Zildjian Cymbals...The Incredible Family History

This year Zildjian celebrates their 400 year anniversary, and the history of this brand can be traced thru the family tree. Starting with Avedis the 1st, and against all odds, the formula has been handed down successfully to this very day. The A Zildjian, K Zildjian and Avedis Zildjian cymbals are now legendary, and after hearing this story, I think that you will have a different appreciation for the Zildjian brand.

I love Sabian, Paiste, Istanbul and Meinl cymbals, but I'm a big fan of brands with an interesting back story and a long tradition. Zildjian does not disappoint.

Avedis Zildjian III was responsible for making the cymbal industry what it is today, and the family business is credited for other brands such as Istanbul, both Agop and Mehmet, and of course, Sabian. I want to make a video for these brands as well but it all started with Zildjian so I hope you enjoy this video.

I will update the section below should I need to make any corrections or additions to this video.

Correction and Additions Section:
2/14/23 - None at this time

[LED]

To this day Avedis Zildjian is the greatest and firmest hand I ever shook way back in 1976...

[Ebut]

The Zildjian story is just incredible and actually quite inspiring when you consider the depth of history and tradition behind part of your instrument (kit). Even the hammered stamps of the 20th century are an intriguing journey on their own.

My own A's are somewhat interesting (to me anyway)! I bought a 16" crash in 1975 to go with my crappy no name ride and hats. Then a 2002 22" China some years later, which was promptly band from the cabaret gig I had. I swapped the China for a gorgeous 20" A Zildjian Flat Ride and bought a couple more A Thin and Paper Thin (14" & 16") crashes ... both sweeet!

I hate logos! One day, when cleaning them off I noticed "Made in C ada" on the the Flat Ride and the new Crashes. I had no idea why they were made in Canada, neither did any of the Sydney Australia drum shops. I did some comparisons and they sounded different! All had a lovely shimmering crystal like top end and the smoothest and even decays. Pure Luck!

So playing an LA period Camco kit in Natural Maple with these Canadian A Zildjians felt absolutely wonderful. Playing that kit inspired the saying: "Drumming ... It's Better Than Breathing"

[dnews]

This is absolutely fascinating history. I wonder if there are many examples of their cymbals from four centuries ago still around?

[FRANCODALMONEGODRUMS]

Amazing video!! Especially at 7:51!! I am very happy and proud that you liked my video and put a piece of it in yours!! Thank you!!

[paulnieftjr]

Eddie, great video on the zildjian family history. The tradition and history of cymbals is fascinating. Thank you for both your zildjian and Istanbul cymbal videos.

[georgitomov]

Very nice summed up documentary! Thanks for that!

[Formula-]

That was great!…Big cymbal nut here..so…really enjoyed that…Thanks!

[brandashusband]

Thank you ... GREAT history lesson ... !!!

[sandythedrummer]

Very Informative!Zildjian should hire you!

[evilblumonkee]

Only cymbals I’ve ever wanted. Got my 1st Zildjian hats at 17yrs old & I felt like the cat that got the cream. So many ppl today shun them & give them shade but they’re the only brand for me. Plus, the logo just looks amazing on ANYTHING!

[kerokeropi]

drummer or not. you gotta admit the history of zildjian is interesting as heck

[Rogersdrumvideos]

Phenomenal video.
Cleared a lot of things up for me.
Thank you

[Leonnoelmusic]

Thanks for taking the time and making the video You did a good job man!

[Catinthehackmatrix]

So they didnt have bronze cymbals before the 15 th century? What alloys were china using at that time or pre- b.c.? I never heard Kerope pronounced that way. That Aram story is really shocking, a crusader, warrior in the Zildjian family. I just read on the zildjian website they have a copper, tin, and Silver mix, i thought that was just the older lines 70 years ago.. When did brass come into cymbal making, i have a thick meinl brass ride that aint too bad.

[Voyteck_Drummer]

i’ve kinda knew the story but it fascinates me, so it’s was a pleasure to watch your take on it. Awesome!

[hiriwarikihana]

Great watch! Question when Aram resumed control of the company but then fled after the assassination attempt, you mentioned that keropes son and daughters then took over during this time. How and at what point did Aram then take back control to evetually hand the company down to Avedis the 3rd?

[gmilanovc]

Amazing work condensing 400 years of family history and workmanship! Proud to have bought myself a few pairs of 400 year anniversary sticks and hoping my fam will keep them for a while maybe even take up the drums as well!

[blackasthesky]

Great to see that someone is telling these stories.

[TimBatkin]

Thank you for this fascinating walk through the Zildjian history. Very good.

[davidmcaninch]

I’m particularly fond of the Zildjian A Custom cymbals!!! They are the most beautiful cymbals