Turkish Cymbals John Blackwell Signature Ride – Crystal-Clear Ping

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: Heavy, Brilliant and Raw Bell

The John Blackwell Signature Ride in 21" is the most powerful cymbal in the series – conceived for maximum clarity, control and projection. The heavy, thick construction combined with a brilliantly polished surface produces a crystal-clear ping that cuts through even the loudest musical contexts. The raw, unlathed bell – with its characteristic large hammer strikes – delivers a dry, focused bell sound with organic depth, fundamentally different from a lathed bell. The densely applied, fine hammer strikes with a pointed tool give the entire surface a unique texture – this is John Blackwell's signature.

Sound Character: Clear, Controlled and Powerful

The ride delivers a direct, stable stick sound with minimal wash – ideal for precise timing work and powerful figures. The brilliant surface provides a controlled resonance with a light shimmer, without overloading the mix. In intense playing the cymbal remains stable and predictable through its heavy construction – no uncontrolled outbursts, just clear definition.

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

The John Blackwell Signature Ride is the cymbal for drummers playing in powerful, dynamic setups while maintaining maximum control. In Soul, R'n'B and Funk the precise bell delivers rhythmic definition. In Rock the heavy ride projects with power and clarity. In Jazz-Fusion and Contemporary drummers appreciate the balance between ping and controlled shimmer.

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.