Some sounds never fade—they just wait to be rediscovered. The Zildjian Kerope line, one of the most sought-after cymbal series in modern drumming history, is officially back. And at Chuck Levin’s, we’re proud to not only have them in stock but also give you an inside listen to how they sound—right alongside some real vintage Ks.
Forged from the Past. Reimagined for Today.
Originally introduced decades ago and forged by the very same hands that brought them to life, the Kerope cymbals embody a true Zildjian legacy. Inspired by the intermediate stamp Turkish K’s, this line is rich with vintage character—offering that dry, dark, complex sound that players have been chasing for over half a century.
Every crash, ride, and stroke carries a texture and warmth that feels alive, breathing into music a complexity that only true hand-hammered artistry can deliver. For the sonic purists out there, this is the sound—the old "K" sound—that’s long been the holy grail.
First Impressions: Hear It for Yourself
We recently took the newly reintroduced Keropes for a spin here at Chuck Levin’s, and let’s just say… they more than live up to the hype. In our latest YouTube video, Sam from our drum department walks through the lineup and plays through every model.
“We’ve got all four models today,” Sam explains. “We’re just gonna play them and show you how they sound—because they sound great.”
The lineup includes:
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20" Thin High
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22" Medium-Thin High
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20" Medium-Thin Low
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22" Medium Low
Each cymbal offers a slightly different flavor, but all share that unmistakable old-school musicality that made the originals so coveted.
“I’m actually really impressed by the 20s in particular,” Sam notes. “They’ve got a crystal clear response that just sits right in the mix.”
A Real A/B Test with Vintage Ks
And because we can (and because we just happen to have them), we compared the new Keropes to some actual vintage Ks we have in the building—including a rare 18" Intermediate Stamp K and a 22" Canadian K with the iconic large K-style stamp.
“These are old-school heavyweights,” Sam says. “The Canadian K especially—made in the Sabian factory during that short transitional period—has the big Karop-style K, which is just fitting.”
Hearing these side-by-side with the new Keropes, it’s easy to hear the lineage. The new models aren’t clones—they’re faithful evolutions. Handmade with care, no two are exactly alike. That’s part of the magic.
“These cymbals being super handmade in the way they’re doing it, they’re all gonna vary a little bit. And we all know that about cymbals in general. So take it with a grain of salt—and a whole lot of appreciation.”
Available Now at Chuck Levin’s
The reimagined Kerope series is available now—alongside a few vintage Ks, too. Whether you’re chasing the timeless sound of jazz-era rides or just want something special to make your kit sing, these are cymbals that don’t come around often.
Stop by, give us a call, or check them out online. Better yet—come in and play them yourself!