Turkish Cymbals John Blackwell Signature Jazz Ride – Vintage Depth

The John Blackwell Signature Series by Turkish Cymbals is a tribute to one of the most expressive drummers in modern music history. John Blackwell Jr. (1973–2017) – known as Prince's drummer in the New Power Generation for over 12 years, and as a sideman for Justin Timberlake, Patti LaBelle, D'Angelo and Bootsy Collins – developed this series in close collaboration with Turkish Cymbals to embody his unmistakable style: funk precision, musical depth and flawless groove. Blackwell himself was enthusiastic: "I am happy to be part of Turkish Cymbals, the new best cymbal. You won't regret."

Construction: Thin, Traditional Finish and Raw Bell

The John Blackwell Signature Jazz Ride in 22" is the musical soul of the series. In contrast to the heavy 21" Ride, this cymbal excels through its Thin construction and traditional, non-brilliant finish – a combination that produces a warm, open and vintage-inspired ride sound. The raw, unlathed bell delivers a dark, focused bell tone with organic character. The traditional finish gives the cymbal a classic appearance that perfectly matches the vintage-inspired sonic language – an instrument that reflects the musical roots of John Blackwell, who began his career among the jazz musicians of Boston.

Sound Character: Warm, Open and Musical

The Jazz Ride develops a warm, open wash that lets the groove flow. The stick sound is clear and articulate, the bell dark and dry. Thanks to the Thin construction the cymbal responds sensitively to different playing techniques and intensities – from a gentle brush touch to a powerful stick strike. For drummers who prefer a distinctive ride sound that does not dominate the mix but enriches it.

Applications: Soul, R'n'B, Jazz-Fusion, Funk and Contemporary

The John Blackwell Jazz Ride is ideal for musically subtler contexts. In Jazz-Fusion and Jazz it delivers a warm, open character for complex ride patterns. In Soul and R'n'B it carries the groove with a warm, organic sound. In Funk and Contemporary the combination of dark bell and musical wash delivers.

Craftsmanship from Istanbul – At the Best Price

Every cymbal in the John Blackwell Signature Series is crafted in the workshops of Turkish Cymbals in Istanbul from B20 bronze – 80% copper, 20% tin – hand-cast, heated and carefully hand-hammered by experienced master craftsmen. The characteristic combination of raw, unlathed bell and the individual surface treatment of each model creates a unique visual and acoustic identity. We at Cymballand are proud, as the official partner of Turkish Cymbals, to bring this legacy directly to you – without intermediaries, at the best price.