weights. Find your voice, then customize it. Give us a call to find out which models we have in stock as our stock tends to change weekly.

Visually striking and aurally awesome the Turk Series is characterized by its dry, earthy sound and controlled array of overtones. The unlathed body of the cymbal also makes a nice visual contrast to the shiny, polished surface regularly found on traditionally lathed cymbals. This series speaks with an attitude and can be used as a primary voice or an augmentation in an existing setup--the possibilities are unlimited. Heavier models are raw with plenty of volume and are suitable for much of today's modern music. Lighter models are exotic, dry and very easy to control. They can be an integral part of acoustic music and lightly amplified situations. Eight Turk rides are available as well as six different hi hat choices. Give us a call to find out which models we have in stock as our stock tends to change weekly.

Developed for Bosphorus by award winning drummer Jeff Hamilton, The “Hammer Series” of Cymbals will draw players yearning for a unique flavor not found on the market today. Jeff brings a refreshing perspective to the design table, along with two of the most respected ears in the drumming community to create a set of cymbals synonymous with the sound he has become associated throughout his career. Jeff also joins Bosphorus Cymbals as a performing artist as well as a clinician. Available on a limited basis this series of cymbals is sure to be an instant hit with drummers ‘round the world. Hammer Series- developed by jazz great Jeff Hamilton, this series includes rides with rivets (or without) and a pair of lightweight hi hats. Versa Series- developed by Ignacio Berroa for Latin, Jazz, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban genre in mind.

The Antique Series marries the two lathing patterns found on the Traditional Series and the Turk Series to provide the performer with the brilliance of a classic, lathed cymbal and the dryness of a raw, unlathed cymbal. The top side of the cymbal features an unlathed bell and a narrow strip of unlathed cymbal approximately half way between the bell and the edge. The bottom side of the cymbal is completely lathed. The rides express themselves with strong definition and ample but controlled overtones. The partial lathing the crashes a slightly mellowed tone with quick decay. Adventurous best describes the overall character of this series. Artists willing to experiment and take chances will love the many textures available from theses cymbals.

 

Rockwood

Evoking the spirit of the Crescent City, the Bosphorus New Orleans Series feels as good on a jazz kit as it does with a contemporary setup. Great also for funk and fusion and some rock applications. Bosphorus New Orleans cymbals are completely hand hammered in the traditional manner, then wide-lathed on top and bottom in a continuous spiral from bell to outer edge.

Designed by Grammy award winning drummer Ignacio Berroa, this series adds a touch of salsa to our palate of sounds. Jazz legend Dizzy Gillepsie best defined Ignacio as "...the only Latin drummer in the world, in the history of American Music, that knows both worlds; his native Afro-Cuban as well as Jazz...". The half-lathed ride offers two playing surfaces. The buffed flat ride is shimmering magic. An 18" crash and 14" hats complete his setup. As the name Versa implies, this series is designed to be as versatile as "Iggy" himself.

Handmade cymbals with a modern sound...bright, crisp and clean without sounding harsh or brittle. The Gold series fuses the "old world" warmth of handmade cymbals with the cutting power, projection, and durability desired by drummers playing in contemporary settings. Each Gold Series cymbal is hand hammered, then buffed to a brilliant finish. The weights of the Gold Series rides offer maximum response with plenty of projection. The crashes are explosive and cutting, yet warm. The hats offer a clear powerful chick sound with a bright splash. The Gold Series is a must for any musical situation where powerful focused cymbals are required.

Bosphorus worked for two years with Stanton on the development of his signature series cymbals. The results capture the funky, earthy quality of Stanton's trademark sound. The tops are traditionally lathed with warm tonal grooves, while the bottoms are lathed with the distinctive wider ridges associated with the Bosphorus New Orleans series. The sound is 100% Stanton--raw, and aggressive, but always musical and extremely funky. The rides have great warmth, but plenty of stick definition. The hats are dark, but can really cut. The Trash Crash features uneven wobbly edges and deeply hammered pockets on the playing surface. The sound is trashy, as the name implies, but warm enough to ride on. The Pang Thang has flanged edges for piercing crashes with plenty of low end wash.

 

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Start Here.

Go Anywhere. Don't let price stand between you and a sensational sounding set of cymbals. Revolutionary new manufacturing techniques developed by the Zildjian Sound Lab release a fast, bright, high-volume sound from the power-packed ZBT alloy. They make an ideal first set of Zildjians for any school marching and concert band.

Superior Sheet Bronze Cymbals. The ZXT series offers more distinct models than any previous Zildjian sheet bronze selection. Each reflects unique lathing lines and distinctive hammering patterns designed to accentuate their sound properties. They look different because they sound different, because they are different. But the bright, powerful voice they share – the ZXT alloy- is as mighty as any Zildjian.

ZHT Ultimate Sheet Bronze Cymbals. 88% Copper, 12% Tin. Zildjian’s first-ever B12 alloy results in our most musical Sheet Bronze series yet. A higher tin content, ultra-modern crafting techniques, and extensive hammering have created a more musical sound than previously found in a Zildjian Sheet Bronze cymbal. ZHT is the only Zildjian Sheet Bronze series in a traditional finish and features popular Zildjian Cast Bronze models

Louder is Better. Z Customs can handle the pressure of driving, heavy music while delivering a bright, penetrating cymbal voice. As Hard Rock music has mutated into countless new forms, Z Customs have kept pace. They’re now better than ever, with state-of-the-art hammering, an exciting new look and enhanced sound. Z Customs walk the fine line between volume and musicality for drummers who do the same.

These are the cymbals that launched a million drum solos and shaped musical history. A Zildjians are the world’s most popular and versatile cymbals, and for good reason. Splashes, Crashes, Rides, HiHats or Effects, they all explode with a spectrum of tonal colors and excel in any musical setting. They’re extremely sensitive to your particular touch and style, yet capable of producing as much volume as your music demands.

 

K Zildjian
Zildjian K Custom
Zildjian K Constantinople

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Steeped in legend. Carriers of the Zildjian legacy. K Zildjians were the original cast cymbals developed by Kerope Zildjian (hence the K) in 19th century Turkey. When the company established itself in the U.S. in 1929 at the start of the Great Depression, the times were tough but the music was swinging. It was the dawn of jazz and the modern music era and K Zildjians immediately began finding favor with the musicians who were developing the diverse forms and new sounds of this American genre.

The cool thing about the new K Zildjians is that they have a clarity and projection that makes them ideal for all kinds of music, not just jazz. The hi-hats have a great wash and an articulate, but not overstated chick sound. The crash is dark, rich, yet warm, and the crash doesn’t get at all muddied. The ride has a subdued ping that is not too bright and has a lot of substance. In all, these are cymbals that live up beautifully to the Zildjian name and the K legend. Whether you play jazz, rock, country, or blues, they’ll do you just fine.

The Modern Jazz Voice. This is where the Zildjian Sound Lab goes into innovation overdrive. K Customs arm you with a collection of modern K voices like no other. In this range you’ll find sounds that set the standard for modern cymbal design. Whether it’s the warm shimmering tones of a Ride cymbal, or the complex sizzle of a pair of HiHats, these cymbals all create a uniquely beautiful sound. K Customs enable drummers to vary their K sounds to meet the demands of contemporary music.

K Custom is a complete cymbal line apart from the 'K' product line. From hi hats, crashes, chinas, and ride cymbals and even signature cymbals, K customs are regarded as an industry leader in cymbal technology. K Customs are not just for the jazz players. Everything from dark and dry, unlathed and polished, to lathed and hand hammered, there is a K Custom cymbal design suited for any player in any genre.

Celebrating its 380th anniversary, Zildjian has traveled back in time to its roots in Constantinople to revive sounds sought after by jazz enthusiasts for decades. Making their debut at the Summer NAMM show in Nashville, the new K Constantinople Rides offer six models in total and are available in 20" and 22" sizes, Medium-Thin High, Medium-Thin Low and Thin High.

Created through feedback from Zildjian Artists and customers, the new K Constantinople Rides have plenty of give, texture, and a remarkably soft, buttery feel. They have a combination of articulation up top and some nice spread at the bottom providing a clear, articulate stick sound, according to the company. The designations of High and Low refer to the profile of the cymbal, and ultimately the pitch, and provide even more tonal options from which to choose. The first Ride cymbal available in a thin weight in the K Constantinople range, the Thin High model speaks immediately with 'stick sound'; usually not found in a thin cymbal.

 

Sabian AA
Sabian AAX
Sabian HHX
Sabian HH
Explosive. AA cymbals combine musicality and energy for sounds that are bright, bold and explosive. Reinforced with the power and strength of multi-rolled, secret-process bronze shaped under 75 tons of hydraulic pressure, AA delivers with inner strength and outer energy. These highly durable cymbals move a lot of air in any kind of music. From the Latin flavor of El Sabor to models that rock, swing, and groove, AA is extremely versatile.
Precise. AAX delivers pure, bright shimmering tones. Like stainless steel, AAX is cool, modern, and extremely efficient. With its streamlined design and sound-shaping Auto-Focus Response feature, AAX is the ultimate breakthrough in modern cymbal making. Auto-Focus Response maximizes sensitivity, equalizes high & low pitch levels, and purifies sounds by filtering out conflicting overtones.
Projection. HHX puts out rich, simmering tones that burn through the coolest music. Super-sized hammering and an exclusive Tone Projection feature add bite to project the musical sounds of HHX through everything from pumped-up grooves and thickly textured tracks, to guitar-heavy, high-end wailing. HHX combines the best of two worlds, Traditional Tone and Modern Projection. With HHX compromise is not an option.
Traditional. Warm, imaginative, and emotional. SABIAN artisans craft our secret process bronze into soulful cymbals, rich with dark, traditional tone. It's a complex blend of sounds that comes together in a warm, musical mix capable of motivating the musician in any discerning drummer. Individually unique, Hand Hammered is the cymbal with a sound that is a piece of art.
Drum Sets | Hand Percussion | Cymbals | Sticks & Mallets | Heads

 

Snare Drums

Mapex Black Panther
Mapex Black Panther
Mapex Black Panther



Maple

Gold-plated hardware combines with a glossy lacquer finish for a very elegant look. Features low-mass, single-point-of-contact lugs, easy-to-operate throw-off, nylon tension rod washers, and precision-machined brass lug nuts. Excellent for live and studio performances. 6-1/2" size produces slightly deeper pitch with more body - an excellent all-around drum capable of thunderous rim shots. 5-1/2" size produces slightly higher pitch with more cutting crack.

Mapex Premium Series Black Panther Maple Snare Drum Features:

  • Glossy lacquer finish
  • Maple shell
  • Easy-to-operate throw-off
  • Low-mass, single-point-of-contact lugs
  • Nylon tension rod washers
  • Precision machined brass lug nuts
  • Gold-plated hardware

Available in the following finishes:

Deep Forest Cherry

Wild Deep Forest cherry snares are perfect for live and studio use. Each drum is individually finished with an exclusive hand-rubbed finish. Over the years, the incredible cherry color will grow more red and the tone of the wood will grow sweeter, meaning the Deep Forest cherry might be the last snare drum you'll ever buy. Features include: 5.1mm Cherry shell, Wax Natural finish, and24k Gold hoop finish

Deep Forest Walnut

Exotic: The natural beauty of the Deep Forest walnut snare drum is surpassed only by the drum's deep, rich voice. Each shell is quality inspected to ensure grain and color consistency. The first 100% walnut drum in nearly a century, this six-ply, 5.1mm snare drum has a dark, rich saturating tone that will satisfy completely. Features include 5.1 mm Wlnut shell, Wax Natural finish, and black chrome hoop finish.

Hammered

Imagine the power and dynamics of a brass snare with the beauty and unique sound qualities of a hammered finish. This snare gives you superior performance from whisper-soft brushes to ear-shattering rim shots. Features include: 1.2mm Brass shell, Hammered finish, 3.0mm Die Cast hoops, and 24k Gold hoop finish.

Also available in steel and phospher bronze shells:

Hammered Steel

Hammered Phospher Bronze

 

Ludwig Black Beauty
Gretsch
Gretsch
Gretsch

Gretsch Full Range Snares

G-4000

USA Custom Snares

Black Beauty

The Ludwig Black Beauty snare drum is considered one of the most desirable drums ever made. The seamless, one piece brass beaded shell provides the legendary balanced metallic-yet-warm sound and ease of tuning that this classic drum is famous for, while the Supra-Phonic snares and classic P-85 snare throw-off provide the unmatched sensitivity professionals demand. The antique black anodized shell, chrome hardware, and imperial lugs make the Black Beauty strikingly beautiful.

The Ludwig 3" x 13" cuts with a bright, piercing tonality and is excellent for music that needs the ultimate sharp-edged snare sound. The 5" x 14" snare is highly versatile, capable of piercing rim shots when cranked up or fatter-bodied tonality when tuned down; excellent performer in a variety of styles. If you need even more volume and presence, then the 6-1/2" x 14" is for you; it delivers meaty rimshots with clarity and projection when slammed, but still retains ultimate sensitivity when lightly tapped.

Ludwig Black Beauty Snare with Supra-Phonic Snares Features:

  • Supra-Phonic snares
  • P85 throw-off
  • Seamless brass shell
  • Antique black anodized finish
  • Chrome-plated hardware
  • Imperial lugs

Ludwig Black Beauty Snare with Supra-Phonic Snares Specifications:

  • 3" x 13", 5" x 14", and 6-1/2" x 14" sizes
  • Supra-Phonic snares
  • P-85 throw-off
  • Seamless brass shell

Hammered Polished Brass Snares
The Hammered Brass snares feature a 1.2mm polished brass shell, Die Cast hoops, Evans drumheads, an dadjustable throw-off and butt plate.

Hammered Black Steel Snares
The Hammered Black Steel snares feature a 1.2mm black nickel-plated shell, Die Cast hoops, Evans drumheads, and adjustable throw-off and butt plate.

10-Ply Gloss Maple Snares
The 10-ply Maple snares feature a 100% Maple shell with Gretsch silver sealer, Die Cast hoops, Evans drum heads, and adjustable throw-off.

The G-4000 Series snare drums build on the previous Classic 4160 Metal Series snares by broadening the size spectrum, and offering a spun brass shell. All snare drums feature Ligtning throw-off, top and bottom die-cast hoops, center knurl pattern 'Snap-In' key holder, classic Gretsch 'Drop G' octagon badge, Permaone coated top/clear bottom heads and 42-Strand snare wire (24 wires on 13" drums). Shell options include Chrome over Brass, Solid Aluminum, Solid Steel, Hammered Chrome over Brass, Hammered Copper and Spun Brass.








All Custom Series snares feature legendary Gretsch maple shells and are available in your choice of Nitron Covered, Satin Lacquer, or High-Gloss Lacquer finishes. Wood snare drums are available with Lightning or Nickelworks throw-offs. Gretsch's Custom Plus Maple snares feature the same specifcations as Custom snares, but are 25% thicker than the standard Custom Series shell for extra body and attack. All models feature chrome hardware and Lightning or Nickelworks throw-offs. Available in all Custom Series drum finishes.

 


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