...Sabian Vice President Lane Davy will assume the role of executive director of Gon Bops, Inc. and will execute the strategies and oversee the day-to-day operations. Sabian Executive Vice President and CFO Mike Connell will assume the role of CFO of Sabian Inc. and Gon Bops Inc. and will oversee and manage the financial functions of these companies.

Gon Bops, Inc. will be run as a separate concern from the cymbal business, with its own distribution network and artist program. Through an ongoing working relationship with Drum Workshop, manufacturing in California will continue uninterrupted. Relationships with current suppliers will continue, allowing a continuous flow of products.

“We’re excited to begin a new chapter in Sabian history,” said Andy Zildjian. “Gon Bops instruments are a perfect blend of vintage craftsmanship and innovative thinking. Since its founding in 1954, the company has pioneered several features and improvements that have forever changed Latin instruments. We are excited about not only expanding distribution, but also continuing to focus on groundbreaking designs that represent clear improvements in meeting the needs of musicians. The pursuit of the best sound is what our craftsmen work for every day. We know the fit [of Gon Bops with Sabian] is perfect, above all, because sound matters.”

Top instrument designer Akbar Moghaddam continues with Gon Bops, Inc. as director of production and R&D. Prior to handling Gon Bops production and R&D for Drum Workshop, Moghaddam had a long history as a hands-on instrument artisan. He began his career repairing and refurbishing percussion instruments and eventually studied manufacturing with Tom Flores, founder of Valje Percussion Co. In 1992 Moghaddam founded his own percussion company, Sol Percussion, where he deepened his expertise by manufacturing all aspects of the instruments. “Akbar’s creative energy, passion for quality, and desire to serve both musicians and their music align perfectly with  Sabian’s mission and commitment to our customers,” commented Davy.  “We work with only the most relevant and high-quality brands—with regard to both products and customer relationships—and we’re glad to have Akbar on board to continue that practice.”

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