24" Craig Lauritsen Rustico Hand Hammered Artisan Ride Cymbal 2616g

Size: 24" 2616g

For your extreme viewing and listening pleasure is this extraordinarily luscious 24" hand made, hand hammered Craig Lauritsen cymbal from his "Rustico" line, Craig's homage to the late, great Roberto Spizzichino.  For those unfamiliar with Craig Lauritsen, he is an Australian master cymbal smith and musician (cymbalutopia.com).  On Craig's path to becoming one of the finest cymbal makers on the planet, he visited Roberto Spizzichino and studied his work.  After Roberto Spizzichino sadly passed in 2011, Craig got in touch with the only person in the U.S. that represented the legendary Spizzichino cymbal line, Lee Ruff.  Craig and Lee began exchanging ideas and information in 2012, and Lee agreed to represent Craig's cymbals in the U.S. after being sent a very special set of Rustico cymbals in very light jazz weights per his specifications.  Lee has some of the best ears on the planet when it comes to listening to fine hand made cymbals, and has undoubtedly owned and played more Spizzichino and vintage K cymbals than just about anyone on the planet.  With Lee's prestigious reputation and history of dealing some of the finest cymbals the world has ever seen or heard for decades, he had a sea of options to fill the deep void left by Roberto's passing.  For him to decide exclusively on Craig Lauritsen cymbals as his cymbals of choice for representation is about the finest accolade an artisan cymbal maker could receive, and it speaks mountains of Craig's ability to truly nail the Spizzichino sound, feel, and mystique.

This is one of the six very special cymbals sent to Lee in 2012, which we acquired directly from him.  Weighing in at an extremely svelte 2616g, this is by far the lightest and best sounding 24" cymbal we have ever seen or played, (and we have owned and played 24" Spizzichino and old Ks).  Those with even the smallest amount of cymbal making knowledge know how incredibly difficult it is to make a cymbal of this size in this weight with perfect sound qualities without it breaking during the process.  This cymbal features a hand formed, and hand hammered bell, which are special order services.  It has an extremely low fundamental, and is a true joy to play.

Currently, the only way to obtain a new Craig Lauritsen cymbal is to custom order one directly from Craig in Australia, and there is a minimum 12 month waiting period.  After your cymbal is done, you would then be contending with shipping and import taxes and fees.   

We challenge any seasoned Spizzichino or old stamp K players to a blind listening test between any of the six cymbals in this CL Rustico collection made specially for Lee Ruff, and similar Spizzichino / Old Ks.  These six CLs are all complex and mysterious in just the right ways, they all have just the right amount of stick definition and wash, they all have a breathtaking crash, and they blend seamlessly with each other when used together.  Beyond that, we'll let the sound samples do the talking.  Enjoy!              

Size: 24" 2616g 

*All orders will require a signature at time of delivery unless discussed prior to purchase.