I heard this 5 minute piece on Here and Now this morning about Avedis Zildjian's Massachusetts factory. I thought it was very interesting, and having personally audited several foundries and metal working facilities, I found the back ground sounds and "tour" intriguing. 80% copper, 20% tin, proprietary process, ONLY cymbals made in the US (that I did not know!).
My grade school concert band had Zildjian crash cymbals (which we doubled as a ride cymbal, held in one grade school drummer's hand as a 2nd one rolled on it). My HS used a combination of Zildjians and Paistes. My drum set that I've had for the last 33 years has had all Zildjians - except for Paiste high hats. If you've not heard it, have a listen here.
9 years ago
Don't forget that Ks and Sabians come from the same family. And I believe that there's some difference between Zildjian and Avedis Zildjian, though I can't find evidence for that at the moment....
ReplyDeleteI didn't forget, I just tried not to think about it. =) I've never liked Ks and Sabians. The sounds they make are just not pleasing to my ears as far as ride cymbals go, though some thin K crashes are appealing.
ReplyDeleteIt's part of the "good, better, best" strategy that many companies try to offer. eg: gasoline - 87, 89, 91 octane; tires - Uniroyal, Goodrich, Michelin; automobiles - Škoda,VW, Audi, or Daewoo, Chevy, Cadillac, or Smart, Mercedes, AMG - obviously some companies are more successful at the "good, better, best" than others.
Avedis is simply the Turkish founder's first name - per the "Here and Now" radio piece. Corporate naming similar to Mercedes & Mercedes Benz (Mercedes being the name of Benz's daughter) both representing the same German car brand.