You Are Currently Not Logged In
in english em português en français auf Deutsch en español in italiano


Home > About Zildjian > Background


Every Company has a story: Ours starts in 1623.
Avedis Zildjian I (the first) was an Armenian alchemist in the city of Constantinople in the seventeenth century. His attempts to create gold by combining base metals led instead to an alloy of copper, tin and traces of silver with unique

Avedis Zildjian III
sound qualities. Avedis used this discovery to create cymbals of spectacular clarity and power. The sound of the instruments was extraordinary, and as his reputation grew he was given the name “Zildjian”, an Armenian word meaning “son of cymbal maker.”

The Zildjian secret alloy is now nearly four centuries old. It has been passed down between Zildjian heirs for fourteen generations. Currently, Armand Zildjian’s two daughters, Craigie and Debbie are continuing the family tradition. Zildjian has been officially recognized as the oldest continually family-owned business in America.

The Zildjian brand stands for more than expertise and a rich heritage of high quality craftsmanship. Its essence is found

Zildjian Factory 2004
in every thread of the drumming community, weaving together students, teachers, pros, old, young, and everyone in between.

From the beginning, the leaders of the company have stayed close to the working musicians in order to understand their experiences and needs. By sustaining these close bonds and looking to them for insight into the design and manufacturing of innovative and extraordinarily sounding cymbals, Zildjian has maintained its position as the world’s leading cymbal manufacturer.

Zildjian’s reputation for exceeding customer expectations and needs can be attributed to both its sharp focus on continuous quality improvement and innovation, and its emphasis on the family character and rich tradition of the business. Zildjian’s enduring values—leadership, commitment to quality and craftsmanship, passion for music and fun, music education, and a strong family heritage and culture—have guided the company in carrying out its vision over the years.


INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Organizations Media Partners Service Providers
WGI
DCI
VH1 Save the Music
Music for All Foundation
Percussion Marketing Council (PMC)
Percussive Arts Society (PAS)
International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE)
Jazz at Lincoln Center
H.E.A.R. (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers)
Experience Music Project (EMP)-Seattle,WA
The Music Edge
National Association of School Dealers (NASMD)
National Association of Band Instrument Manufacturers (NABIM)
Music Industries Association of Canada (MIAC)
John Henry's
National Association of Music Merchants
Jam Spot, Boston Rehearsal, Recording Space
Modern Drummer Magazine
DRUM! Magazine
Rhythm Magazine
Drummer Magazine
Not So Modern Drummer Magazine
Classic Drummer Magazine
Drums Etc Magazine
In Tune Magazine
Drums & Percussion Magazine
Drum Heads Magazine
Canadian Musician Magazine
Musico Pro Magazine
Downbeat
Jazz Times
Revolver
Alternative Press
Hudson Music
SIR
Drum Paradise
Centerstaging





The Father of Cymbals
Like a lot of influential people in music, Avedis came from humble beginnings. "My father was born in 1889 in Samatya, not far from Constantinople," recalled Armand Zildjian (who succeeded his Father as President of the Zildjian cymbal company)...


About Zildjian | Cymbals | Drumsticks / Other | Artists | Where To Buy | Z-Store | Z-Club | Z-Videos | News & Events | Zildjian-U | Support | Site Map | Site Credit
™ ©2000-2008 Copyright Avedis Zildjian Company. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms and Conditions. Site Feedback.





Forgot your password?
Sign up now!