Zildjian Cymbal

The Zildjian brand was founded in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1623, but the process of treating alloys to create cymbals was discovered in 1618, by Avedis I, an alchemist from Constantinople. In 1622, Sultan Osman II gave Avedia 80 gold pieces along with the name Zilkjian, which translates to “cymbal smith” in Armenian. It is after this that Avedia is given a blessing to leave and start a cymbal foundry in Constantinople. Over the next generations, the secret process of cymbal making is passed down from father to son, continuing the legacy, as well as the business itself.

It’s not until the 1680s that composers began to put cymbal work into their music. This led to the increasing popularity of cymbals within European military bands, and around 1712, composer Joseph Haydn used cymbals in his “Military Symphony.” As time progressed, during the mid-nineteenth century, composers Hector Berlioz and Richard Wagner begin to feature cymbal compositions, along with requesting that the only cymbals they will use are Zildjian. This causes the permanence of cymbals within an orchestra setting.

Sadly, in 1865, Vedis II died, and his sons were not old enough to take responsibility for the brand. It was then passed along to his brother, Kerope. Kerope continues to export cymbals to Europe, along with traveling to musical exhibitions and winning honors at many. In 1909, Kerope died, and passed the business to Avedis youngest son, Aram.

Aram continued manufacturing cymbals within Constantinople, but momentarily fled to Bucharest, due to political unrest, but eventually made way back to Constantinople, continuing to export cymbals.

At this time, America is the largest consumer of musical instruments in the world. Avedis III, Avedis II son, is already living in America as a citizen, and as the only surviving male in the line of succession, the business was passed on to him. In 1927, Avedis III was running a well off candy factory and did not want to return to Turkey, and the business began relocating to America. The first Zildjian foundry in America was based in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1929. In 1935, the company started being passed along to Avedis III’s son, Armand.

In the 1930s, the jazz movement was one of the leading musical movements. The Zildjian brand made a vow to not discriminate against any musicians, notably musicians of color, since Avedis III had been discriminated against himself, as an Armenian living in Turkey. It was during this time of working with many different artists that the popular cymbals we know today were made and named: the “paper thin crash,” “ride,” “splash,” “hihat,” and “sizzle.”

The company took a small hit during World War II, as copper and tin were being rationed, but business was able to continue with less materials to work with and only three trained metal-smiths on staff. After the war, the company was able to bring back their full staff of metal-smiths, along with bringing back exports at full capacity. And over the years, popular bands, including The Beatles, were enamored with the Zildjian name and helped the company gain even more traction than it already had.

In 1973, the brand outgrew its facility and was moved to Norwell, Massachusetts, where the facility was expanded twice more in 1981 and 1998.

Over the years, the company continued to grow and be passed down through the line. And in 2010, the Zildjian company was the world’s leading cymbal manufacturer. That same year, they joined forces with the leading drumstick manufacturer, Vic Firth. 18 years later, they acquired the leading percussion mallet manufacturer, Mike Balter Mallets (The Avedis Zildjian Company Inc).

Over the years, the company that fought hardships, travel, and war continued to grow unparalleled to any other company, while also maintaining it all within the family, and without ever giving out the secret to making the cymbals.

Bibliography

THE AVEDIS ZILDJIAN COMPANY INC. “Zildjian Brand Journey.” Zildjian.com, zildjian.com/brand-journeys. Accessed 10 Dec. 2021.