Only Five People Know The Secret To Making Zildjian's Iconic Cymbals | Still Standing

[@skybearer]

400 years and STILL family-owned!? That's absolutely unheard of in business and truly amazing!

[@matthewishunting]

Check out those Japanese hotels that are older!

[@vtxrecruiter]

Beretta is 500 years old and still family owned

[@chucksurgeonertribute2113]

Leo Fender sold out to CBS, and the rest is a real tragedy. ❤💯👍

[@robertoricardoruben]

@@matthewishunting my exact thought, something like 1300 years of family owned business

[@insertcolorherehawk3761]

Crazy, and one of their biggest rivals was made because part of the family wasn’t going to get the company, so they made their own

[@ZildjianCompany]

Thanks for stopping by!!

[@cheese-g69]

omg hi

[@danielgoodman3578]

For a company with such a long history, why have you adopted "diversity" policies of the left? Your decision to choose who to hire based on skin color, and to further the false narrative of a supposed epidemic of white cops murdering black innocents, drives me to not want to buy your products, or products from your subsidiaries, if I ever need or want to buy such products. It truly is a shame.

[@thejwviolinist]

I'm suing. This is a monopoly. I need to know the secret sauce to making a perfect symbol 😂. All jokes aside, this is a very fascinating story! Thanks to Zildjian for sharing it with us!

[@Randetroit]

Anytime! A belated thank you for sending me a responsive & generous amount of catalog & brochure requests when I was a kid in the early 70's.

[@danmar007]

400 years!!! That's truly amazing!

[@truesy1358]

As a drummer who works in manufacturing, huge shout out to Joe. You're an invaluable wealth of knowledge and drummers everywhere appreciate you.

[@stupidhead9117]

As a person on KZbin, Joe beats his wife

[@BruhOmeter]

Who's Joe?

[@thatavocado_boi]

​@@BruhOmeterthe worker...

[@haplessasshole9615]

I genuinely enjoyed hearing Joe Pallai talk about his work. It's rare for one of the rank-and-file to get an opportunity to express the pride they have in their craft. As a labor supporter, I wonder what he makes? Zildjian being a family-owned outfit, I would imagine they feel a sense of responsibility to the employees who make the operation tick.

[@joeytb3901]

🤡

[@KevinM00re]

I love that Omar was featured in this. Fantastic drummer.

[@ovepayne]

And his work with Sting is top notch as well!

[@freestroke895]

@@ovepayneI was surprised when he wasn’t mentioned in the listed of artists he’s worked with.

[@mikosoft]

He's a legend! He is also on the Dire Straits Brothers In Arms album, his signature smooth sound is immediately recognizable.

[@PtWhiteBelt]

This. Met Omar years ago when he did a clinic in Portugal, knew him from Weather Report. Great seeing him doing well and in good health.

[@JimmyNuisance]

Was going to say the same. Absolutely stellar drummer. The stuff he's done through the years has been inspirational. One of my favorite bits of his is on the Georgio Moroder track from Daft Punk. That drum part is chopped up a bit if I remember correctly, but his playing adds all the spice that song asked for. Such a tasteful drummer.

[@TheJaybrone]

14 generations 400 years all run and owned by a single family and still the considered the absolute top of their industry that is truly amazing.

[@drumstudiomonchengladbach8131]

OK, NOW they are only ONE of of the "tops" in this industry! Now there are plenty of small great Cymbal-Makers/Companies in Turkey!

[@celticpridedrums]

@@drumstudiomonchengladbach8131 yes, absolutely--and they are all using the same "formula' that Sabian (taken with Robert Zildjian when he left "the family" ) uses--so there's that.

[@sarahdell4042]

I love that the company embraces their history. Have played their cymbals for my entire life. ❤

[@billgregory3535]

I have been using Zildjian products since 1984 when I purchased my first ride cymbal. I now have a collection of over 8 different cymbals ranging from Splash to a China cymbal and each has performed flawlessly over the years. Thank you for this amazing tour of the manufacturing process and the amazing people behind the product.

[@jeebusyaweirdo3733]

For those who do not know; Sabian cymbals are actually the brother of the owner after a conflict over the CEO position… so technically speaking, no Zildjan is not the only company with these old methods of production

[@NikkLiberos]

Came here for this comment.

[@wilkinsnl]

They also still hand hammer some of their lines. There’s something really cool about that.

[@jeebusyaweirdo3733]

@@wilkinsnl my old drummer actually used to collectbvintage and antique zildjan cymbals, one of which was around 200 years old and you can see that the feel and the quality was still pretty consistent with what we see in their hand hammered lines which is incredible

[@jeebusyaweirdo3733]

And I need to add this; I’m not a drummer, I am a guitarist. My father is a drummer however, so I know a lot about the topic.

[@drummaman1]

The people making K Zildjian in Turkey until the 1970s, also know the secret alloy as well. Mehmet Tamdeger, owner of Istanbul Mehmet, is a prime example. His factory even has the tools and cup molds used when the K Zildjian factory was in business.

[@Drummasterjay]

Absolute honor to be an artist of Zildjian cymbals. I’ve been playing these cymbals since I was 2 years old. GO ZILDJIAN

[@patton303]

I can't even estimate how many Zildjians I've gone through in my 26-year playing and touring career. Enough to build a few tanks, at least. Lol. They not only have the best cymbals, but what wasn't mentioned is their superior customer and artist support, which is second to none. Best musical equipment company anywhere. Zildjian has bailed me out of more than a few airline lost gear baggage disasters. Thanks, Craigie!

[@simonshotter8960]

Sounds like they don’t last too long….

[@patton303]

@@simonshotter8960 I’ve used a lot of them more because I’m a hired gun type drummer and every style of music requires a different cymbal setup. It’s not because of durability issues.

[@brtecson]

As a casual observer, I didn't know they had that going for them, but I love it.. Thanks for sharing

[@CorePathway]

Man, it’s great to know there are some truly great, reliable companies out there.

[@patton303]

@@CorePathway Yup. Great folks.

[@AchillesWrath1]

One of my wife's friends used to house sit for the owners of Zildjian. Famous musicians would call the house from time to time asking to speak to the owner. She had no idea who they were or how prestigious of a company Zildjian was. She'd just take down a message and pass it along. This was like 20 something years ago.

[@MicahScottPnD]

I love this story!!

[@damelo_2173]

This video would have been so much better with a male commentator.

[@nickkohlmann]

​@user-h8k4jcxmfr ? The hell are you on about?

[@MicahScottPnD]

@@BobbyPartson Holy cow, I suppose I could have been tricked! But the story seems so real to me. I really do love the story though, I've been on both sides of that type of situation. I've been amidst amazing situations and didn't know it, and part of amazing situations and the people around me didn't know it. The part I don't understand is lying about a thing like that. Thanks for the caveat.

[@semilog643]

@@damelo_2173 Your comment would have been so much better with a man for an author rather than a slow child.

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

One of the many, many reasons for my whole life & still today @ 62 y.o. you will only ever find Zildjian's at my place! Thank you to the whole Zildjian Family!

[@chipdouglas9349]

Love Love Love this company and there is no brand I can think of in my life that I am more loyal to or that evokes so much positive emotions. Such an iconic company and the product speaks for itself.

[@dunkley7776]

Timeless documentary on a timeless piece of musical history!

[@grayknight836]

Thank you everyone at Zildjian ✨ for keeping your timeless Cymbal making methods alive. Massachusetts, yes, *we can still make instruments in the United States 🇺🇸.* Keep on Rocking! 🤘🏻

[@insertcolorherehawk3761]

Then again, Sabian does hand hammer with the same production methods

[@kylematukaitus]

400 years old this year and that’s crazy to think but when you make such high quality products by hand like they do , there’s no wonder ! Keep it up

[@HeadgyHog]

As a non-musician, I had no idea the complexity and engineering that went into crafting a cymbal. Very fascinating.

[@KiddiAgnars]

So proud to be a member of the Zildjian family! My first cymbals were Zildjians and I've been an endoser with the company now for 10 years.

[@slowedversion6393]

Played drums for a few years as a kid . Seeing these around for me was always an awe moment

[@micahfisher6125]

I love how much this process still relies on people doing the work at each step. Gives me a new level of appreciation for my cymbals.

[@davidtambornino8251]

What a fantastically wonderful documentary! Very fascinating, enlightening, and ear-opening, and delightful to have had the privilege to see and hear this story!

[@Non_Of_U_business]

Been using Zildjian since when I started playing drums since ten years old in 55yr now. ONLY purchased Zildjian cymbals. Best Quality! Best Sound! They last a lifetime! I LOVE THE LOGO!

[@sticustom]

I’m not a musician but I found this very interesting. Thank you.

[@godsinbox]

Drummers aren't musicians, so you are in good company. Boom Tish.

[@erbeypena2704]

@@godsinboxstupid shit I’ve heard

[@JulianKlimczyk]

Pretty cool that Business Insider made a video on Zildjian. Love their cymbals!

[@KristinaSchiano]

The best company out there!

[@specialkonacid6574]

hi

[@omidk.6470]

You probably haven't seen Paiste's factory yet ;)

[@insanerhardstyle5872]

​@@omidk.6470 I know Paiste very well (Iron Maiden fan)

[@omidk.6470]

@@insanerhardstyle5872 yeah, also Toto, The Police, Zeppelin and System of a Down to name the least :)

[@insanerhardstyle5872]

@@omidk.6470 dont forget Judas Priest and Anthrax

[@davegillen8437]

been using Zildjians since 1960--thanks for a wonderful product

[@painting1989]

That's a great success story, carried on for generations, I love it.

[@doisenwadzinski6171]

True pioneering company. Thank you Zildjian for all that you've done for the craft I love.

[@MSaucedo760]

I have played percussion just for fun, and I honestly always thought they were just pieces of metal that make a lot of noise. But now I have a better appreciation for this art and craft even though I'm a string instrument player.

[@stephanieamare]

Zildjian is just that big of a name that even if you're not a drummer, you know the name and what they do.

[@wilkinsnl]

I’m happy they went back in a vintage direction with the Kerope and Avedis lines. They sound incredible. Although I do have several cymbals from several different companies that I like.

[@julianboyd8719]

I switched from K to Agop several years ago but still love the consistency you get with zildjian.

[@MicahScottPnD]

Just the idea that they go different directions, "following the music", is so amazing to me. "Each generation is charged with revitalizing the company", what an awesome statement and methodology.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Everyone's got good cymbals ( even the cheap ones--usually good for stacks and effects 😂 ) and I certainly have love for Zildjians... Can't pay me enough anymore to keep tempting murphy, putting my hands in and out of a huge metal press all day 🤣😬

[@julianboyd8719]

@Mole460 yeah i mean no two cymbals will be identical, but machining them as opposed to hand hammering produces a much more consistent sound. I havent heard a K or even A that sounded "bad"

[@AlbertMoyerJr]

I have been playing Zildjian Cymbals since 1992. I love them and I am grateful for the people that create them.

[@bernardobuffa2391]

I simply love this company that made so many happy moments of my life

[@globetrotter.expeditions]

My first time playing the drums was with zildjian cymbals and pearl drum kit when I was 8yrs old. Fell inlove with drumming ever since.

[@davidmcaninch4714]

I’m particularly fond of the Zildjian A Custom cymbals myself. I have them on my kit, as well as a 9in K Custom Hybrid Splash, a platinum 18in Rock Crash, and a 16in A Crash!!! That’s my cymbal setup!!! That said, the Zildjian secret formula seems to be a better well kept secret than the Krabby Patty formula from SpongeBob!!!!!!

[@fieldrider4219]

I watch this video from time to time. I love Zildjian and seeing them made is just mouthwatering.

[@brushmasterspaintingfranchise]

dude that last little 30 seconds my god. i love music and i love Zildjian!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

I got my first Zildjian cymbals in 1968, and am still using and loving Zildjian today... They're so extremely musical and versatile! ❤

[@jonashellborg8320]

Zildjian cymbals do work for everything, I find. All the sound options across A, K, Kerope, K Con etc are so musical, and I find they sit nicely in a mix, right between “blend” and “cut” and react to the energy you put into them. I’ve had amazing detailed experienced with some K hi hats where the smallest change in the hi hat clutch mechanism has a substantial effect on the K hi hat sound.

[@Bob-m5z]

I've had my Zildjians since mid 70's and they are still going strong! Great cymbals!!

[@TTOS69]

Man i dont wanna sound cheesy or whatever but when I was a young kid i wanted Zildgian and i didnt know why! I just... Wanted it, cant explain it. But very cool to come across this decades later to see how important these cymbals are. I wish i never sold my drumset as a teen...

[@kevingardner1658]

me too

[@hashimina_]

14:51 this is one of the most epic outro i ever heard

[@TrevorGray4758]

She’s in charge. Might not play drums but she loves the history. In my opinion the best person to run a company. Passion delivers to consumers.🙌

[@ozthekeymaster]

Would never play anything else! Fell in love with them as a teenager (when I couldn't afford them!) and nearly read the print off my copy of "Cymbal Setups of Famous Drummers." Go Zildjian!!!!

[@willperryman4559]

I’ve been a musician for over 60 years and I just bought my grandson ( outstanding drummer ) 2 custom Zildjians ❤❤

[@luizgustavoschneider8042]

Fantastic documentary!! I am a big fan and Paiste user/enthusiast, but what an incredible factory and family!! More 400 years for Zildjian!!

[@RuggedxMoose]

No matter what brand you use you can't deny the amount of work and history. It's extremely cool!

[@rbae]

400 years as a company is crazy

[@krusher74]

its one of the oldest companies on earth, im suprised they did not say that.

[@PbFoot]

we did a case study and company tour of zildjian when i was in college and it was such amazing experience learning about their process! they had a pamphlet of a lot of their drummer customers and their drum kits, and some of them were just insane! my favorite tidbit that the company shared with us is that they dont throw out flawed cymbals in case drummers are looking for something out of the ordinary...and i thought that was so cool!

[@Portlandpreciousmetals]

OMG! Guy Licata sold me my first drum kit. Guy If you read this I know you remember the "Death Kit". I Know you do and I know you know who this is! I still have the death kit. Thank You for leaving your pearl kit in my room at the white house. You were a huge influence on my life! -MK

[@kylemarvin4384]

I don't love many objects, but I love Zildjian cymbals.

[@killedbycrit]

as a drummer, zildjian cymbals are like the TOP of the top. would sell my kidney for a set of constantinoples. (also a fun fact: a competitor, sabian, was created by one of the members of the zildjian family who didn't inherit the company)

[@denyel_]

didnt know that! love that we got more great instruments instead of a family court battle story

[@lilbacon7777]

Another fun fact, the name Sabian comes from the first two letters of the founder's (Robert Zildjian) kids' names, Sally, Billy, and Andy.

[@MananDedhia-h1w]

I am lucky to have played Zildjian cymbals... and being a MA resident, I have had the factory tour at least three times... for which I am forever grateful...

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

I've love Zidjian since I can remember. Just great cymbals. And Omar Hakim - a monster among drummers.

[@zeusthedrumlord547]

Even though I play meinl I respect literally any company involved in this beautiful craft, there’s really no other instrument/hobby/passion like percussion. Anyone reading this gets it. We’re lucky with such devoted and passionate companies🤘🏻❤️‍🔥

[@michaelnapoleoni6355]

Omar is a legend. He was in the first Zildjian video I watched that my drum teacher let me borrow in the 90s.

[@zak4738]

Been using Zildjian cymbals , A type mainly, for over 30 years ,don't need to look elsewhere!! Love the sound!!

[@Brazildjiandrums]

The algorithm out here doing its proper job. Will always playing Zildjian.

[@cgsound]

absolutely LOVE my Zildjian's I've had some since I was 13 and still only buy Zildjian today. I never gave it much thought about how they were made very interesting.

[@Portlandpreciousmetals]

"Metal, Skin and wood." - Omar Hakim. Human history in 3 words!

[@MicahScottPnD]

Awesome, indeed!

[@soarornor]

Great documentary! To all who filmed, lit, edited, and recorded sound, this was a first rate experience to view. I have mostly Zildjian’s on my kit along with several Paiste and Sabian’s.

[@777kerokeropi4]

14:51 this part is fire we need a full version

[@Joe-mz6dc]

They picked a perfect narrator for this video. Her sibilance matches the concept of cymbals perfectly.

[@peadookie]

Uh, shoutout to the editor that was able to use Omar’s drumming perfectly in time to the soundtrack.

[@RollForever88]

Cymbals truly are a beautiful instrument. Works of art.

[@benbarletta2927]

Been using Zildjians since I started drumming, and STILL love them!!!!

[@lashlarue7924]

wow. mad respect, I didn't know they literally invented the cymbals that we use today. This one company had MASSIVE influence over our zeitgeist.

[@411LED]

Superb documentary and the greatest hand I've ever shook was from Avedis in 1976...

[@jeanlawson9133]

❤ This so impressive in more ways than I can verbally communicate....

[@musicianscolab1863]

Wow! What an incredible Art Form ! Ive plying Z's for over 50 years! Thank you for your wonderful information video G

[@e621_]

I had a pleasure of meeting with Avedis Zildjian back in 1629, great guy and he managed to revolutionize the cymbal industry. Way ahead of his time!

[@svartmetall48]

Koide is another hand made and amazing cymbal maker. Fantastic to hear the story.

[@canadiandude24]

Not sure if the video mentioned, but Zildjian and Sambian cymbals were founded by an ethnic Armenian family from the Ottoman Empire. The reason why the cymbals/company are now manufactured/located in America is because the Armenian family has to flee the Ottoman Empire because of the Armenian Genocide.

[@d.c.8828]

Sabian*

[@canadiandude24]

@@d.c.8828 Thank you

[@MattNolanCustom]

Not wishing to deny the horror of the Genocide, but I understand that was mostly between 1915 and 1916. Avedis Zildjian came to the USA in 1909 and started a candy business. The side of the family that remained in Turkey continued in the cymbal business until 1977.

[@d.c.8828]

@@MattNolanCustom I mean, there were frequent conflicts between Turks and ethnic minorities such as Greeks and Armenians throughout the 19th and early 20th-centuries, even before the beginning of the end of the Ottoman Empire after WWI.

[@d.c.8828]

@@MattNolanCustom Just like Nazi Germany did not succeed in purging ALL the ones they deemed "undesirables", many Armenians had to lay low to survive, and some certainly survived the transition and dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, though of course, there was much suffering.

[@ray8304]

I’m a drummer and keyboard player, I live in the seaside city of Gloucester Massachusetts and was amazed when they said the company was started in 1623 which happens to be the same year Gloucester was established We are amongst the top two or three earliest cities in the nation, Plymouth being number one I believe.That was a revelation to find out that Zildjian is as old as the United States. I think it’s safe to say they’ve got their s-t together lol 😂.They have set the bar extremely high and have always been the standard bearer by which all others are judged. Often imitated but never matched! Some things are just meant to be and they are one of them. CHEERS # 1

[@adamgh0]

I've always wanted some real Zildjian A customs to replace the ZBT's I've been using since I was a teenager. Maybe someday I'll get serious about drumming again.

[@danielwitham1791]

Although i liked their sound at one point in the 00s, I found A custom cracsh cymbals to crack incredibly easy. I went for a thicker cymbal by another company for my crash and ride in the end. Keeping custom zildjian hihats who's sound I love.

[@markpichler9070]

Well, you wish "only" A-Customs. I do not think that it would be a problem do have them some day. Imagine people who wish an dream about the original old Ks :D

[@squatzandoatz92]

it's always so cool seeing craftspeople so excited about what they're creating.

[@elluisito000]

Zildjian is one of the few brands I could wear a shirt of 😊

[@MARLONBATERINHA]

Não é atoa, que é uma das melhores marcas de pratos do mundo. Excelência na fabricação!!!!👏👏👏👏

[@empirion502]

"We need to follow the music" Avedis I met Abdul Alhazred in Istanbul back in the 1600's and together they began a search for the perfect collection of sounds to open a doorway to another dimension. Zildjian's search continues today.

[@AGhostintheHouse]

I'm a long time rhythm and lead guitar and bass player and I 2020 I decided to also become a drummer. I knew nothing about cymbals, I'm so glad that the Ludwig kit I bought came with Zildjians!

[@d.c.8828]

Mmm love me some freshly baked cymbals 😋

[@kinocorner976]

Whomever edited 0:29. That synchronization is perfect.

[@briandrum1]

I've been playing drums since I was 9 years old (I'm 48 now). I have never played anything other than Zildjian's. My next door neighbor who got me into playing drums (Jim Oblon...look him up) was a huge proponent in my decision to always play nothing but Zildjian's and I can tell you I'll never play anything else!

[@markpichler9070]

Ok... and now? I began also with 9 years (now I am 51). I played for many years Zildijans as advertisment said: "Zildjian the only serious choice". But I am glad to learn not to blieve much in advertimsent and many years ago I changed and gave also other brands a chance (Paiste, Ufip, Sabian, Meinl, Diril, Wuhan....). And I must say that I miss nothing about Zildjian... quite the opposite my world with other brands is much more open.

[@uvicjames]

@@markpichler9070 True, there are many good brands out there now, but it's still true that Zildjian is the benchmark that people will always use as a reference for the instrument. I'm personally fond of Sabian's hand hammered line, but at the top of the ranges there are good offerings from many companies.

[@bbbart77]

I learned something new today. Great to see a tradition living on .

[@FANKANable]

I just realized I had absolutely no idea how a cymbal was made

[@markpichler9070]

There exists a few ways to make cymbals. Paiste made it in different way.

[@dolyharianto]

I was blown when she said Craigie is the 40th gen of Zildjian, totally amazing how the business stays in family for more than 400 years and counting 😮😮

[@aza749]

14th gen*

[@net6403]

not only are they the oldest cymbal company of all, theyre also the oldest musical instrument company in the us

[@HamguyBacon]

the product and company provided for the family for 400 years, that's amazing.

[@specialkonacid6574]

when i heard Rush's Hemispheres album there was a cymbal sound Neil had that i couldn't get from my crashes. what i found out (not sure if it's actually true) the cymbal he was using was a 20" swish with no rivets. i promptly ordered one from my local music store. it took awhile to arrive but when it did holy crap!!! That was in 1979, i still have it, i still love it, i will be buried with it.

[@goshgolly8305]

Don't do that pass it on buddy😊

[@NE0MAS]

I love rush and the hemisphere album but haven’t listened to the album in a year or so. Just started listening this week. Thank you for your comment. Hope you got your sound. Neil Peart is a true artisan and I’m sure you are too. Take care friend and keep on rocking :)

[@markpichler9070]

@specialkonacid6574 but it does sound like the ride of Neil? I have my doubts.

[@Eric_In_SF]

That’s pretty cool when the developer mention how people will go after symbols for a specific field. Me personally, I love a ride cymbal that kinda silks your stick in and then kind of pushes it back up at you. It’s just such a great feeling when the symbol feels like it’s pulsating with your beat.

[@sethdogs17YT]

I currently use their A Custom Cymbals on my drum set.

[@bruced47]

I remember getting my first drum set in 1961 from Faust Drums in Milwaukee, and it had a beautiful sounding Zildjian ride cymbal as well as two 14-inch hi-hat cymbals. Later, when I could afford it, I added a crash cymbal. I really oved their sound and I was proud to own them.

[@dxb8086]

_”We are responsible for the entire modern cymbal industry”_ Nope, you are a PART of it.

[@markpichler9070]

Correct. Which responsability is there for making cymbals, modern cymbals? It is possible to save live producing modern cymbals? :D

[@stanfordkoch1271]

Played Zildjian since i was 8, 54 now and stil playing them

[@goose4342]

Sabian symbols are made from the original family secret alloy. The brother split and formed Sabian because his brother changed the recipe for some reason. I watched a documentary about it. It’s here on KZbin somewhere.

[@OTOss8]

Excellent point, and if I may add, the absolute best Ride is provided by Sybian.

[@redbarchetta8782]

I'm a guitarist but appreciate the artisanship of drums and cymbals.

[@bookwyrm2011]

14 generations 🤯

[@clarencehoover6748]

Silver is the secret sauce to more than their cymbal alloy tone. Our modern world with electronics, communications, solar panels, medicine and much more would not exist without silver. And silver has been money for arguably more than 5000 years. The word silver is synonymous with money in many languages.

[@devirte]

Selam from Türkiye! Those old and bad days are gone and people like Zildjian as a family now. We are so proud with them.

[@soldierside365]

Over for you, the struggle for recognition still continues.

[@devirte]

@@soldierside365 of what?

[@soldierside365]

@@devirte you know..

[@devirte]

@@soldierside365 ?

[@WeekzGod]

@devirte the Armenian Genocide

[@jjayala]

Don't play drums anymore but I remember as a kid replacing my stock crash with a zildjan. Chef's kiss.