Zildjian cymbals have seen ubiquitous presence in music, whether in symphonies or rock anthems, marching bands, or even advertising jingles. However, every shining disc named Zildjian has a remarkable history spanning over 400 years. The cymbal-making company has crafted a legacy that began during the Ottoman Empire and continues in Norwell, Massachusetts.
Avedis Zildjian Company has been in the quiet suburb’s business since the 1970s and produces more than a million cymbals in its factory, which is rife with history and mystery. Zildjian is synonymous with world-class cymbals for many, but few would know the details of its ancient origins and secretive production methods.
The Heart of Zildjian’s Mystique Sound
“There’s a lot of mystique and a lot of history at this facility,” said Joe Mitchell, Zildjian’s director of operations, as he guided a rare tour through the factory. Among loud machinery and precise processes, one room remains strictly off-limits. It is the foundry.
“Behind this door is where we have our foundry,” Mitchell explained. “This is where we melt our metal and where we pour our castings. I’ll show you what the castings look like — but obviously, we can’t go beyond this point.”
The castings—chunky, rough metal discs, are the raw form of Zildjian cymbals. Even in their unfinished state, they carry the signature sound. Striking one of them releases an enchanting ring, hinting at the magic to culminate.
A Legacy Born of Alchemy
The secret to Zildjian’s sound lies in a proprietary alloy in 1618 by Avedis I, an alchemist in Constantinople (now Istanbul). Avedis attempted to make gold but discovered a resonant combination of copper and tin.
Avedis was called by the Ottoman sultan, who acknowledged his talent and ordered him to make cymbals for military bands. This was when the family received the name Zildjian, which means “cymbal maker.”
By the 1700s, composers such as Mozart and Haydn began adding Zildjian cymbals to their symphonies, expanding the family’s success throughout Europe.
A Family Tradition Continues in America
In 1909, Avedis III, of the Zildjians of Armenian descent, came to America and finally transferred the cymbal manufacturing business to Quincy, Massachusetts. The popularity of jazz in the 1920s inspired Avedis III to collaborate with drumming pioneers such as Gene Krupa, developing a new sound that complimented the vibe of the evolving genre.
The Beatles’ 1964 performance on The Ed Sullivan Show further spotlighted Zildjian’s success.
“Everybody wanted to become a musician,” said Debbie Zildjian, a current leader in the company. We were totally backordered because Ringo was a huge celebrity.”
Women Lead the Family Business
Zildjian’s legacy took an unexpected turn during the 1970s when Debbie and her sister, Craigie, inherited leadership from their father, Armand. The business had traditionally been passed on to male heirs, but Armand chose to prepare his daughters to follow the family’s traditions.
“For us, it was very natural on the inside, but the music industry had a hard time accepting women in the business,” Debbie said.
Craigie became CEO in 1999. Today, she serves as president and executive chair of the board. Debbie oversees the secret alloy process her father taught her.
A Modern Symphony of Craftsmanship
Despite advancements in manufacturing, Zildjian retains its artisanal roots. Machines now hammer cymbals, but each one is still carefully refined and must pass a human ear test.
“This is the make or break point,” said Eric Duncan, who tests up to 4,000 cymbals daily to ensure they meet Zildjian’s standards. Once approved, each cymbal is stamped with the family name in a tradition known as the “Zildjian kiss.”
Innovation Meets Tradition
Zildjian continues to honor its legacy with every piece it crafts. In 2010, the company merged with Vic Firth, a leading drumstick manufacturer, and recently launched its first electronic drum kit.
“We will never abandon the acoustic,” Debbie emphasized, “but electronic is the wave of the future.”
Zildjian cymbals have become essential for drummers across all genres, from Lars Ulrich of Metallica to jazz legend Terri Lyne Carrington, who calls them her “signature.”
As Carrington noted, “To make a piece of metal sound so pretty — and become this beautiful instrument that’s a part of every kind of music that you hear — is pretty remarkable.”
The Secret Lives on
While the company embraces modern technology, its secret alloy formula remains unchanged, safeguarded by Debbie and her family.
“The secret part will remain a secret,” she said.
The future for Zildjian always begins with the company’s glorious past, from which it has built a firm foundation and continues to take inspiration to excel as a famed cymbal maker.
