Cymbals of success: 400 years of Zildjian
How does a 400-year old company maintain its position at the very pinnacle of its industry?
That’s a question we looked to answer by talking to Zildjian – a company founded in the 17th century Ottoman Empire.
For four centuries, Zildjian has been producing what are regarded as the world’s finest cymbals.
Initially launched from a tiny foundry in Samatya, Istanbul the business now manufactures its cymbals from its factory in North America.
Fourteenth generation members of the Zildjian family run the company and the fifteenth generation already forms part of the firm, one of the oldest family-run businesses in the world.
In 2010, Zildjian joined forces with the Vic Firth Company, makers of world-famous drumsticks and in 2018 Zildjian acquired Balter Mallets. In this way, Zildjian is able to supply drummers worldwide with the key tools to make their music: cymbals and sticks.
To help us get beneath the skin of one of the world’s oldest companies, we asked Bob Wiczling, Marketing and A&R Manager of Zildjian to help us find out.
GTM –Zildjian was established in 1623 – what’s the secret to the company’s longevity?
Bob Wiczling, Marketing and A&R, Zildjian and Vic Firth:
Incredible sounding and beautifully crafted Instruments, 400 years of cymbal making know how, and most importantly working with and listening to the needs of the world’s greatest drummers and percussionists.
GTM – The “Zildjian family” of drummers reads like a “Who’s Who” of percussionists. The list comprises some of the greatest ever drummers, including Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, Roger Taylor, Mick Fleetwood, Dave Grohl, Steve Gadd, Zak Starkey, Nate Smith, Art Blakely, Ginger Baker and Taylor Hawkins. Who are some of your favourite Zildjian drummers?
Bob:
There are too many to list here but certainly Ringo and Charlie Watts were my initial inspiration, now from Gadd to Grohl to a whole new generation of players, the art of drumming continues to evolve and amaze me.
GTM –Your products are used in the widest imaginable range of music genres, from pop and rock, to metal, punk, new wave, jazz and classical. Is the key to the company’s success its versatility?
Bob:
Without doubt, innovation is in our DNA.
In covering so many musical genres but also supplying a wealth of sounds available to each genre.
Importantly too by following the fashion, as music changes we look to make sure we supply the sounds drummers and percussionists are looking for.
GTM – Zildjian is based in Norwell, Massachusetts, with offices in Newport, ME, Los Angeles, CA, London, UK, Beijing, China and Singapore. Your colleagues are busy with exhibitions, gigs and promotions all round the world. What causes you headaches when you’re arranging travel for your colleagues?
Bob:
Making arrangements are usually straight forward, though flight cancellations and delays are the pet hates!
GTM –Global Travel Management is “only” twenty five years old. But, in that time, GTM has managed your company’s business travel. What do you think of the service GTM continues to provide for you?
Bob:
Well, we have shared our travel experiences for quite a time!
Scott and the whole team have always been incredible, coming up with the best options and always there for when you need help.
Thank you !
