Zildjian Factory Tour

[@richboshart1201]

Jeff (cymbal tester) is the man. I was struck by the number of employees who have been working there for decades. Speaks volumes about the company, and those who run it.

[@artisupitis2147]

Would've loved to hear an example of a bad/rejected Zildjian cymbal

[@Assimilator702]

Bryan Corey The original Z Series was legendary. Once Zildjian started to lathe those cymbals with the Z Customs and Z3 they lost the essence of the Z line since they were all heavy weight cymbals. Even the China’s were considerably thicker than most. I have a Z Custom 19” Medium Crash and it’s basically a trashy version of an A Custom. If they were brought back any models would be in the A line like they did with the Ultra Hammered China and I believe the Mega Bell Ride. I still want an original Mega Bell Ride. Those cymbals are amazing.

[@ElijahJohnsonDrums]

Joe Rico I thought the z series was a b8 and b12 alloy and a series is b20 only

[@paradigmshiftz7]

@@ElijahJohnsonDrums z series were B20 as well I believe

[@ElijahJohnsonDrums]

@@paradigmshiftz7 oh cool, im not too familiar with the older z series cymbals like z3 and z custom so you are prolly right

[@Assimilator702]

@ElijahJohnsonDrums Z series was always a professional line and were always made from the Zildjian B20 alloy. You have to go to ZHT, ZBT, S, I, Planet Z to find lines that were made with a different alloy. All professional series Zildjian cymbals use the B20 alloy and are cast.

[@NatalieRoman]

The guy immediately starts noodling with the ingot and plays YYZ. That's a drummer for sure.

[@Superjet113]

yeah, that was great.. I lol'ed

[@fenderstratguy]

7:59 He did the same on that worker's shoulder

[@snarlingrabiddog5150]

That wasn't YYZ.

[@levig384]

@@snarlingrabiddog5150 yea it definitely wasn’t lmao

[@bencampbell198]

Paul is clearly so passionate about his craft. Every video I see him in, he's having a blast.

[@captaincabbage1895]

I have seen so many damn zildjian factory tours but I still enjoyed this video a hell of a lot.

[@DrummerAndyTaiwan]

same

[@slimbeaux]

That was so cool. I am a bass player but everyone knows a drummer is my best friend. It was so cool to see how their tools were made. Thanks Nick.

[@hydorah]

Drummers are the salt of the earth. The things they have to go through. The physical accomplishments they have to make, the size of investment to build a pro kit, the logistics of getting their equipment anywhere. The amount of effort in load ins and load outs. Drummers are heroes. I'm a guitar player and whatever band I'm in I always make sure everyone helps the drummer with all their gear and appreciates what the drummer is doing! I love drums (I'm shit at playing them) but I have two pro level kits 🙂And countless snares

I'm in love with Zildjian since forever.

[@jawoody9745]

I used to be. Until I discovered that Paiste offered a world away from Zildjian.

[@ChrisBakerDrummer]

I remember seeing a much younger Paul operating a lathe on "The Zildjian Secret" VHS that I got at Thoroughbred Music when I purchased my first set of Zildjian cymbals in the early '90s. What a great career he's had! Thanks Nick & Sweetwater for the fascinating tour video

[@lilbacon7777]

That's a really cool story.

[@Yggdra666]

Take a shot everytime Nick says "Ok".

[@adandominguez]

“Right, right, right”

[@Buddinhakinen]

Drummers all over the world now know that their precious Zildjian cymbals were made by a guitarist named Denis.

[@charlienassar2404]

I see Nick, I see zildjian, i click

[@davidmcaninch4714]

Nice poem

[@jawoody9745]

...and I turn it off.

[@dadams1947]

I'm 73 going on 74 and I have been playing Zildjian's since '63. I still have my original 22" A - Zidljian medium ride that I bought at Ideal Music on Peachtree Street in Atlanta in '63. I seem to remember that I got it home on a Sears Sport Moped. Just jamming will old friends now , but I played many a gig with that cymbal along with my 16 and 18" Zildjian crashes.

[@dadams1947]

Oh , and I just purchased a 24" A - Zildjian Sweet Ride from Sweetwater for Christmas!

[@boomerguy9935]

I'm almost 73 years old and bought my first "real" cymbals at a local music shop in 1965, not knowing anything except that, "Zildjian's are the best". I had been "banging" on cheap drums and cymbals in a garage band for a year and decided to become a real jazz drummer and take lessons and get proper equipment. I bought a pair of Avedis 14" matched hi-hats and one Avedis 19" medium ride. I really wanted a 20" ride but I was in a hurry and it wasn't in stock. I still have these cymbals and I've used them regularly ever since. Other than the cool patina, they look new with no "keyholing" and no damage at all. When a friend showed me a Zildjian the first time, he balanced it on his finger next to my ear and tapped the edge of it with his finger on his other hand. I could hear it hum. He kept it there for over a minute and it was still humming. I was in love! You can do this with any Zildjian. Although I've tried different brands and sizes over the years, these 1965 models are still the heart of my cymbal collection and they still sound the best for smaller jazz venues. I have a newer set of Zildjian "A"'s, one 18" medium crash and one 20" medium ride, which are great. But I still like my originals the best. Unlike the original Zildjian's without serial numbers, the newer Zildjian's do have them. Zildjian rules!

[@Assimilator702]

@@boomerguy9935 Switch to Sabian. Ever since Zildjian got rid of Pau I’ve turned my back on that company. I’m VERY HAPPY with all my new Sabians!

[@boomerguy9935]

@@Assimilator702 Actually, I did buy one of the best cymbals ever! It's a 20" Sabian AAX Medium Ride (2360 grams) in brilliant which gives it an "almost dark" sound with clear definition that does not override like the same size Zildjian K. The 18" A Zildjian Medium-Thin crash has a higher pitch that matches it perfectly. I also added a 20" Zildjian Crash Ride (2100 grams) with a darker sound but not too dark and not too much wash, but has a lower volume. It is matched with the deeper sounding 18" A Zildjian Medium Crash. I use the Sabian AAX for larger venues which require more volume and the K Zildjian for smaller venues with acoustic instruments. The old 19" Zildjian Avedis has been retired because - believe it or not - it has too much volume, wash and sustain. Something about those old ride cymbals makes them extremely powerful. It could actually be a crash cymbal for a heavy metal band.

[@boomerguy9935]

@@Assimilator702 I did. I now use a 20" Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride - Brilliant which has a definite ping, very little wash and is almost "dark". My old 19" Zildjian Avedis has been retired because of its extreme volume, wash and sustain. It's still a great cymbal, but my style has changed. It would be a great rock crash/ride cymbal for large venues.

[@JS-cu5ec]

Does Zildjian offer a data sheet on the sound characteristics of individual cymbals? Because everyone orders off the internet nowadays and it would be interesting to see some qualitative assessment of a particular item for sale.

[@happycatfilms]

I've worked in industrial manufacturing plants for nearly 30 years, and from my perspective everything about this factory visit and video is genuine. From the safety glasses to the front office displays to the pride of the workers handling the ware to the blaring radio on the production floor. Nicely done, Sweetwater. Many of your videos are a bit 'salesman-ish' for my taste, but this one is spot on.

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for checking it out! 😼👍

[@jmack619]

Sabian is right up the road from me in canada. Want a video tour ??

[@SteveHubbardGuitar]

@csrgatorfan Might want to read up on the history of Zildjian if that's what you believe.

[@manfredadams3252]

The one he bent in half went back on the rack and was shipped to a customer.

[@yusdrum91]

it's fine, it will be bent eventually in the process

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Probably going to get returned as a defective cymbal. LOL

[@jamess3417]

Honestly disgusting

[@jaymercier1992]

@@jamess3417 how is that disgusting?

[@Assimilator702]

James S. You just haven’t seen enough of the cymbal making process to know better. They didn’t cover it in this tour but there’s a step in the process called back bending where the cymbal is bent many times over to counter the hammering process. So no...... nothing was done to that cymbal that Paul stepped on that won’t be done 10X worse as a necessary step in making a Zildjian cymbal.

[@johns8689]

Wow, Paul and the crew at Zildjian are all artists making some of the best cymbals ever made. You can tell Paul has the excitement of their products in his blood, I bet there are many Paul’s around there. What a cool education, I watched the Turkish guys making cymbals and was blown away at their craftsmanship, Zildjian has been able to bring the making of these masterpieces into the 21st century and a joy to watch and learn. Thank you for sharing!!

[@Aero360Aviation]

I love how excited this guy is about his work/art

[@Jeremy_Sims]

Y’all noticed how they skipped that hammering station super fast? 😂😭💯

[@ibleebinU]

I was hoping to see the K Con hammer process.

[@jawoody9745]

Might be because they're too embarrassed to show it.

[@BBT609]

Zildjian Cymbals taking it to another level!

[@marklattimer8782]

I want to buy a casting. I've tried before but the local store wouldnt sell their display. just take a casting. drill a hole and add zildjian ink. done

[@SingerOfTruth76]

That was awesome. Zildjian and Sweetwater. Two amazing companies. Good work!

[@skiptrace1888]

Ive been using Zildjian exclusively for over 50 years! Very nice tour, bro! Thanks for posting! :-)))

[@Bigalinjapan]

So many processes which could be automized and be done more precisely. No, they put so much work in it and claim that each one sounding differently is a quality thing :D

[@TheMASDrummer]

I was fortunate enough to be endorsed by one of the big 3 cymbal companies. I can say, all these companies are at the top of their game right now and they're fabulous. I do play some 'other' brands of cymbals like zildjian in my personal collection, but keep that secret!

[@CampSwampy18]

Terrific tour and well pesented overview thanks to Zildjian. And thanks to Sweetwater for a professional presentation free of a visiting guest acting goofy and attempting to do the job themselves.

[@jezusmylord]

"Hi tech piece of equipment" and its a shovel lol

[@boinknook]

Just got my brand new Z Custom crashes and they're fabulous! They're great for hard rock and metal. These are the new Z customs. They have stars hammered into them!🤩 Bright, flashy sound just what I like. Great tour! Didn’t realize ringo played zildjian. 🤔Those cymbals sounded AMAZING at the 64' 65' Hollywood bowl concerts!

[@HeatingUpDuke]

Crazy cool. These people are passionate for sure. Thanks a lot for this video !

[@siradymccoy]

So weird they still use Pound / Ounces.... oh my America.... please do change.. so u can do more accurately...

[@brent3760]

I would LOVE to get in that room that has the thousands of cymbals from the 30s to 50s!!! Heaven!!!

[@jannatinkarlen8702]

the guy looks like early 30 years old, yet have been working for zildjian 30 years

[@jaybreen1010]

Dude is stoked about his gig. Like tweaked about it. Racing like a spacebrain.

[@frodowatt4272]

Love Zildjian, need me some sweet crash and A sweet ride

[@JS-cu5ec]

Haha they wouldn’t even let him into the special 1623 room

[@GerryBlue]

I'm not a drummer but to my guitarist ears, Zildjian are the best cymbals.

[@mrentremattor5772]

piaste

[@boomerguy9935]

Zildjian offers tons of different cymbals. I am disappointed in their current A-Series line and favor the K cymbals now, after playing Zildjian since 1965. I've discovered a whole new world in the Sabian line which I do like. I've only owned one set of Paiste cymbals which is not enough to qualify me for judging them. The ones I owned were terrible, so I've been "gun-shy" ever since.

[@IFHorus]

Honey, what's for dinner? -- K custom 9 inch splash and an A Zildjian 10 inch splash, in the oven right now. -- SOUNDS GREAT! (insert comic drum fill here.)

[@nanceeleana]

I am a lifelong dedicated Paiste player but its great to see a major manufacturer open their doors. Much respect to Zildjian for being in the game as long as they have.

[@metalking21]

Please do a meinl factory tour :)

[@grahamroden8897]

I use other cymbals but there’s something about Zildjian that the other brands lack.

[@Adrian_Franco]

I used to feel the same way but then they discontinued most of the cymbals I liked and changed the ones they didn't discontinue so no more Zildjian for me.

[@theredbaron057]

These guys are craftsmen. Very enjoyable video, thank you.

[@claystaggs8908]

Paul Francis is a very smart guy. He learned everything about cymbal making from start to finish for a reason. He has now went off on his own and created his own cymbal company. And I’m sure they sound great.

[@michaelanderson2881]

It's amazing that after 30 years that tour guide loves absolutely everything about cymbal making.

[@ibleebinU]

I think my crash was stepped on.

[@michaelweymouth4015]

I watched DW drum making, Paiste cymbal making, and now this Zildjian factory tour feels like home to this Mainer. I played with Young American showcase as a Keyboardist in the 80s. We were sponsored by every big name music manufacturer in the world. I met Armand Ziljian at the Masters Golf tournament and got to shake his hand, many years after Touring. What a gentleman, and an honor for me to meet him. I really felt the pride and history ring true from all the employees and Tour guide in this video. Keep up the great work. One day I’ll own a @Master set of Zildjians.

[@theredbaron057]

I would like to see more of George, he seems funny and wise

[@evedoesyoutube]

Its so awesome that so many people have been working at zildjian for decades, really goes to show the company is worth buying from! Super proud to play zildjian.

[@JohnDrogado69]

This dude is really into cymbals. I love to see that someone loves his job like he does. This says a lot about company employee relationship!

[@N3V2-Nevto]

I'm learning to appreciate even more the cymbals they make and to think the prices are just right is just pure artistry and passion to building this cymbals us drummers always play :D

[@steveredenbaugh9058]

this guy has a need to sound like he is important...

[@louiscarrillo5873]

Thats because he is. think about it. its a family business and he has alot of responsibility dont you in your business?

[@thomaskennydrums]

He's responsible for developing almost every cymbal Zildjian makes so it's a lot more than just "sounding" like he's important. He'll have been involved in any cymbal line that started in the last ~20 years, as well as any lines that were revamped (i.e. the post-2013 As).

[@alejandrodrums3464]

Amazing video! No one knows the secret! Except Sabian, Meinl, Istanbul, Paiste, etc etc

[@joek81981]

These guys work in a place that's practically a fantasy of mine. I wonder if they think about how lucky they are every day or if it's just a job after a while.

[@jopyap3791]

Just the history of zildjian alone still has me in awe.. since the 1600's to present?! Dude.. ur sure that what ur buying is built to last.. just ask the greats.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Don't worry, they still break.

[@JedTaneo]

The first "real" cymbal I knew and liked so much when I started drumming as a kid. 1996 when I first played it and was so amazed by the sound. I had a cheap cymbal that came with my cheap drumkit.

[@davidsolinski2988]

Always enjoy your vids bro. I'm definitely a fan. Have you ever heard of a Zendrum? I've been playing one for about 15 years. It's basically a midi controller and I'm using it with an old Roland TD-8 module. I also got the MidiJet Pro wireless. It sounds like I'm playing a fully mic'd up drum kit. You can only get them direct from David Haney off of his site. Check one out bro, you'll absolutely LOVE it.

[@louiscarrillo5873]

i got one almost 20 years ago......black maple wood and trigger and ol yamaha mu piano tone generator. love it!

[@Quartiano]

A Custom 17s forever.

[@root19733]

18:14 It's ironic that they're listening to Queen. (Roger Taylor was a Paiste user)

[@pablodrum965]

Rockgod somebody to love clearly Paste !

[@bhobo09]

@@pablodrum965 actually Roger Taylor is a Zildjian guy..for as long as I can remember!

[@pablodrum965]

bhobo09 remember a bit more , or just take a look to old queen videos when he was Paiste Guy!! Somebody to love was paiste 👍👍🥁

[@IFHorus]

Sounds like he was totally addicted to some kind of awful substance, though I heard he was able to get off of paiste after a number of years. Some guys end up lifelong users. Kids, stay away from that terrible paiste!

[@brendan_allard]

I.F. Horus come on man paiste is better!

[@gigspigs]

WD-40 is the secret ingredient.

[@mjjdesigns]

I took a tour last year and while it was incredible to see this all in person, this video is SO much more informative than the in-person tour. The in-person tour seemed really rushed and this one explains every step of the process. This was really cool to see.

[@RockHardRiffs]

Very cool. Love the factory tours!

[@rafaelferrer1]

I like Vinnie Colaiuta poster The best Rafael Ferrer Levy

[@jawoody9745]

I laughed because Vinnie currently plays and endorses Paiste 602's.

[@grayknight836]

Awesome factory 🏭 tour! I like the small clean laser etching, but can NOT stand the ever increasing size of the gaudy silkscreened Zildjian logos! Less is more ✨!

[@hydorah]

They could do with fixing the cards behind Paul at 1:28. the 1900s is not expressed at 1900's. That's a bit of a schoolboy error. I wonder what that red sportscar in the foyer was all about. If you look at the tour videos from the big three, Sabian: Canada, Paiste: Switzerland and Zildjian: USA, you can see big Z has the most plush and impressive building, certainly they've amassed themselves some deep pockets. They seem to be winning at making money

[@aikidragonpiper71]

I love my 20"Zildjian flat top ride and my 15" Zildjian Amir power hats. My 13 crash cymbal is a antique that I can't find out who makes it but it sounds too good to part with.

[@devanshuagarwal2983]

I m the biggest fan of zildjian cymbals and i was really struck by the beauty of the cymbals, its processing and the most important, the drum room where the artists come to discuss

[@steverizundrums]

Zildjian - The Only Serious Choice. The best cymbals ever made, period 🥁

[@DavM310]

Rizun Drummer I mean there's Istanbul

[@steverizundrums]

Genji Shimada Yeah I know, they’re alright but Zildjian started it all 🤘🏻

[@austincox1709]

Rizun Drummer istanbul is very good

[@davidmcaninch4714]

Rizun Drummer Amen, my brother. And the best? Zildjian A Custom Cymbals!!!! Now with those cymbals being the most beautiful sounding and beautiful looking, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: “Do I feel lucky?” Well do ya, punk?

[@SteveHubbardGuitar]

And Sabian, Paiste, Instanbul, Meinl, etc. Clearly they are all serious choices.

[@holly5333]

Just came across this video last night showing a friend the process and I didnt know that my brother-in-law is in this! My father also works here and they're a great company to work for.

[@GooberFace32]

As someone who makes jewelry and loves metalwork, this vid was a joy to watch! Thanks for posting this and thanks to Zildjian for giving us a virtual tour :)!

[@Rustyjamesman]

my favorite drum reviewer at my favorite cymbals factory!

[@wurdofwizdumb1928]

I can watch content like this for hours. This brought me lots of joy.

[@jezusmylord]

this is hella interesting i must say that.

[@davidmcaninch4714]

The brands I choose to play: DW Design Series Zildjian Cymbals Remo Drumheads Vic Firth Drumsticks LP Percussion Meinl Percussion

[@StonesAndSand]

I'm an old-school tool and die maker with a good amount of engineering experience. Paul is an EXCELLENT teacher, and his explanations on all of the processes make this the best Zildjian factory tour I've ever seen.

[@zodiacmanan]

I've gotten the free tour through this factory twice... loved it. Cant wait to visit again - perks of living in Massachusetts.

[@GuitarExpress]

I don´t even play drums but this was great!

[@daveyelmer3222]

Hmmm. They say you should buy gold for a secure investment..... I'm thinking: How about cymbals !!!

[@MaskTheTruth1111]

I like how he has a drumstick in his back pocket.... just Incase he might need it at any min! 😃

[@jezusmylord]

no one said it was in his pocket tho.

[@boomerguy9935]

@@jezusmylord Doesn't matter. He was "quick on the draw", just like a cowboy in an old western. Natural reflexes. Love it!

[@Fiskaal]

Nick seemed pretty frustrated at times because he couldn't get a word in, the presenters speech rhythm left no room for a bit of dialogue.

[@johnloughner6572]

Wow the guy who was with him from zildjian said iron for the casting when it was 20 percent tin, and 60 percent copper so it would not be iron at all. Such a wierd thing to say.

[@ChristopherSackett]

Well he said they look like iron because they do, doesn't look like bronze

[@TwoCablesOCN]

He is referring to what they pour the liquid (molten) Zildjian alloy into. They look like big cereal bowls made out of iron. They pour just enough in so that the molten Zildjian alloy cools and solidifies in these disc shapes. The problem was the timing of his statement, or really the timing of what footage they were showing over his statement. It's the editor's fault. They were showing footage they shot of the solidified Zildjian alloy discs being dumped into the bin when he said that the bowls the molten Zildjian alloy sits in while it cools and solidifies look like big cereal bowls made out of iron. He wasn't saying that the discs look like cereal bowls made out of iron. He's referring to the bowls they pour the molten Zildjian alloy into. They are bowl-shaped iron castings.

[@gillesnoesen3668]

Since 1623.. looking forward to their 400th anniversary signature rides!

[@sathvikgaddam7876]

How do you brillianize a cymbal?

[@jawoody9745]

By talking it up.

[@Dmoney2times51]

R u hiring

[@thomaskennydrums]

16:45 you can hear Somebody To Love playing in the background ahaha and I was just listening to it before this video wtf edit: hadn't got to the bit where he literally pointed it out lol

[@Extinction.of.Innocense]

I have a feeling if I only had to use a stick or pick all day, life would be awesome. It would appear that employee turnover rate is .000001%. Free Cymbals as an employee! When do I start?

[@don4476]

The children running the company are woke. This is really bad for Zildjian and Zildjian customers. Turns me off big time. Moving to Paiste.

[@Ebut191]

Why spoil a beautifully hammered and lathed cymbal with subtle laser etching by splattering black ink advertising over 10-15% of its surface area?

[@josiah919]

U guy should do a drum give away

[@mikedorsey8327]

Zildjian is the best hands down i want use anything else

[@jawoody9745]

Did you mean to say "i want 'to' use anything else?"

[@Krazymarmo]

Sabian does the same with their super secret alloy. Surely... with modern science... you can simply test the cymbal to find the exact metals in the alloy? Who knows

[@manuelwenaud8231]

Good video. Very intersting to compare with the visits of Bosphorus or Istanbul cymbals.

[@sweeperbart]

Nick D'Virgilio has the conversational levity of Tony Soprano.

[@nickhadi4922]

The best of cymbal factory tour so far. paul show us and explain very clearly.. except the "secret recipe". Nice.

[@MattMendians]

So cool to see where my cymbals were made! I wish I could get rid of the tarnish green spots from my 21 inch rock ride! It’s a great ride! I bought it in 1994!

[@paulemma8125]

I wonder after all the years of Paul working for Zildjian, how many times has he done that same Jazz sticking pattern. Gotta be in the millions 😂

[@patrickheath9562]

I love that every employee has a stick in their back pocket ready to go.

[@JontheSavage43]

It’s actually in Hingham mass not Norwell

[@kalkidasofficial]

Proudly made in the USA! 👏👏👏

[@boomerguy9935]

OK, as a vintage car nut, I want to know about the Morgan on display in the last scene. What kind is it? Whose was it? Why is it there? And most importantly, can I have it?

[@theredbaron057]

@4:33 I paused and said to myself, "is that a television??" Zildjian likes their displays like their cymbals; vintage!

[@JoshuaSherer]

I've been playing Zildjian forever. That was a very well made, "How it's made" video :-)