Look into Istanbul/Mehmet/Agop cymbals. Turkish made cymbals with several in the line that offer that old-school 'dark' K sound. Affordable too!

Plenty of A's available at reasonable prices... you just have to hunt. When buying cymbals it's always best to go to a shop with a good selection. Going one by one and playing them is really the only way to find the sound you're looking for. Live, in-person.

John

Definitely agree with you John! There's a plenty of vintage Avedis cymbals around and should not be a problem to find something interesting.

@Aussievintagedrumuser

I would focus on period correct cymbals (60's and earlier). As You live in Australia there can be difficulties to get more choice, so look for light weight ones. Just to keep in mind that lightweight vintage zildjian will generate less volume while hit, so consider which music situation you need them for. The most universal are 60's pieces. Zildjian adapted the process to let volume of cymbals be heard through amplified guitars.

If you're afraid to play on 50 year old cymbal then go for current Turkish manufacturers like Istanbul as John suggests, also pay close attention to Bosphorus. Those guys make great, buttery feel and sounding, pies in very traditional way.

There's another local option for you: Craig Lauritsen (cymbalutopia.com) could make cymbals according to your specification.

MASSIVE thanks for the advice& help! :).