Sabian ( ) is a Canadian cymbal manufacturing company based in New Brunswick. It was established in 1981 in the village of Meductic, which is now part of Lakeland Ridges, where the company is still headquartered. Sabian is considered one of the big four manufacturers of cymbals, along with Zildjian, Meinl and Paiste.

History

Before Sabian Cymbals was founded, its current manufacturing facility was operated by Azco, which was then a subsidiary of Avedis Zildjian. In 1968, the Zildjian company set up Azco and the plant in rural Meductic, New Brunswick under persuasion from Robert Zildjian, who, beginning in the late 1940s, had grown familiar with the area from going on salmon fishing trips. Initially, the Meductic plant was used for casting and rolling cymbals, while finishing work was done at the Zildjian plant in North Quincy, Massachusetts. By 1970, the Meductic facility handled both processes and produced about 40% of the company's output. naming the new company by combining the first two letters of his three children's names—Sally, Billy, and Andy. The Zildjian company's former operations in Meductic under 'Azco' became the headquarters of the new company.

By 1987, Sabian was exporting 90% of their product, additionally receiving endorsements and special visits from percussionists including Gerry Brown, Martin Drew and Kiss drummer Peter Criss. In 1989, Sabian produced its first signature artist cymbals, the Jack DeJohnette ride/hi-hats, and the Carmine Appice Silver Nickel Chinese. Robert's son Andy is the most recent president of Sabian.

References

  • Robert Zildjian Interview at NAMM Oral History Library (2002)
  • Willi Zildjian Interview NAMM Oral History Library (2002)
  • Andy Zildjian Interview NAMM Oral History Library (2012)