Turkish Cymbals Ad Astra Hi-Hat – Elegant Power

The Ad Astra series by Turkish Cymbals takes its name from the Latin motto "Ad astra per aspera" – "Through hardship to the stars." It is the result of over 20 years of stage, touring and studio experience of Turkish drummer and cymbal designer Özgür Can Öney, who worked alongside the master craftsmen of the Turkish Cymbals workshop in Istanbul to develop a series that combines large, dark sounds with controlled, texture-rich performance. Visually, these cymbals are reminiscent of an Ottoman shield – dark finish from the furnace process, natural unlathed surface, and a strikingly large bell.

Sound Character: Large, Dark and Expressive

The Ad Astra Hi-Hat in 16" exceeds the standard size and rethinks the hi-hat from the ground up. Despite its large dimensions it feels agile and responsive thanks to the lighter top cymbal. Played closed it delivers an earthy, warm and clearly articulated stick sound – dry, controlled and full of character. The lathed bell provides a crisp, tight ping accent that forms an elegant contrast to the dark playing surface. Played open the hi-hat unfolds like a full 16" crash cymbal – powerful, with deep sustain and a pronounced wash. The foot pedal produces an elegant, dynamic chick sound that cuts through even in loud setups.

Applications: Rock, Funk, Fusion and Progressive Music

The Ad Astra Hi-Hat is an instrument for drummers who want to think beyond the conventional hi-hat. In Rock and Hard Rock it dominates with its powerful open position. In Funk and Fusion the closed position impresses with its warm, earthy articulation. For drummers who also use their hi-hat as a rhythmic accent instrument, the 16" size opens possibilities that a standard 14" hi-hat simply cannot provide. The natural, unlathed surface gives the sound an organic texture that works equally well in the studio and on stage.

Craftsmanship from Istanbul – At the Best Price

Every Ad Astra cymbal is crafted at the Turkish Cymbals workshop in Istanbul following a tradition that reaches back centuries. The secret B20 bronze alloy – 80% copper, 20% tin – is hand-cast, heated in traditional furnaces, and hammered thousands of times by master craftsmen. Only the bell is lathed – the rest of the surface deliberately remains raw and untreated. This gives each cymbal its organic, natural character that cannot be replicated in any factory. We at Cymballand are proud, as the official partner of Turkish Cymbals, to bring this craftsmanship directly to you – without intermediaries, at the best price.