I have a bunch of Zildjians from the 60's and I'd like to learn a bit more about them. I think they're all A's but I'm not sure how to tell and all I see about old Zildjians is purely about old K's.

When did they start putting out different lines or grades of cymbals (A's vs K's)?

What differentiates them from each other? Obviously, any logos other than the stamps are long gone at this point.

This is the stamp on the 20" ride. The majority of these came to me with a 62' Slingerland and the owner received the drums and the cymbals at the same time (Bar Mitzvah).

Check out Zenstat's site. Should be really helpful....

http://black.net.nz/avedis.html

Mike

It's great if you're trying to date cymbals or even value them a bit but it's a bit thin on history, particularly the 60's.

Were K's just made in Constantinople during the 60's while the Avedis were made in the US? Is that the difference? From what I've read, Zildjian was effectively 2 companies for a number of years until the end of the 60's when it split into Zildjian and Sabian.

Perhaps check out Drum History Podcast. There are several cymbal history episodes that you may find interesting.

Originally Posted by Hulakatt

Were K's just made in Constantinople during the 60's while the Avedis were made in the US? Is that the difference? From what I've read, Zildjian was effectively 2 companies for a number of years until the end of the 60's when it split into Zildjian and Sabian.

K's (during the 40s 50s 60s and 70s-until the last (Turkish made) 1978- were made in Istanbul, Turkey. The Constantinople name change (of the city) was__1930. The stamp on the cymbal changed to Made in Turkey, Istanbul 1940 or so. Prior (the K. Constantinople) said Made in Turkey, Constantinople

So, American Zildjian started in 1929 (to present)
Turkish Zildjian began in Turkey 1623 (to 1978).

So from a period of 1929 until 1978---there existed two - separate - Zildjians running concurrent - from two different continents (Turkey and the United States.) there was concurrent competition, litigious.. competition.

I'm in Jeannette, Pa. If you ever want to talk cymbals Or USA Gretsch I have both..

here a good story:
https://www.company-histories.com/Av...y-History.html

here's a good story II:
http://www.turkishculture.org/music/...cymbal-285.htm

And here's a simple site:
http://robscott.net/cymbals/

And be aware the origin of all the metal insignia, "stamp" names, stamp ID, dating, was done by a fellow member here
Name: Drumaholic---Bill H.
http://vintagedrumforum.com/member.php?u=3487