Zildjian and Vic Firth... Merger

**Martinez12** · 12-20-2010, 03:26 PM

I just received this e-mail from Zildjian

It is my pleasure to announce that as of today, the world's leading cymbal manufacturer, the Avedis Zildjian Company, will merge with Vic Firth, the global market leader in drumsticks, effective immediately. Both of our New England-based, family-owned companies are well respected legacy brands in the music industry with a long tradition of product quality and innovation.

Zildjian is honored to join forces with the Vic Firth Company which has set the standard for drumsticks in the music industry. Similarities in our cultures and business philosophies, coupled with a shared dedication to product and service excellence, provide a strong foundation for the union of our two companies. Both companies will continue to run autonomously. In fact, our customers should notice no difference in the way business is conducted moving forward.

"I have the greatest respect for Zildjian," said Vic Firth, President, Vic Firth Company. "Our businesses share common values, a passion for manufacturing, and a similar approach to how we do business. This union represents a unique opportunity to leverage our respective leadership positions in the drumstick and cymbal categories. I look forward to years of growth and newfound success."

**late8** · 12-20-2010, 03:28 PM

Very cool! Maybe some free sticks for every Zildjian purchase?

**tah821** · 12-20-2010, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by late8

Very cool! Maybe some free sticks for every Zidjian purchase?

or maybe durable Zildjian sticks!!!

but seriously wonder what'll become of zildjians sticks...

**Christiandrummer777** · 12-20-2010, 03:30 PM

pretty cool, however im wondering what will happend to zildjian sticks. dosent seem logical to have zildjian's brand of sticks if they are partners with vic firth.

**Russ** · 12-20-2010, 03:33 PM

Possible price drop? Ack though, vic firth cymbals are a scary thought.

**MrB** · 12-20-2010, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by tah821

or maybe durable Zildjian sticks!!!

but seriously wonder what'll become of zildjians sticks...

I hate Zildjian sticks- most brittle, undependable lumber I've ever used.

I want to like them, as some models felt absolutely wonderful to me (Manu Kache, Erskine, who jumped to Vic Firth, Tim Alexander). The sticks just shatter. I can't kill my ProMarks, which I have four pairs left from the brick I bought ten years ago now. Vaters are alright, but not my preference.

This news makes me anxious. Vic Firth is by far my favorite stick, and I can only hope that the merger is about streamlining distribution and corporate stuff and Zildjian doesn't stick their nose into the stick manufacturing process.

Looks like I'm going to GC and buying about three bricks by New Year's.

**late8** · 12-20-2010, 03:40 PM

Anybody know if Vic sticks are sonically matched?

**MartyM** · 12-20-2010, 04:02 PM

Just wonder which company was the one in financial trouble???

**DLDante** · 12-20-2010, 04:05 PM

"Both companies will continue to run autonomously."

Thank Heavens! I started reading and my heart rate quadrupled at the idea of Zildjian having something to do with the production of Vic Firth sticks.

Originally Posted by late8

Anybody know if Vic sticks are sonically matched?

Yes, sir, they are.

**almostmatt1** · 12-20-2010, 04:14 PM

Well, so long as the quality of the sticks dont suffer... its all good!
Iv never really found a zildjian cymbal iv liked, to be honest... sabian AAX, paiste alpha and sigs, and a lot of meinls have sounded great to me... but strangely, never a zildjian.
But vic firth sticks are my favorite!

**jafo** · 12-20-2010, 05:03 PM

Zildjians are my favorite choice in Sticks. I use the black grip style. They seem pretty durable to me.

**xweasel** · 12-20-2010, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by almostmatt1

Well, so long as the quality of the sticks dont suffer... its all good!
Iv never really found a zildjian cymbal iv liked, to be honest... sabian AAX, paiste alpha and sigs, and a lot of meinls have sounded great to me... but strangely, never a zildjian.
But vic firth sticks are my favorite!

I'm the same. Although there was this one Zildjian K ride that I liked, but out of all the As, A Customs, K Customs, (most) K's, Z Customs etc, I haven't found anything by Zildjian that I like.

Vic Firth sticks are good but my favourite have to be Vater.

Originally Posted by MrB

I want to like them, as some models felt absolutely wonderful to me (Manu Kache, Erskine, who jumped to Vic Firth, Tim Alexander). The sticks just shatter. I can't kill my ProMarks, which I have four pairs left from the brick I bought ten years ago now. Vaters are alright, but not my preference.

WOW what's your secret? Whenever I get a pair of Promark 5Bs, they usually break within two weeks. Could possibly be because I'm a metal drummer and naturally hit hard, but sticks ain't cheap over here.

**jajo** · 12-20-2010, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by MartyM

Just wonder which company was the one in financial trouble???

This was the right question. We'll probably never know unless we look up the new parent company. Whoever's name is at the top of the list was the 'investor'.

I have a set of Zildjian sticks that I wanted to try. I like 'em OK. But, I bet that Zildjian outsourced them to someone. So, it's possible that Z will continue to brand sticks; perhaps they'll even be made by VF.

**late8** · 12-20-2010, 05:16 PM

Thanks DL!

**pastor_bob** · 12-20-2010, 05:29 PM

This is a real shocker to me. The key, though, is that both companies will remain autonomous under a common umbrella company. That means that the individual companies can determine their own product lines, although there will be a corporate board that will keep an eye on each company's bottom line. Vic Firth and Zildjian can still compete as individual companies.

**xsabers** · 12-20-2010, 06:02 PM

Two words: BRONZE DRUMSTICKS!!!

**ZildjianKid234** · 12-20-2010, 06:13 PM

The idea of a Zildjian manufacturing Vic firth sticks is scary. Zildjian sticks are possibly the worst, and Vic's are the best in my opinion. Maybe Zildjian will quit making sticks (hopefully) and stick to cymbals, which would help Vic firth buisness...

**xObfuscation** · 12-20-2010, 06:21 PM

If there products don't turn bad then it's ok by me.

**SomeGuyDude** · 12-20-2010, 07:52 PM

Evans buys Pro-Mark

Zildj gets Vic Firth

Eventually are we going to end up with three or four giant drum conglomerates that make every element of a kit?

**Drumbledore** · 12-20-2010, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by xsabers

Two words: BRONZE DRUMSTICKS!!!

Guys....ya forgotten one new aspect that might be as a result of this venture.....

Zildjian invents the all-new innovative hickory ride, blowing the competition all away.
Bands overnight have to reduce their volume just so they can hear their drummers.

**almostmatt1** · 12-21-2010, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by xsabers

Two words: BRONZE DRUMSTICKS!!!

or WOODEN CYMBALS!!!

**Drumbledore** · 12-21-2010, 02:27 AM

Zildjian makes obsolete it's bronze cymbal polish....now takes out a licence to manufacture Pledge and Mister Sheen as cleaning products for its Hickory Line

**Jerzey Street Band (JSB)** · 12-21-2010, 02:46 AM

So what does this do for my chances as a future endorsee of Zildjian cymbals but who plays with promark sticks?

**areFish** · 12-21-2010, 02:54 AM

Maybe a Vic Firth pepper mill with a B20 nut on top.

**Drumbledore** · 12-21-2010, 03:10 AM

Hope they make a wooden version of this...I'd be curious to know.....

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