What material is used to make the Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle?

This cymbal is constructed from B-25 bronze alloy. This high-quality material is chosen for its durability and its ability to produce a wide range of harmonic overtones.

Where is this cymbal manufactured?

The Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle is hand-crafted in Turkey. The manufacturing process follows traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of cymbal smiths.

What does the 'Sizzle' part of the name refer to?

The 'Sizzle' indicates that the cymbal is equipped with rivets. These rivets vibrate when the cymbal is struck, creating a sustained, shimmering wash that accompanies the primary note.

What is the primary musical application for this cymbal?

It is specifically designed for jazz music. Its tonal profile and response are intended to replicate the 'golden age' of jazz sounds found in traditional Turkish cymbals.

How would you describe the stick attack on this model?

The Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle offers a clear stick attack. This ensures that the drummer's rhythms remain articulate and audible despite the cymbal's complex overtones.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price for the Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle is approximately £269. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Is this cymbal machine-made or handmade?

It is made completely by hand. Every stage of the production, from the initial casting to the final hammering, is performed by skilled artisans.

What frequency range does the Jazz Master 20 Ride offer?

It delivers a broad frequency spectrum. This allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, combining deep lows with sparkling high-frequency overtones.

How does the B-25 alloy differ from standard B-20 bronze?

While both are high-tin bronze alloys, B-25 contains a higher percentage of tin. This often results in a richer, more complex sound profile and is a signature of Masterwork's high-end craftsmanship.

Can this cymbal be used for genres other than jazz?

While dedicated to jazz masters, its broad frequency spectrum makes it versatile enough for acoustic settings, blues, or any genre requiring a traditional, wash-heavy ride sound.

Does the sizzle effect interfere with the clarity of the beat?

No, the design is balanced to ensure the stick attack remains clear. The sizzle provides a background texture that complements the rhythm rather than masking it.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris series?

The Jazz Master is more focused on traditional jazz aesthetics and heritage sounds. The Iris series, such as the 21 Ride, typically offers a different tonal character while maintaining the brand's handmade quality.

Gear article

Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle

The Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle is a hand-crafted Turkish cymbal designed specifically to replicate the traditional sounds of the golden age of jazz. Manufactured from a premium B-25 bronze alloy, it features integrated rivets to provide a characteristic 'sizzle' effect alongside its clear stick definition.

See live prices

Background and Construction

The Masterwork Jazz Master series is rooted in the traditional Turkish school of cymbal making, where techniques have been passed down through generations. Each Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle is manufactured completely by hand in Turkey. A notable technical specification is the use of B-25 alloy, which is a variation of the traditional bronze formula, intended to offer enhanced durability and a specific harmonic profile. Unlike mass-produced cymbals, these instruments undergo extensive hand-hammering to achieve their final shape and tonal characteristics.

Tonal Character and Features

This ride cymbal is defined by a broad frequency spectrum, offering a balance between dark, traditional undertones and sparkling overtones. The 'Sizzle' designation refers to the inclusion of rivets, which add a sustained, white-noise-like wash to the cymbal's tail. Despite the complexity of the overtones and the wash created by the rivets, the cymbal maintains a clear stick attack. This allows drummers to maintain rhythmic clarity even during fast-tempo jazz patterns.

Performance and Suitability

As the name suggests, the Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle is primarily suited for jazz musicians and those seeking an authentic, vintage-inspired sound. It is designed to 'transport' the player back to the mid-20th-century jazz aesthetic. Its responsive nature makes it ideal for dynamic playing, where the drummer needs the cymbal to react to subtle changes in velocity. While it excels in acoustic jazz settings, its broad frequency range also allows it to be used in experimental or traditional blues contexts.

Market Comparisons

Within the Masterwork catalogue, it sits alongside the Iris 21 Ride, though the Jazz Master offers a more traditional profile. When compared to other boutique Turkish-style cymbals, such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat series, the Jazz Master emphasizes a specific heritage 'sizzle' sound. It represents a more traditional alternative to modern, 'dry' designs like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, favouring a rich wash over short decay.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is used to make the Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle?: This cymbal is constructed from B-25 bronze alloy. This high-quality material is chosen for its durability and its ability to produce a wide range of harmonic overtones.
Where is this cymbal manufactured?: The Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle is hand-crafted in Turkey. The manufacturing process follows traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of cymbal smiths.
What does the 'Sizzle' part of the name refer to?: The 'Sizzle' indicates that the cymbal is equipped with rivets. These rivets vibrate when the cymbal is struck, creating a sustained, shimmering wash that accompanies the primary note.
What is the primary musical application for this cymbal?: It is specifically designed for jazz music. Its tonal profile and response are intended to replicate the 'golden age' of jazz sounds found in traditional Turkish cymbals.
How would you describe the stick attack on this model?: The Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle offers a clear stick attack. This ensures that the drummer's rhythms remain articulate and audible despite the cymbal's complex overtones.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Masterwork Jazz Master 20 Ride Sizzle is approximately £269. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Is this cymbal machine-made or handmade?: It is made completely by hand. Every stage of the production, from the initial casting to the final hammering, is performed by skilled artisans.
What frequency range does the Jazz Master 20 Ride offer?: It delivers a broad frequency spectrum. This allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, combining deep lows with sparkling high-frequency overtones.
How does the B-25 alloy differ from standard B-20 bronze?: While both are high-tin bronze alloys, B-25 contains a higher percentage of tin. This often results in a richer, more complex sound profile and is a signature of Masterwork's high-end craftsmanship.
Can this cymbal be used for genres other than jazz?: While dedicated to jazz masters, its broad frequency spectrum makes it versatile enough for acoustic settings, blues, or any genre requiring a traditional, wash-heavy ride sound.
Does the sizzle effect interfere with the clarity of the beat?: No, the design is balanced to ensure the stick attack remains clear. The sizzle provides a background texture that complements the rhythm rather than masking it.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris series?: The Jazz Master is more focused on traditional jazz aesthetics and heritage sounds. The Iris series, such as the 21 Ride, typically offers a different tonal character while maintaining the brand's handmade quality.