The Avedis Zildjian Company: 400 Years of Cymbal Making

The illustrious cymbal manufacturer, Zildjian, boasts a rich history spanning an impressive 400 years. People interested in music are most certainly familiar with its logotype and products. What makes this legacy even more remarkable is that the company remains in the hands of its founding family, showcasing the resilience that has defined The Avedis Zildjian Company.

• Historical legacy: Founded in 1623, Zildjian has maintained a 400-year legacy in cymbal making, staying under the control of the founding family.

• U.S. relocation: Moving to the United States under Avedis III marked a key moment, and now makes Zildjian the oldest continuous family business in the U.S.

• Television fame: Ringo Starr’s use of Zildjian cymbals on The Ed Sullivan Show significantly boosted their popularity.

• Brand strength: Zildjian’s enduring success can be credited to its craftsmanship and strong family business ethos, coupled with its brand, synonymous with quality.

The story begins in 1623 in Constantinople, where Avedis, an alchemist, unintentionally stumbled upon a groundbreaking material while experimenting with the alchemical pursuit of creating artificial gold. Little did he know that this chance discovery would lead to the birth of a company that would become synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of percussion.

The material Avedis discovered turned out to be perfect for cymbals, and thus, the foundations of Zildjian were laid. The exact formula for this magical alloy remains a closely guarded family secret, shrouded in the mystique of centuries-old craftsmanship. Avedis received the name “Zildjian” from the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, where he and his father worked, a name that translates to “son of a cymbal maker.”

As the years passed, the Zildjian legacy continued through the hands of descendants, with the mantle eventually passing to Avedis III. By this time, the family had immigrated to the United States, and it was in Boston that Avedis III chose to relocate the family business. This decision would mark a pivotal moment in the company’s history, making it the oldest continuously active family-business in the United States. It’s today run by the 10th generation of the Zildjian’s.

Avedis III’s time in Boston saw Zildjian interacting with musical legends of the era, most notably jazz drummer Gene Krupa. Together with Zildjian’s skilled blacksmiths, they laid the groundwork for the modern drum set and playing techniques that would shape the course of musical history.

The turning point for Zildjian came in 1964 when Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, showed off his Zildjian cymbals on The Ed Sullivan Show. This televised endorsement catapulted Zildjian into the limelight, and the demand for their cymbals soared. The ’60s and mid-’70s marked a period of tremendous growth, with Zildjian introducing several iconic cymbal series and expanding production facilities to meet the surging demand.

However, success often comes with its challenges, and in the late ’70s, an internal power struggle resulted in Robert Zildjian, a key figure in the company’s leadership, leaving the family business. Undeterred, Robert founded Sabian Cymbals in 1981, becoming Zildjian’s foremost competitor. The music industry witnessed a unique dynamic as these two companies, rooted in the same family legacy, competed for market dominance. The question is, did he know the magic formula?

Estimating market share in the cymbal industry can be challenging, with varying sources suggesting Zildjian holds around 35% of the global market, while Sabian commands somewhere between 25-30%. Some even claim the combined market share of these two rivals approaches 80%. Regardless of the exact figures, Zildjian’s annual revenue is estimated to be around $50 million, although these numbers remain somewhat uncertain.

What sets Zildjian apart and has contributed to its enduring success over the centuries is a combination of factors. The cymbal industry, though niche, involves a significant amount of craftsmanship and trade secrets, creating a barrier to entry for potential competitors. The fact that Zildjian has remained a family-owned business has allowed it to take a long-term perspective on investments and navigate challenges such as economic downturns, wars, and pandemics.

The Zildjian brand itself has become a powerhouse, synonymous with quality and reliability in the world of percussion. The family's commitment to excellence, paired with a strong brand identity, has fortified Zildjian against the changing tides of the music industry and evolving consumer preferences.

The Zildjian story is one of remarkable longevity, innovation, and family legacy. From a chance discovery in 1623 to a global powerhouse in the 21st century, The Avedis Zildjian Company has weathered the storms of time, leaving an unerasable mark on the world of music. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, family values, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing musical landscape.