RaBe's Cymbal Page: Cymbal series: Zildjian

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Zildjian Stamps

It is often hard to tell when a specific cymbal was made. There is an excellent series of articles from expert Bill Hartrick at cymbalholic.com called Trademark Stamp Chronology discussing the diverse types of stamps that can be found on A as well as K Zildjian cymbals.

A. Zildjian

Avedis Zildjian Genuine Turkish Cymbals Made in USA

Released:1940s?
Discontinued: No
Description: Earliest and most versatile Zildjian series, the 'classic Zildjians'. Includes roughly two dozen models (see 1980 chart) in sizes from 6" to 24". Finishes include Traditional (lathed), Brilliant (mellower, because of the ridges rounded off), and the raw (unhammered and unlathed) Earth Ride.
Material: B20
Hammering: Even and dense, medium deep/large marks, nowadays machine-hammered
Lathing: Sharp-ridge even pattern, now machine-lathed

K Zildjian

K. Zildjian Istanbul, Made in Turkey

K Zildjian Istanbul logo
Zildjian Constantinople stamp. This is presumably older than the Istanbul cymbal.

Released: ?
Discontinued: ?
Description: These are the famous cymbals from the Zildjian factory in Istanbul, run by Kerope Zildjian. When he died, the factory closed and some spinoffs were started by former employees, namely Istanbul. The K. Zildjian trademark was later continued by the American Zildjian branch. Their cymbals, however, are different.
Material: B20
Hammering: Highly irregular, intense hand-hammering, including the cups.
Lathing: Fairly shallow hand-lathing.

K Zildjian

Modern K logo

K Zildjian USA logo
K. Zildjian & Co, Genuine Turkish Cymbals, Made in USA

Released:After closing of K. Zildjian, Istanbul
Discontinued: No
Description: Generally darker, lower pitched, and more complex than A. Zildjian, but considerably less complex and dirty than the original Kerope/Istanbul Zildjian cymbals. Today mostly machine-made.
Material: B20
Hammering: More irregular and deeper than A. Zildjian, nowadays machine-hammered
Lathing: Classical ridgy pattern, now machine-lathed

Amir

Released:?
Discontinued: Yes
Description: Pretty small intermediate series consisting of 16" and 18" crashes, 20" and 22" rides, 18" and 20" China Boy, 14" and 15" Hi-Hats and Power Hi-Hats, respectively.
Material: B20
Hammering: Similar to A. Zildjian?
Lathing: Similar to A. Zildjian?

Impulse

Released: Late 1970s?
Discontinued: Yes
Description: Loud, raw, metallic cymbals for loud music. Obviously inspired by Paiste's RUDE series. Models were limited to 16/18" crashes and chinas, 20/22" rides, and 14/15" Power Hi-Hats with half-round cutouts on the bottom cymbal's edge to prevent air lock. Completely machine-made.
Material: B20
Hammering: Very even, light, sparse, automated hammering
Lathing: None

Z

Released:Late 1970s
Discontinued: No
Description: Heavy, loud, cutting cymbals with focus on volume and projection. Aimed mostly at heavy metal players and available only in Brilliant finish. These cymbals are completely machine-made. Models include 16/18/20" Light/Heavy Power Crash, 20/22/24" Light/Heavy Power Ride, 18/20" Power Smash (china), 13/14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats (both top and bottom extra heavy), and a 12" Splash.
Material: B20
Hammering: Very even computer automated hammering with especially designed hammer peens in unusual shapes: 5-point star, 6-point star, closed hex, open penta. Zildjian claims all of these produce different sounds.
Lathing: None (or very fine and polished down)

Z 5-point star and closed hex patterns
Closed hex and 6?-point star hammering patterns on Z Dyno Beat hi-hats

Z 5-point star hammering
5-point star hammering on a Power Smash (china type)

Edge

Released:1990s?
Discontinued: No
Description: Made from B8 sheets with production techniques similar to the A Custom process. Brilliant finish, centered, smooth sound, without much complexity but with power. Intermediate level instruments. Models in sizes ranging from 6" to 20", including three weights of crashes, two rides, two hi-hats, splashes and chinas.
Material: B8
Hammering: Machine-hammered with special, oval peen hammer. Very dense around bell, less in middle of bow, sparse near edge. Similar to A Custom.
Lathing:Even, broad and shallow machine-lathing.

Zildjian Edge logo
Edge machine hammering/lathing

A Custom

Released:1990s?
Discontinued: No
Description: Brilliant finish combined with old lathing techniques and modern, oval peen hammering result in a more centered, 'modern' sound. About a dozen models in sizes ranging from 8" to 22".
Material: B20
Hammering: Machine-hammered with special, oval peen hammer. Zones of different density clearly distinguishable.
Lathing: Machine-lathed?

Oriental

Released:?
Discontinued: No
Description: Thin cymbals, buffed finish combined with micro lathing and deep hand-hammering result in a bright/dark, trashy and exotic sound.
Material: B20
Hammering: Deep irregular machine-hammering
Lathing: Very fine and regular machine-lathing