Armand Zildjian

Yves Tieche opened a small shop building guitars in 1976, later expanding into a store and becoming a Martin dealer. While attending the 1991 Frankfurt Music Fair, Yves met Armand Zildjian who offered him a job. Yves became the rep for Europe and traveled to both big and small dealers in large...
Kim Pang attended the NAMM Show in 1994 as a guest of the Zildjian company. While he there he accepted a job offer with the famous cymbal makers right on the spot. He was put in charge of expanding the brand in the Asian market and was always happy to be the first Zildjian employee from the region...
Colin Schofield recalls the day when he was eleven years old and received the Alice Cooper album “School’s Out.” The record changed his life by providing him with a passion for music, especially the drums. While earning his degree at the University of Leicester, Colin picked up a part time job at...
Sarah Hagan wanted to play the drums more than anything when she was young. After asking so many times, her parents finally agreed and got her a snare drum and signed her up for lessons. Sarah loved every minute of playing the drums, and would even skip recess during elementary school to receive...
John DeChristopher was playing in a band when he would visit the EU Wurlitzer Music Store in Boston.  Those early store visits for gear led to a job and John’s introduction to the music products industry.  John joined the Zildjian Company in 1989 and created a wonderful reputation as the VP of...
Paul Francis, Quality Manager, fondly recalled the early days of his career at Zildjian and spoke with pride of the history of the company as he has come to learn it. His understanding of cymbal making is only equaled by his passion for the Zildjian story. Paul was able to work for Armand Zildjian...
John King is among the most noted cymbal testers in the business. Working alongside Armand Zildjian in the factory in Massachusetts. John learned the fine skills of a tester and worked with Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, and other top players. John, a Product Communications Manager, has also become a...
Leon Chiappini is the Head Zildjian Cymbal Tester who gained his skills and phenomenal musical ear from two of the true icons in the industry, the father and son team of Avedis and Armand Zildjian. Leon developed improved ways of testing the sound of each product and worked with the “A” team...
Lennie DiMuzio was told for years that he ought to write a book about his career and his many stories, so he did! Lennie was the artist relations director for Zildjian Cymbal Company for many years. He oversaw the line-up of endorsees and their many activities, as well as the company’s printed...
Deborah Zildjian proudly recalled stories of her father and her grandfather, two of the most successful leaders of her family’s 380 plus years as cymbal makers. Deborah has a compelling way of recounting her family’s history such as her memories of her grandmother and grandfather. Deborah serves as...

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