What brand of cymbals did Ringo Star use?

The story behind the answer

Ringo Starr used Zildjian cymbals. The brand’s name is correctly spelled “Zildjian,” although the stored answer drops the second “i.”

Starr’s cymbal sound became a recognizable part of The Beatles’ recordings and performances. He was associated particularly with Zildjian A cymbals, a professional line known for its bright, cutting tone. His setup and playing were comparatively restrained, which helped the drums support the songs without overwhelming the vocals, guitars, and bass.

Zildjian is one of the oldest musical-instrument companies in the world. The family business traces its origins to Constantinople in 1623, when Avedis Zildjian developed cymbals for the Ottoman court. The company later moved its operations to the United States and became a leading supplier to orchestral, jazz, rock, and pop drummers.

A common mix-up is confusing the cymbal brand with the drum-kit manufacturer. Starr played Ludwig drums, while Zildjian supplied his cymbals.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: