Hi there - I need some advice please. I own an intermediate stamp 14" Istanbul K cymbal weighing around the 1200g mark. I've been looking for years for a lighter old K 14" top and have been unable to find one at a price that makes sense (taking into account that shipping from anywhere in the world to South Africa is very pricey). I'm looking for that dryish, woody, dark old K sound but it seems as if I may have to compromise somewhere. I own various 14" hi hats - mainly Paiste 602, 2002 and Signature, and a set of A Custom Hi hats.The 3 tops that I own and that I have identified that may possibly work with the K bottom to produce a sound similar to that "old K" sound would be a Paiste Dark Energy hi hat top (B15), A Custom top (unlikely because ... well, it's an A Custom) or a pre-serial 602 hi hat top. To those in the know - which of these 3 would you think would resemble the old K sound most closely. The Dark Energy is rather darkish and dryish but is a different alloy - the 602 have mellowed out nicely over the years with nice dark patina and is quite light. Please bear in mind that I have never played or even heard in person, Istanbul K hats and base my quest on the sounds that I hear on old jazz recordings with Philly Joe Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Tony Williams etc. That dark dryinsh woody sound - I'm sure you guys know what I mean. Yes, I know that I'm probably chasing a pipedream here but its worth a try :-) Any input would be greatly appreciated. RegardsErik

If you want a "Rolls",..you have to buy a "Rolls." If Philly, Jack or Tony stepped off their HH, it would open up about 4 or 5 inches. I say that because that jazz sound comes more from foot than Bronze. For the most part Philly always stepped his close and held that, then used to "up" motion to change the sound of his hats. Jack, for the most part kept his open and used "down" to change the sound of his hats. Tony, now he kept foot tension on his but with the backs touching and the front open about a quarter or so inch. He was more of a sloshy hat sound. The sound you seek from the K`s, that`s an artist with a hammer deciding this one sounds just right,...or, these two are good. I would put the K on top and the fill in substitute on the bottom for stick reasons. ......You did say any input is welcome......