Category — Zildjian Cymbals

Zildjian, which in Armenian translates to ‘son of a cymbal maker,’ is the largest cymbal manufacturing company worldwide. The company recently announced ‘The Zildjian Drummers Achievement Awards’ to celebrated their 385th year anniversary. The awards will take place on Sunday 7 December 2008 at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire.

The Zildjian event, which will honor individuals who have made “extraordinary contributions to the art of drum set playing and to music” will be acknowledging Ginger Baker, former drummer of Cream and Blind Faith. The drumming legend will be joined by former Tony Allen as well as Cream bandmate, Jack Bruce. Many more drummers and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Aside from Cream, Ginger Baker has worked with many notable artists, including Paul McCartney and Wings for Band On The Run and Hawkwind’s 1984 release This Is Hawkwind, Do Not Panic. Though I’m not a Wings fan, Band On The Run holds a special place in my heart and I wouldn’t be surprised if Baker’s drumming gave it some of the charm I am so drawn to. As for Hawkwind, the music speaks for itself (in it’s own language). I stumbled upon their live album Space Ritual after bringing home a 92-cent used Tom Petty record from Record Surplus in Los Angeles (best record store in the area). Within two seconds, I knew it was A) not Tom Petty and B) something I definitely needed to listen to regardless. So when I saw that Ginger Baker played with Hawkwind, it sort of felt like I had come full circle on discovering a decent band from the past.

Congratulations to Ginger Baker for awesome drumming and a successful career.

For more information on the award show, go to www.zildjian385.com
For tickets: www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk

Zildjian Cymbals has announced that it will produce the first ever run of all-black cymbals in its 385 year history.

“Pitch Black™” cymbals are available in a full range of sizes and models and are designed specifically for Rock and Metal applications. The series features eight models including a 22-inch Ride, 20-inch Crash Ride, 18 and 16-inch Crashes, 13-inch Splash, 15-inch Mastersound HiHats, 14-inch HiHats and an 18-inch China.”

“Utilizing a proprietary coating process, all Pitch Black™ cymbals are made from Zildjian’s high performance Bronze 12 Alloy which features enhanced tin content for a richer sound. The coating process allows the cymbals to be durable and visually striking while still opening up as a cymbal should. Heavier weights and large sizes combined with new profiles, cups, lathing and hammering techniques help to deliver the brightness and presence required for Rock and Metal applications.”

I don’t know much about the sound of these yet, but they look very cool. I am pretty sure purists will still want traditional cymbals, esp considering how expensive they are, although this is a great choice of a cymbal for the player who wants a different visual aesthetic for their drum kit while still having great sound.

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