Legendary cymbal manufacturer Robert "RZ" Zildjian has passed away at 89 years. He was the founder of Sabian cymbals, a competitor to the famous Zildjian brand of cymbals founded by his family.

Zildjian was involved in legal proceedings over control of the family company with his brother Armand Zildjian before ultimately going separately with Sabian cymbals. Sabian is the second largest cymbal manufacturer to the Zildjian brand, quite a feat considering that the latter is one of the oldest brands in the world at 400 years. It goes back to the early 17th century when Avedis Zildjian created a "secret" alloy that worked well for wartime noisemakers, and later for musical instruments.

The Zildjian brand is known worldwide as a staple in rock percussion, and the passing of RZ Zildjian is really the passing of an era. Thankfully, the brands that he and his brother (who died in 2002) presided over during their lifetimes will continue to create great-sounding cymbals long after they have been laid to rest.