Special Edition Cymbal Set from Armand Zildjian's Personal Collection

100th Birthday Edition Cymbal from Armand Zildjian's Personal Collection

On February 18th 2021, Zildjian will be celebrating what would have been Armand Zildjian's 100th Birthday! And to celebrate this milestone, Zildjian have released just 100 cymbals from Armand's personal collection! Here at DrumShop, we've been able to get our hands on just 1 of these special edition sets, out of only 8 that have been made available in the UK. Read on to find out more about the history of Zildjian and the legend that is Armand Zildjian...

A Brief History of Armand Zildjian

Zildjian has been a family run business since 1618 when Avedis Zildjian I, an Armenian alchemist, discovered a secret process for treating alloys and was able to apply it to the art of making extraordinary cymbals.

The secret process is passed down throughout all the generations in the family and finally lands in the hands of 14-year-old Armand Zildjian in 1935, who quickly embraces the legacy of the company and begins to learn the ins and outs of the secret cymbal making process.

 Armand Zildjian at 39 Fayette Street, Quincy, MA

In 1940, Armand is sent off to fight in World War II, while his father, Avedis III works with 2 other men to fulfil American and British Military orders and keep the business afloat. In 1945, Armand returns from the war ready to assume all responsibility for the manufacturing side of the business and is able to start to experiment with developing new sounds and following the ever-changing musical trends. Armand Zildjian becomes known as the "Father of Artist Relations", developing close personal relationships with all the top drummers and percussionists, such as Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Shelly Mann, to name a few...

Avedis III and Armand with Shelly Mann

In 1977, 56-year-old Armand Zildjian was appointed President of the company and invests millions into updating the manufacturing and research & development in the newly created Sound Lab. He was responsible for the creation of some of the best lines of Zildjian cymbals to this day, most notably the K series, and the A series. 

In 1999, Armand names his daughter, Craigie Zildjian, the Chief Executive Officer of Zildjian, becoming the first woman to ever hold that position. His younger daughter, Debbie, becomes the Vice President of Human Resources and assumes responsibility for the same secret process of combining alloys.

Craigie, Armand and Debbie

Sadly, in 2002, Armand passes away in his home in Arizona at the age of 81, and the company is passed over to the 14th generation of Zildjian, Armand's daughters.

So, now in 2021, Armand's 100th birthday is commemorated with the release of 100 vintage cymbals from his personal collection along with some other limited edition items in the set. What better way to remember the man responsible for creating some of the most celebrated cymbals still on the market today!!

What does the Limited Edition Cymbal Set include?

The set includes:

  • Vintage 20" Cymbal taken from Armand's personal collection.
  • Limited Edition Armand Zildjian Drumsticks
  • Zildjian Inspection Gloves
  • Signed and Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
  • Limited Edition Armand Zildjian Book
  • and a Limited Edition Road Case 

Remember, we have 1 out of only 8 in the UK!! If that's doesn't scream what a special product this is I don't know what will! Get your hands on this set before someone else does, you won't regret it!

Click here to find out more. 

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