Zildjian cymbals

Zildjian is recognized as the oldest family-owned business in the United States, though its roots stretch back over 400 years to the Ottoman Empire. The brand was founded in 1623 by Avedis Zildjian, an alchemist in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) who discovered a secret alloy of copper, tin, and silver. This proprietary metal blend remains a secret held by the family to this day and is a cornerstone of the brand's legendary sound quality.

In 1929, the family moved operations to the United States, establishing a factory in Quincy, Massachusetts, which later moved to Norwell. Today, the majority of Zildjian cymbals are manufactured in their state-of-the-art facility in Norwell, Massachusetts. The company has evolved from a traditional cymbal maker into a global percussion giant, merging with the drumstick manufacturer Vic Firth in 2010 to form the Avedis Zildjian Company, maintaining its independence and family-led governance into the future.