It took a few replies before we got to the sound. If you like how it sounds and the price is right, my suggestion is to buy it.

Al

Already did, however, as most musicians, our retirement funds are most likely our instruments..;-) So i am wondering about its value, AND it is interesting to know whether it was made by the same luthiers as the real K's. Im still not sure whether its real or fake and very curious to know.

The 20" cost me $300

and the 16" cost me $140

After a lot of bargaining of course... you don't want to offend them...;-)

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I believe that 16" is also fake. The lathing and font both look wrong. And a New Stamp shouldn't have that much space between the top Zildjian and the Istanbul.

I've bought a couple of real old Ks from shops in Istanbul, before, and they knew exactly what they had. They're not stupid, and I don't think they would sell a real 20" New Stamp for $300. Those same shops put real old Ks on ebay when they find them.

Still, though, being fake doesn't mean it's a bad cymbal. It's still hand-hammered and made "in the tradition," probably by someone at a well known Turkish cymbal company who "snuck it out the back door". They usually add a patina and sometimes even "relic" them.

...that was the stamp from the "old K" he showed us, that cymbal looked like a new Istanbul Mehmet or whatever

http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=68646&stc=1&d=1395855959

Wow. I just realized that this stamp, as well as the one on the 16", are both upside-down. You'd think they'd at least get that detail right!

You're right, I was wrong. It's fake.

Gonna try return them tomorrow with a threat that ill go to the police if my money is not given back. Its a store, not a street vendor. What a bunch of thieves, This is unbelievable!

They sound good but being a victim of a fraud made me lose my affection for these cymbals, and also, for this money i can chose from a wider selection of new generic turkish cymbals.

On top ill never be able to resell them if i have to one day for any reason...

Hopefully i dont have to get into a fight,

Thanks for your help everyone. Its great to have this forum.