cymbals

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 musicians over his long career, including Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Papa Jo Jones to create a cymbal as close to perfection as possible. Along the way Leon also had life-long friendship within the Zildjian Company, among drummers and throughout the music industry.

Mike Clark helped established the funk-based drumming sound that emerged out of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960s and 70s. In fact, his “The Funk Stops Here” was used for a radio ad before he recorded it with Herbie Hancock, as an original member of the Head Hunters. Mike’s creative and driving style has become an important part of funk drumming and his most famous beats can be heard on R&B and Hip Hop recordings by countless performers as samples.

Jack DeJohnette is a drummer’s drummer and yet, unlike many influential players, Jack is widely known among jazz fans around the world. With credits that range from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock, Jack has been a driving force on countless jazz and popular recordings beginning in the 1960s. As a product endorser he has developed his own signature series of products such as drumsticks, snares and cymbals.
 

Sam Denov retired as the percussionist and timpanist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra after playing with the group in concerts, on the road and in recordings since 1954! Sam helped bring cymbal playing to a new level of recognition and professionalism when he wrote “Playing Hand Cymbals” in the early 1960s. He worked with the Zildjian Company and later with Paiste Cymbals in creating concert level products and in conducting clinics that brought greater access to hand cymbal playing to students and professionals alike.
 

Lennie Di Muzio 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 material related to musicians and their official endorsees. Lennie worked closely with Armand Zildjian before his passing in 2002. Lennie then went to work for Armand’s brother, Robert, who years before had started the SABIAN Cymbal Company. 

Jerry Donegan began his career in the music industry in October, 1966, when his brother arranged for him to get a job in the shipping department of the Zildjian Cymbal Company. He found that early experience in the shipping department was a wonderful training ground in learning about the company’s customers. Jerry later managed their marketing and played a vital role in the NAMM Show booth designs. He also helped the company develop its independent sales network, which has been a great asset to the business.

Dom Famularo is a regular attendee at the NAMM Shows and can often be found demonstrating products he endorses or talking about his latest method book or educational DVD. Dom’s passion for music making has made him one of the music industry’s most sought-after speakers, clinicians and teachers. He has covered the globe presenting his master classes and clinics in such places as music retail stores and concert halls.

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 with his passion for the Zildjian sotry. Paul was able to work for Armand Zildjian before his passing and recalled the elements of the business most revered by the master cymbal builder.

John King is among the most noted cymbal tester 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 historian at Zildjian. In his interview, he provided great detail regarding some of the traditions of the company.

David McAllister grew up in Eastern Canada as a child of the 60s and 70s and a big fan of the music of the era. He studied sales and marketing, getting a job in one of the country’s largest food companies before meeting Bob Zildjian in 1984. Bob had just formed SABIAN and was looking for a sales and marketing director. David was thrilled to put his two interests, marketing and music, together. He was proud to take part in the growth of the company from a start-up to a worldwide contender in the making of cymbals. He left the company in 2000 to work at Latin Percussion, which was purchased by Kaman while David was there.