# Facts About Zildjian Cymbals You Might Be Surprised to Learn *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated January 2019* When one thinks about musical instruments, chances are that cymbals aren't going to top the list but when you think about it they are incredibly important to rock and roll as well as other bands. However, when you look deeper you can discover that they and in fact, their most famous maker have a pretty fascinating history. We love Zildjian Cymbals, here's some history and trivia that you might be surprised to learn ... ## Zildjian is the oldest company in the United States!  Zildjian or Avedis Zildjian Company was founded in 1623 during the Ottoman Empire but is now based in Norwell Massachusetts. ## What Does Zildjian Mean? Translated literally from Turkish, Zildjian means "Cymbal Maker Son Of". Avedis Zildjian was given the name by Sultan Osman II. ## How Did Zildjian Get Started? The first Zildjian cymbals were created in 1618 by Avedis Zildjian who was an alchemist looking for a way to turn metal into gold. During the process of experimentation, he created an alloy combining tin, copper and silver. Quickly it was discovered that when flattened into a sheet that it could make musical sounds. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the company's products were used for musicians. Up till that point, the company's focus was manufacturing noisemakers designed to frighten enemies of the Ottoman Empire! ## What Is the Secret Zildjian Recipe? Hah, they won't tell us the exact recipe, but the metal it is roughly 80% copper and 20% tin. Zildjian's secret process is only fully shared among heirs - something that has worked successfully for more than 400 years! ## When Did Zildjian Move to the United States? Avedis III, Aram and Puzant Zildjian began manufacturing cymbals in Massachusetts as the Avedis Zildjian Co. which was formed on September 19, 1929. While they were in competition with the original K Zildjian company still based in Turkey, the family began a series of innovations including developing the first "drum-set cymbals" and gave names such as ride, crash, splash, and hi-hat to different styles of cymbals.  ## How Did Zildjian Become the "Choice" of Top Drummers? In addition to being among the best cymbals produced by any company in the world, Armand Zildjian launched an effort to hand-select specific cymbals that the company produced and presented them to top drummers. It was this outreach and close personal relationships with the top percussionists of the day that has led Zildjian to be the choice of most top artists today. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 19 November 2016 Last Updated: 06 January 2019 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery Feb 23, 2026 [Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/alaska-more-than-just-natural-beauty-wonder-unique-culture-traditions.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### India Travel Guide For Men: Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Guys Trip Jan 08, 2025 [India Travel Guide For Men: Essential Tips for an Unforgettable Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/india-travel-ideas-for-men.html) #### Ultimate Guide to a Guys Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Tips for an Unforgettable Experience Oct 28, 2024 [Ultimate Guide to a Guys Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Tips for an Unforgettable Experience](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/guys-weekend-guide-to-atlanta-motor-speedway.html) #### 13 Reasons to Visit Loreto Mexico For The Ultimate Guys Getaway Nov 12, 2022 [13 Reasons to Visit Loreto Mexico For The Ultimate Guys Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/reasons-to-visit-loreto-mexico-for-the-ultimate-mancation-getaway.html) ### Latest Gear & Gifts Guide #### MeatStick V Duo: The Dual-Probe Wireless Thermometer Replaced My Trusty Sidekick May 12, 2026 [MeatStick V Duo: The Dual-Probe Wireless Thermometer Replaced My Trusty Sidekick](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/meatstick-v-duo-review.html) #### Building Your BBQ Arsenal: 18 Grilling Must Haves for Guys Who Take the Cookout Seriously May 12, 2026 [Building Your BBQ Arsenal: 18 Grilling Must Haves for Guys Who Take the Cookout Seriously](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/backyard-bbq-arsenal-gear-guide.html) #### Electactic G41 Pro Gas Grill: A $300 Four-Burner That Tested WAY Better Than Expected May 10, 2026 [Electactic G41 Pro Gas Grill: A $300 Four-Burner That Tested WAY Better Than Expected](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/electactic-g41-pro-gas-grill-review.html) ### Related Articles #### What to Look for When Buying Botanical Products Online [What to Look for When Buying Botanical Products Online](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/buying-botanical-products-online.html) #### Ballet REAL Cold Storage Wallet: A Crypto Gift That Doubles As A Conversation Starter [Ballet REAL Cold Storage Wallet: A Crypto Gift That Doubles As A Conversation Starter](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ballet-real-cold-storage-wallet-review.html) #### Build Wealth Smarter: Checking Account Tips Every Man Should Know [Build Wealth Smarter: Checking Account Tips Every Man Should Know](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/checking-account-tips-build-wealth.html) #### LawnMaster OcuMow R1600: A $599 Robot Mower That Is Perfect For Small Enclosed Yards [LawnMaster OcuMow R1600: A $599 Robot Mower That Is Perfect For Small Enclosed Yards](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/lawnmaster-ocumow-r1600-robot-mower-review.html) #### My Picks For Nine Brands Gentlemen Trust in 2026 [My Picks For Nine Brands Gentlemen Trust in 2026](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/brands-gentlemen-trust.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html?view=html&id=1) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She's helped hundreds of first-time cruisers choose the right ship, cabin category, and itinerary. She'll walk you through what to expect and what to avoid. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [Facts About Zildjian Cymbals You Might Be Surprised to Learn](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/facts-about-zildjian-cymbals-you-might-be-surprised-to-learn.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)