Zildjan

Every company has a story: Ours starts in 1623.

Avedis Zildjian I (the first) was an Armenian alchemist in the city of Cnstantinople in the 17th century. His attempts to create gold by combining base metals led instead to an alloy of copper, tin and traces of silver with unique sound qualities. Avedis used this discovery to create cymbals of spectacular clarity and power. The sound of the instruments was extraordinary, and as his reputation grew he was given the name "Zildjian", an Armenian word meaning "son of cymbal maker."

The Zildjian secret alloy is now nearly four centries old. It has been passed down between Zildjian heirs for fourteen generations. Currently, Armand Zildjian's two daughters, Craigie and Debbie are continuing the family tradition. Zildjian has ben officially recognized as the oldest continually family-owned business in America.