Leon Chiappini
Video
Oral History Information
Interview Date
Job Title
Head Cymbal Tester
Company Name
Avedis Zildjian Company
Leon Chiappini is the Head Zildjian Cymbal Tester who gained his skills and phenomenal musical ear from two of the true icons in the industry, the father and son team of Avedis and Armand Zildjian. Leon developed improved ways of testing the sound of each product and worked with the “A” team musicians over his long career, including Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Papa Jo Jones to create a cymbal as close to perfection as possible. Along the way Leon also had life-long friendship within the Zildjian Company, among drummers and throughout the music industry.