How were Zildjian cymbals first invented?
Countless inventions throughout history have occurred from sheer serendipity. Alexander Fleming landed upon Penicillins while studying bacteria; velcro was invented after George de Mestral noticed burrs stuck to his dog’s fur, while Coca-Cola came to be after a pharmacist wanted to create an ailment alternative to his alcoholic beverage. In 1618, Armenian alchemist Avedis I was trying to combine other metals into gold when he discovered a winning combination for stronger, more durable percussionist cymbals.
What Avedis I had somehow managed was crafting the ideal blend for what would become the Zildjian cymbals, which comprised copper, tin, and silver. Before his invention, percussionist instruments had been made of more flimsy materials, evoking a less commanding, more forgettable sound. These new cymbals, however, delivered a far more appealing thump, safe for rigorous play without the risk of breaking or shattering.
At the time, Avedis’ invention quickly drew attention, notably from the Sultan, who invited him to gift his creation to bands in royal and government spaces. It was then that he was given the nickname ‘Zildjian’, which meant ‘cymbal maker’, until he started his own company near Istanbul, effectively starting what would eventually be known as the Zildjian Company.
The reason they became so incredibly sought-after is clear: not only were they high-quality, but they also executed a kind of tonality that didn’t exist before, enhanced by a sound that felt grounding and travelled well when incorporated among bigger, grander-scale bands and performances. Avedis didn’t exactly have to work hard to market his product; instead, he addressed the gap in the market with something that thoroughly enhanced the musical landscape.
Are Zildjian cymbals still used today?
In many ways, it was akin to the development and improvement of the modern acoustic guitar during the Renaissance, when it transitioned from an instrumental tool into one with its own grounds for melody and structure. With Avedis’ invention, cymbals turned towards what they are today, with Zildjian still proving a market leader among many of today’s drummers across almost all genres.
Increased demand over the years moved the company to the US, with many famous names like Dave Grohl and Travis Barker incorporating the cymbals into their setups. For the ultimate rocker, they’re nothing short of a dream, providing the ideal conduit for explosive beats and crisp sounds to suit intimate and arena stages. From day one, they were fated to become a musical standard, especially as they also last a long time, even after going through several years of relentless fervour.
In addition, the company has an incredible heritage. While some rivals may have appeared after the invention of Zildjian, they set the standard, meaning that it’s difficult to find many that even come close to the level of sound and durability they provide. There are other similar ones, of course, but ultimately, it all started with Avedis’ workshop, from which emerged a little slice of gold for drummers chasing the perfect sound.
