About Zildjian Cymbals
Zildjian has been making cymbals since the early 1600's and today Zildjian is meeting the demands of some of the world's most popular drummers such as Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band, and Tre Cool of Green Day. From the beginning of the company's development, Zildjian has always worked closely with working musicians to understand their needs. By maintaining these relationships over the years, Zildjian has maintained its position as the world's leading cymbal manufacturer. If you're looking for some serious metal to help drive you and your band, Zildjian has the products you want.
Mission Statement: "To expand the Company's global leadership as the only serious choice in cymbals, drumsticks and selected specialty percussion instruments by providing superior quality, product innovation, and outstanding customer service. To strive for continuous improvement through professional management and employee participation, while building the Company's value, preserving its family character, and enhancing its rich heritage."
History of Zildjian
In 1623, an alchemist named Avedis Zildjian discovered a method of combining copper, tin, and silver to create distinctive musical instruments. Since Avedis' innovation, the Zildjian achievement has captivated musicians and listeners alike. That "Zildjian Sound" of blending metals together has been carried out into the musical world for over 300 years, with no end in sight.
During the 1800's, classical music composers Berlioz, and Wagner began to feature cymbals in their compositions and requested that only Zildjian cymbals be used. It was at this time that cymbals earned a permanent position in the orchestra. Zildjian's name is now universally recognized.
In 1853, Avedis II built his own schooner (a type of sail boat) and began to travel to international trade fairs and conventions, winning metals and certificates of commendation. In 1865, the family business was passed down to Avedis' younger brother Kerope. Kerope began to export 1,300 pairs of cymbals per year throughout Europe. The first American cymbal factory was built by Zildjian in 1929 in Quincy, Massachusetts, just in time for the Jazz Era. During the 1930's, Zildjian answered the call by developing cymbals for an emerging art form: the drum set. Avedis III began to embrace the talented African American musicians who were leading the jazz movement. He began to work closely with jazz drummers such as Check Webb and Papa Jo Jones (who helped Avedis refine the hi-hat). During this era of advancement, the "paper thin crash," "ride," "hi-hat," "splash," and "sizzle" cymbals were developed and named by Avedis III. In 1935, he handed down the secret process of cymbal craftsmanship to his son Armand.
When America entered World War II in 1941, both copper and tin were being rationed by the war production board. Avedis, however, received enough of an allowance to fill both American and British orders. WWII also marks a turning point in Zildjian history by having the secret process of cymbal making written down for the first time. By 1950, Zildjian employed 15 workers, and increased their cymbal output to 70,000 per year. The post-war era and the growing popularity of the Jazz Era made Zildjian sales rise. Armand also began building close relationships with some of the top drummers such as Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Tony Williams, Max Roach, Shelly Manne, and Elvin Jones to gain a keen sense of what these artists desired.
As the Zildjian business grew during the 1960's, Armand realized he could not be the sole cymbal tester. He then began recruiting other drummers to assist him with cymbal selection, creating the industry's first Artist Relations Department. Zildjian's "New-Beat" hi-hats were introduced during this time, with the help of Louie Bellson. This became standard equipment for drummers very quickly. When The Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, the demand for Zildjian Cymbals exploded. At the end of that year, Zildjian had a backorders of 90,000 cymbals.
In 1973, Zildjian opened up its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Norwell, Massachusetts to celebrate its 350th anniversary. In 1977, Avedis named Armand president of the company. Armand had created a mission to take cymbal crafting to the next level. He invested millions of dollars to update the manufacturing process by making a cymbal "sound lab." In 1988, Zildjian set up a fully integrated drumstick manufacturing facility in Moundville, Alabama.
Today, the 15th generation of Zildjians - Cady, Emily, and Samantha - carry on the tradition of one of the oldest family run business in America.
Sheet Bronze Cymbals
ZBT series: Crisp, Clean and Defined.
- 92% copper, 8% tin.
- Hammering: small round hammer strikes in a precision pattern creating texture and character.
- All brilliant finish.
- Sound: bright response with more focused tones. Quick and bold.
ZXT Series: Clear, Powerful, and Musical.
- 92% copper, 8% tin.
- All brilliant finish.
- Extremely consistent sound within each model.
Zht Series: Bold, Bright, and Melodic.
- 88% copper, 12% tin.
- Precision machine hammering.
- Fully lathed top and bottom.
- All traditionally finished.
- The most musical of the sheet bronze cymbal series.
Cast Bronze Cymbals
Each Zildjian cast bronze cymbal is cast from the secret Zildjian alloy formulated over 380 years ago.
K Custom Series: Rich, Dry, and Complex. The Modern Jazz voice.
- 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver.
- Combinations of K Zildjian hammering and modern techniques like over-hammering.
K Zildjian Series: Dark, Warm, and Expressive. Sound that's always in style.
- 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver.
A Custom Series: Fast, Modern, and Shimmering.
- 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver.
- Modern rotary hammering for thinner weight cymbals.
- All brilliant finish.
The phenomenal popularity of A Customs led to requests for heavier, louder versions for use in higher volume settings. The Zildjian Sound Lab responded with a complete line of A Custom Projection Crashes, HiHats and Rides. Cutting sound with the same A Custom sweetness.
A Series: Bright, Full-Bodied, and Natural. The classic Zildjian voice that started it all.
- 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver.
- Symmetrical hammering pattern.
- Traditional and brilliant finishes.
Z Custom Series: LOUDER IS BETTER! Loud, raw, and aggressive.
- 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver.
- All brilliant finish.
- Fine lathing patter of narrow, symmetrical grooves.
Find cymbals and drumsticks made by Zildjian.