While today a revered and renowned cymbalsmith, Robert Zildjian also played an important but lesser known role in the history of drums. As a soldier serving in occupied Germany after its defeat, Robert Zildjian was ordered to visit the German P.O.W. camp and ask if there were any musicians among the prisoners able and willing to perform a music show for Allied Officers. A young interned Wehrmacht tympanist volunteered his services. The young prisoner's name was Karl-Heinz Weimer, who only a few short years later created the Trixon Drum Company in Hamburg, W. Germany! Young Robert Zildjian was extremely impressed with the young German drummer whom he had escorted from the camp, and the two men maintained close personal and business relations throughout their lives following the war.

I'm sorry to learn of his passing, and I actually didn't realise quite how old he was. I hope the rift within the Zildjian family was bridged, I know he fell out with his family years ago with regards to how to run the Zildjian marquee. His contribution to the percussive arts where enormous. I am for one thankful for an opportunity to represent the Sabian name for a while. I still have some corking examples in my collection. To be an internet cliche..........RIP Bob Zildjian, I for one loved you and your work.

The first new, cymbals I ever bought, were SABIAN AAX 13" Studio Hats. Prior to that I always bought old Zildjian or Paiste.

I couldn't get over how those hihats sounded "pre-EQ'ed" same with the AAX Studio crash.

I always give credit to SABIAN for pushing the bar and coming out with something new EVERY year.

My brother also a drummer, has nothing but SABIAN on his kit.

Sad to just hear about his passing.

We just lost another innovator in the percussion community.