Old Zildjians

[premierplayer]

This is an interesting thread. I don't know much about vintage cymbals I just know what I like and have always bought old cymbals cos I like the sound and look and they're cheaper! I recently noticed that my favourite 18" crash is a Canadian and wondered about it (I had thought all Zildjians were made in USA). What sort of age would it be? It's very dull looking (just how I like them) and has no ink stamps on it.
It's interesting what's been said about the hi hats . Mine are very closely matched (heavy) in weight ( I believe they're '70s, the only ink stamps on them are hollow 'Zildjian' on the underside) and I thought they might be two bottoms put together (I had thought all Zildjian hi hats from the '60s onwards had heavier bottoms). They sound great though.
I have also learned a lot from KO and this forum in general over the few weeks since I joined, thanks.

Cheers, Nathan.

Canadian Zildjians 1970 - 1980/81, Meductic plant opened in `68, first two years production was mostly limited to Zilco's.
USA "Hollow" ink logos ran from 1978 - 1981'ish. There are a lot of "Hollow" ink Canadian Zildjians out there, suspicions are that the Canadian plant began using the hollow ink style prior to `78.
There are also examples and anomalies of processes and finishing being done by both the USA and Canadian plants, there were some hitches from time to time.
Enjoy your `70's Zil's they are some great pies.

More about Zildjian history,
http://en.wikipedia....ildjian_Company

 

[Stonestreet]

The Post Office!!!! Of course! I don't know why I didn't think of that!

 

[LudwigLarry]

I just got back from the DFW area a few weeks ago and picked up a 50s A. Zildjian 18" Paper Thin crash. weighs in @ a feather weight 1016 grms. I was going to put it on Ebay but after trying it with my 50s A. Zildjian Med. Ride and my 40s A.Zildjian 14" crash, its a keeper. I tell ya this is what an 18" crash should sound like. Nice explosive low pitched crash that gets out of the way kinda fast.

 

[Elvis]

Holy crap! - 1016g.?!


... ...


Man, I thought my old 18" Paiste Sig. Mellow Crash was a super lightweight. It weighed 1119g.
That old A must be SUPER-duper responsive.

Nice grab, Larry.





Elvis

 

[LudwigLarry]

Yes very resposive. Thats why I'm keeping it instead of putting it on the Bay. I've also got a 40s 14" top hi hat cymbal that weighs a skinny 655 grms. and works great with any other 14" thats heavier. Still has a strong ink stamp on it that says Top Hi Hat. Very very bendable.

You just can't beat old Zildjians. There are very very few new ones that I like. I'm glad that old Zildjians for the most part are cheap. I'll take an old Zildjian anyday over a new clangey one.

 

[Coelacanth]

How do you guys weigh them, by the way?

Check this out, Stonestreet:

http://www.drumforum...hp?f=14&t=37839

Excellent and inexpensive (not cheap) digital scale that I purchased and reviewed not too long ago.

 

[mlayton]

thanks for sharing that info coel. i'd love to have one of those. nice price.


mike

 

[Stonestreet]

Thanks for the link Coela, I just now received my 18" A Zildjian crash, drilled for rivets. Thanks for the lead on that one Mike!

 

[mlayton]

youre quite welcome. i was wondering if you got it. how does it sound?


mike

 

[Stonestreet]

mlayton said:
youre quite welcome. i was wondering if you got it. how does it sound?


mike


I need to go to Lee Valley today and pick up some brass rivets, but I played with it a bit last night and I'm pretty into it. She's got a nice low pitch and a lot of dirt on her, looks great. I'll know how I feel after she sizzles.

 

[mlayton]

i could have sent you some with that inlay i mailed ya. ive got a box of them.


mike

 

[Stonestreet]

That's cool, I got a bag of 50 from Lee Valley for 8 bucks. Fair enough price I'd say, plus, I didn't even know for sure if I was getting it.

Tried the cymbal out today and I think it's too heavy to crash, so it's my sizzle ride now. I love the look of this kit. It's really starting to come together now!