The RAREST modern Zildjian cymbals | Interview with Paul Francis!

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I was so fortunate to get to have an interview with the one and only Paul Francis. If you don't know who he is, he was the head of R&D at Zildjian for many years. If you play a modern Zildjian cymbal, chances are he developed it.

I have been a fan of the Zildjian Hi Bell series for a number of years and wanted to talk to Paul about them. I reached out and he agreed. So please sit back and relax, we got into way more than just the hi bells.

[AdamStachelek]

I could listen to Paul talk about cymbals for days at a time. With the utmost respect I think Paul is Zildjian’s best spokesperson even though he’s not there anymore. He’s such a lore master of Zildjian history

[drummer]

I used to sub for Paul Francis with our mutual buddy Dave Kain. Killer drummer.

[ndst]

In one way, Zildjian made the BIGGEST mistake getting rid of Paul Francis, and yet, on the other hand, Zildjian gave the drumming community the best gift by giving Paul the opportunity to make his own cymbals for the rest of us! PAUL FRANCIS is a LEGEND!

[brent]

Paul Francis talking about cymbals is like listening to one of the greatest philosophers the world has ever known. The man is just a legend and a fantastic talent!

[Aleph_Null_Audio]

I bought a K Con 18" crash, 20" high bell thin ride, high, and a 22" medium thin ride, low as a set in 2006. I use the high bell primarily as a crash! That said, if I had to choose only one cymbal, it would be the high bell. It is the most versatile cymbal I've ever encountered.

Paul, thank you for making such a wonderful instrument that has helped me make my music for so many years! Tim, thank you for the wonderful interview!

[ckicklighteresq]

I just picked up a K Con high bell dry because of this conversation. Can’t wait to play it. Thanks!

[SimonSaysDrum]

Thank you for making this interview I enjoyed it a lot and the Bill Stewart insight toward the end was fascinating!!

[SomeBloke-pe]

When you buy your first Zildjian at 15 back in 1976 you find it hard to believe that they started centuries ago in 1623. As time goes on you realise
there is a dense mystique associated with Zildjian history but it was so hard to accurately find the truth and understand the timeline of that history. The information has become more readily accessible in recent times but to now hear from a true insider, Paul Francis, how this world and instruments of mystique has developed is simply wonderful. The depth of sound and manufacturing information that he is able to impart in many ways completes an integral part of the being of so many drummers!

Very much appreciated that he makes makes himself accessible to us all.

[richspicer]

What a great interview with Paul. He is SO knowledgeable on cymbals. Thanks for posting this Tim.

[DrummerAndyTaiwan]

Great content man, Paul is really a master! I’m so looking forward for his journey with his new adventure, love from Taiwan 🇹🇼

[stevenjyoder]

That was incredible! I could have listened to that discussion all day!

[EricDupontDrums]

Great interview, thanks! I think I'd see Jimmy Cobb use a Hi Bell Thin High as his main ride up until the end

[GuidoWilden]

This is GOLD. Thank you so much both of you.

[TheAnalogRebellion]

Great interview! Based upon recent Reverb listings, he's introduced multiple 'lines' at Royal Cymbals (Stellar, Awesome, Royal, etc.). I'd love to hear him discuss the differences, if you get a chance to speak with him again!

[rongrantga]

I began playing drums in 1963. In 1967 I bought a Ludwig Hollywood kit with 14" hats, 16" crash and 20" ride, all A Zildjians. Over the years I've collected A's and K's. Thank you Paul Francis for the contribution to my collection and for the sounds I've come to love in cymbals! Did you get to ask Paul what cymbals he plays on his kit?

[davewestner]

Super interesting, thanks!
In regards to the nefertiti ride not being one that you might not pick if you had it in front of you, I've noticed a lot of cymbals like that over the years that just kinda sound "meh" in person, but when you hear them thru microphones in the studio, they can sound incredible.
Have had that experience dozens of times over the years.

[boomerguy]

Learning more history (starting at 42:00) about the early "A" series vs the "K" series and Fred Gretsch's influence in the lathing is wonderful information. Paul is a treasure chest of information. It's a shame that the current Zildjian management doesn't understand this. Paul's gain and Zildjian's loss.

[mikezes]

Great interview and information, thank you!

[deanplaysdrums]

Phenomenal interview! Thanks for sharing.

[josefinacupido]

What a wonderful Zoom I’ve just bought a a custom dry k ride, but new very little info but i loved the sound. So enlightening, thank you guys. Josie from UK