Friday, January 25, 2013

Public Service Announcement: Finding Saroyan Zills while you can


Harry Saroyan has apparently announced that he is retiring and will no longer manufacture his wonderful zills.  Since his zills are so wonderful and high quality (I own three pair, even though I am a struggling student), I thought I would assemble a list of vendors where you might find some while they are still available new on the market.  (And, I type this with the guilt of one who KNOWS how good the zills can sound, but also needs to get a practicin’ instead of a slackin’!)

So, as of this writing, here are the vendors I could find.  Please note that some vendors also stock zills by other manufacturers.  And, this is just a Public Service announcement and not an endorsement, unless otherwise noted.

His own store, which currently has a notice that it is closed due to unforeseen circumstances: http://www.saroyanzils.com/

The Belly dance shop of NC, who kindly sold me two pair over the years:




Stellar Advantage used to sell them (bought a pair from her years ago); but, you will have to contact her to see if she has any more: http://www.shimmystuff.com/

Fahtiem, who has a longstanding relationship with Mr. Saroyan and has endorsed his zills for years.  (By the way, study with her – it is a transformative experience!) http://www.bellydancemagic.com/zils/index.html



The dreaded Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Saroyan-Zills-Finger-Cymbals-Zils/dp/B002TIF8MG

ETA one more, from a friend: http://www.artemisimports.com/finger-cymbals-zills/


I regret that those are all of the listings I could find.  If you take your playing seriously, or, if you want the motivation to take your playing seriously, do invest in a good pair.  And, I have to add with regret: while you can.