How OLD Are My Cymbals? - How to Date Vintage Zildjians

In this video, we'll look at how to date vintage Avedis Zildjian cymbals. I have five vintage cymbals in my collection - a 20" Ride, a 21" Ride, and 3x 18" crashes - so we'll look at the available research and seen what's what.

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[zenstat]

Thanks for mentioning my site. I get asked about writing a book but so far I've decided to work on a new venture cymbal wiki because lets me also include sound and video files. I agree with all your identifications. That 21" might be a Rock Ride but I would need a bit more info to be sure. That starts with the weight, but also includes bell size. The new style for the wiki will include model based info and an easier way to identify cymbals. So far the Paiste portal is the most developed, but the research for all things Zildjian is well advanced. It just isn't all online yet. I've also corrected a few misconceptions in the comments below.

[tomwahl]

I've done work at Zildjian in Norwell Mass. Cool place. They have drum sets in the lobby from famous drummers. Got a tour of the manufacturing plant also.

[drumdiscussion]

Great video thanks the GUITOOLOGIST. Also importantly, thank you, Mr. Black, for your research and data on Avedis Zildjian cymbals. The drumming community is very appreciative.

[eswabidimusic]

Thanks! Really helped me sort out a few gems 🙏🚀

[DavidMalcolmCurrie]

This is a subject I never thought about before, but find fascinating now that I know a bit from this video, and some brief research. Turkey apparently used an Arabic writing until 1928, when they changed to a Latin based script, which may have effected their stamped logo over the years? Bells are very cool - I've long been interested in bells, and cymbals are sort of like flattened bells (?) - their sound contrasts beautifully with drums, occupying a totally different sonic space. Percussion is so basic to music, who didn't drum on their knees while listening to music when they were younger (I still do)? Having a conga or bongo drum(s) is an inexpensive (unless you buy premium) way to get your percussion rocks off! I'm one of those people who always notices when there is a good drummer, which there aren't many of - most play enough to keep the rhythm, but only a few go beyond that, and are melodically inclined, like Ginger Baker and Mitch Michell - two of my favorite drummers from back in the day. The drummer for Procul Harum was a favorite too (BJ Wilson?), he was nicknamed "the octopus", because he sits low in his kit, surrounded by a pleorthea of drums and cymbals, some arrayed around the upper level. You would see his long arms all over the place, while his body was sunk down behind the kit, like the tentacles of an octopus. Good drummers are a treat to hear - I dig them anyways, and it can only help make you a better musician, so rock

[danmacmillan]

Might help to do a pencil scratch impression on some of those that are hard to see.
They sound great regardless!

[dontonnoconfagioli]

Nice video. Fascinating. And the tone from those cymbals is excellent. Thanks.

[framusburns-hagstromiii]

I once knew a drummer that had toured with Rare Earth back in the day. We were trying to put together a little country band to do bar gigs..never came together..The guy would sometimes sit up all night cleaning and polishing his cymbals..he was proud of his Ziljans. And babied them .he had a ton of 'em!!

[TheTrashologist]

Trans stamp = the new version of the Tramp stamp

[bugsbunny]

A brilliant and informative lesson
on cymbals I wouldn't have expected.But than again, your full of surprises 😀👍

[usedguitarstring]

I really enjoyed this and I do not play drums!

Fantastic job sir!

[klascojoe]

I think it was 1974 when the guy who had these symbols father brought him a used Slingerland kit. And it was a pretty well worn kit Those cymbals are the ones that were with that kit. So you’re probably right because the kit looked a good 10 years old to me.

[ronnie]

Thanks for this video, i just found out due to you that, my Zildjian cymbals i have are from the late 1960's and early 70's, you rock,

[MrSmithvideo]

Hey Brad hope ya good. Quick tip to test a cymbal without finger damage. Take some old sticks and put one through the hole to hang the cymbal (Tip first from the underside).. then hit as normal with the other stick. It can now be held at arms length to not deafen as well.

[wlb-]

Good to know you've found John Bonham's cymbal set.

[BustedJunkStudio]

Back then a drummer I worked with wanted Zildjan cymbals that barely had any mark on them at all. He claimed that a deep mark effected the sound of the cymbal. I don't know if he was into one of those rock & roll superstitions or what. You know how particular some rockers can get with their superstitious beliefs, but this guy was a true believer. I could not hear any difference but I'm just a guitarist and thus too ignorant to understand.

[hellodrjeckyl]

Oh man. At 3:04 some of those logos look like something I would have drawn on my school desks in my teens.

[gorlagOv]

The drum journey has been pretty good.

[philippes]

Hi Brad. Completely out of subject but...I assume you are getting a visit from Gordon soon? Hoping to see a video of the Boaz One meetup. I discovered this guitar because of your channel. Will be the proud owner of a Boaz One soon (I hope😆)

[alexhicks]

I appreciate your adherence to the "outdated" practice of source citing. Maybe "with it" people should take heed.