Zildjian founded Sabian Cymbals in Meductic in 1981 after a legal battle with his brother over inheritance of the Zildjian family business. The two companies remain competitors and world leaders in the cymbal business.

Who owns Zildjian cymbals?

Founded in Turkey in 1623 by Armenian alchemist Avedis Zildjian, the company, with 2006 revenues of $52 million, is now run by 14th-generation descendent Craigie Zildjian, who took the reins from her father in 1999, becoming the first woman to head up the business.