Zildjian Drums — Metal Drummers Who Use Zildjian | MetalForge
Which metal drummers use Zildjian cymbals? See every pro in MetalForge's database who endorses or plays Zildjian gear — kit specs and prices.
About Zildjian
Zildjian is the world's largest cymbal manufacturer and one of the oldest companies of any kind still in operation, founded in Constantinople in 1623. The name "Zildjian" means "cymbal maker" in Armenian-Turkish, and for 400 years, this family has crafted cymbals that shape the sound of music.
Why Metal Drummers Choose Zildjian:
- A Custom Series – Bright, cutting sound perfect for metal
- K Custom Series – Dark, complex tones for progressive metal
- Z Custom Series – Heavy, loud cymbals built for extreme volume
- Oriental Line – Trashy effects for nu-metal and experimental sounds
The Metal Sound:
Lars Ulrich's Zildjian A Custom setup defined the thrash metal cymbal sound. The bright, cutting attack of A Customs cuts through distorted guitars like nothing else. For darker tones, K Customs provide the complexity favored by progressive metal drummers.
Quality & Innovation:
Zildjian's centuries of experience show in their consistency and quality. Each cymbal is hand-crafted and tested, ensuring the perfect balance of tone, sustain, and durability that metal drumming demands.
Zildjian History
In 1618, an Armenian alchemist named Avedis living in Constantinople discovered a secret alloy of copper, tin, and a trace of silver that could be hammered into a cymbal that rang true instead of shattering. The Ottoman Sultan's own Janissary military bands adopted the instruments, and in 1623 the Sultan granted Avedis both the right to open an independent foundry and the surname "Zildjian" — Armenian for "cymbal maker."
For the next three centuries, the alloy formula and hammering technique passed from father to son inside the Zildjian family, guarded so closely that it was reportedly never written down. The foundry remained in Constantinople through the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the upheaval of World War I.
In 1929, with the family's American branch already established, Avedis Zildjian III incorporated the Avedis Zildjian Company in Quincy, Massachusetts, carrying the 300-year-old alloy secret across the Atlantic just as the jazz era was taking off in the United States.
In 1977, Zildjian brought the historic K Istanbul cymbal-making tradition — originated generations earlier by a separate branch of the family — under its own roof, uniting the bright A-style and dark K-style cymbal sounds under one company for the first time.
A bitter family split in the late 1970s cost Zildjian half its own bloodline: in 1981 Robert Zildjian left to found rival cymbal maker Sabian in Canada. Armand Zildjian kept the Zildjian name and the Massachusetts factory, and the company remains family-run into its 15th generation, marking its 400th anniversary in 2023.
Zildjian Milestones
- 1618: Avedis Zildjian discovers the copper-tin-silver alloy that lets cast cymbals be hammered without cracking or shattering.
- 1623: The Ottoman Sultan grants Avedis the Zildjian name and permission to found an independent cymbal foundry in Constantinople.
- 1929: Avedis Zildjian III incorporates the Avedis Zildjian Company in Quincy, Massachusetts, moving cymbal production to the USA.
- 1977: Zildjian acquires the rights to the historic K Istanbul line, uniting the bright A-style and dark K-style cymbal traditions under one company.
- 1981: A family split sends Robert Zildjian to found rival cymbal maker Sabian in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada.
- 2023: Zildjian marks its 400th anniversary, still family-owned into its 15th generation.
Zildjian in Metal
Lars Ulrich has played an all-Zildjian setup throughout Metallica's career, and his bright, cutting A Custom cymbals became a reference point for thrash metal's cymbal sound in the 1980s. The darker K and K Custom lines later found favor with progressive and technical metal drummers such as George Kollias and Mario Duplantier, who mix K-series crashes and rides with A Custom hi-hats to balance cut with complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Zildjian cymbals do metal drummers use?
Most metal drummers use the A Custom series for its bright, cutting sound that penetrates heavy guitar tones. Lars Ulrich and many others rely on A Customs. Progressive metal drummers often prefer K Customs for their darker complexity.
A Custom vs K Custom for metal?
A Custom cymbals are brighter and louder, ideal for thrash, death, and traditional metal. K Custom cymbals are darker and more complex, suited for progressive metal and studio work. Many drummers combine both series.
Are Zildjian cymbals good for metal?
Zildjian cymbals are excellent for metal. The A Custom series is perhaps the most popular metal cymbal line ever, while their heavier Z Custom and Oriental series cater to extreme metal drummers.