Zildjian
As the oldest continuously operating family business in the United States and the world’s leading manufacturer of percussion instruments, Zildjian has spent over four centuries defining the sound of rhythm. Founded in 1623 during the Ottoman Empire and now headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts, the brand remains the gold standard to which all other cymbals, drumsticks, and mallets are measured, supporting musicians from orchestral percussionists to modern rock legends.
A Four-Century Legacy of Innovation
The Zildjian story began in 1618 when an Armenian alchemist named Avedis I, working in Constantinople, accidentally formulated a unique copper, tin, and silver alloy while attempting to create artificial gold. Discovering that this specific blend possessed incredible durability and resonance, he began crafting cymbals that captured the attention of the Sultan, who officially bestowed the family name Zildjian—meaning "son of a cymbal maker." This secret metallurgical formula has been fiercely guarded and passed down through fifteen generations of the Zildjian family, remaining the foundation of every cast cymbal the company produces today.
Collaborating with Musical Pioneers
A pivotal transition occurred in 1929 when Avedis Zildjian III relocated the family foundry to Quincy, Massachusetts, aligning the brand with the explosion of the American Jazz Age. By working directly with legendary drummers like Gene Krupa and Papa Jo Jones, Zildjian actively reshaped instrument design, helping to develop the hardware and thin, responsive cymbals that laid the groundwork for the modern drum kit. This tradition of deep artist collaboration continued into the rock era, famously underscored in 1964 when Ringo Starr performed with Zildjian cymbals on television, cementing the brand’s presence in popular culture globally.
The Guarded Standard for the Modern Stage
Today, Zildjian combines old-world artistry with modern technology to deliver exceptional sonic consistency across an expansive catalogue of percussion tools. By expanding their family of iconic brands to include Vic Firth and Balter Mallets, they have solidified their role as the premier guardians of premium percussion gear. Guided by a core philosophy of continuous improvement and creative expression, Zildjian continues to collaborate closely with educators and performers, ensuring that their historic, distinct resonance continues to drive new trends in live and recorded music.
