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The three-band surface treatments make the LTDs particularly eye-catching

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TRX is short for Turks and yes, these professional quality cymbals are made in Turkey following age-old crafting techniques. The four cymbals we're looking at today are from the latest LTD (Limited) series.

There are four other series: BRT (Bright), DRK (Dark), ALT (Alternative) and MDM (Medium). You may find the text-speak titles cool or you may not, but the idea's simple, modern and it works. In fact the whole TRX philosophy is to keep things straightforward. The series titles speak for themselves and all five series are offered at the same price.

The text-speak's other aim is to attract younger customers. Kevin Morris of UK distributor Morico suggests that the marketing of other traditional, Turkish style cymbals has been targeted at an older generation of jazz fans. This is a shame, since genuine Turkish cymbals can just as well appeal to younger drummers of all styles.

Build

The four cymbals featured here comprise a 20" and 18" crash/ride, plus a pair of 14" hi-hats. They're sold as a set and come with a free deluxe TRX carrying bag, although this was seemingly not available at the time of the review. All of the TRX cymbals have the same foundation, hand-made from cast B20 bronze in the traditional Turkish manner.

"The polished edge also makes normal crash-riding a real joy – the deep ride pattern being punctuated by firework-bright whooshing explosions"

The variations in each of the five series result from the way in which they're treated, worked and finished. Also, each of the series varies in weight: some are heavier – and thus inherently brighter/louder –than others. The LTD cymbals are medium weight, very slightly heavier than the MDM (Medium) series.

The LTD cymbals are certainly eye-catching due primarily to the three-band surface treatments. The outer edges are polished to a brightshine, the idea here being to add "brightness and explosiveness to the crash component of the sound".

The bell meanwhile is left completely unfinished, a decision that TRX took "to increase the definition and articulation". The central riding area or 'face', meanwhile, has a satin sheen with fine lathing and gentle hand hammering. The cymbals are finished the same top and bottom.

Hands-on

The 20" certainly lives up to its crash-ride description. The central riding area has a reassuring, tasteful, warm tone. There's a really creamy depth, but not the sort of mega trashy sound of out-and-out traditional Turkish rides. Articulation is clear without being abrupt. Overtones are controlled but still provide plenty of character.

If you want a really well-spread sound, move further towards the edge. In fact, if you're not too heavy-handed you can actually ride right on the outer, polished edge band. The result is a deep, soft wash. Even at this extreme, the cymbal can take it without completely washing out. The polished edge also makes normal crash-riding a real joy – the deep ride pattern being punctuated by firework-bright whooshing explosions.