What material is used to make the Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat?

It is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material is highly regarded in cymbal making for its durability and superior tonal properties.

What type of finish does this hi-hat have?

The cymbals feature a high-gloss, brilliant finish. This finish is achieved through hand-polishing and contributes to a brighter, clearer sound.

Which musical genres are best suited for these hi-hats?

They are particularly well-suited for Rock and Pop. However, their versatile design makes them appropriate for a wide variety of musical styles.

How does the 12-inch size affect the sound?

The 12-inch diameter provides a higher pitch and a faster, more controlled response compared to larger hi-hats. This makes them excellent for precise, articulate playing.

Does the finish affect the sonic qualities of the cymbal?

Yes, the high-gloss surfaces enhance the cymbal's brightness and clarity. This allows every strike to cut through a musical mix with greater precision.

Is the Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat suitable for professional use?

Yes, its B20 construction and hand-finished design categorize it as a professional-level instrument. It is designed for both studio recording and live performance.

How does this model compare to the Masterwork Iris series?

While the Masterwork Iris (such as the 21 Ride) often features different tonal characteristics, the Resonant series focuses specifically on high-gloss brilliance and sparkling clarity. Both share the brand's commitment to high-quality B20 alloy.

Can this be used as a primary hi-hat?

Yes, it can function as a primary hi-hat for drummers who prefer a brighter, more compact sound. It is also frequently used as a secondary or 'auxiliary' hi-hat.

How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi-Hat?

The Resonant 12 is smaller and typically brighter due to its 12-inch size and high-gloss finish. The UFIP Bionic 13" provides a slightly different weight and projection profile common to that series.

Is this hi-hat a good choice for loud rock music?

Yes, its ability to cut through the mix ensures it remains audible even in loud environments. The B20 alloy provides the necessary durability for heavy hitting.

What is the typical price for the Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat?

The typical price for this model is approximately £229. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-finished B20 bronze instrument.

How does it differ from a low-volume cymbal pack?

Unlike low-volume packs, which are perforated to reduce sound for practice, the Resonant 12 is a full-volume, professional performance cymbal designed for maximum projection and tonal richness.

Gear article

Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat

The Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat is a professional-grade percussion instrument constructed from B20 bronze alloy and finished with a high-gloss polish. Designed for precision and clarity, it is specifically engineered to provide a bright, sparkling tone that remains effective across Rock and Pop genres.

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Overview and Construction

The Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat is a compact pair of cymbals that emphasises high-frequency response and tonal clarity. It is manufactured using the industry-standard B20 bronze alloy, a mixture of copper and tin known for its durability and rich harmonic range. The cymbals are hand-polished to a brilliant, high-gloss finish, which serves both aesthetic and acoustic purposes.

Sonic Character

The defining characteristic of the Resonant 12 Hi-Hat is its ability to produce a sparkling, warm tone. The high-gloss surface enhances the cymbal's brightness, allowing it to cut through dense musical mixes with precision. Despite its smaller 12-inch diameter, the B20 construction ensures it maintains enough warmth to avoid sounding overly brittle, providing a balanced 'chick' sound and a responsive feel under the sticks.

Versatility and Application

While particularly suited to Rock and Pop due to its clear projection, the Masterwork Resonant 12 is designed for maximum versatility. Its smaller size makes it an excellent choice for drummers seeking a secondary hi-hat setup (remote or X-hat) or for use in smaller acoustic settings where a standard 14-inch pair might be too overpowering. Its fast response time is also advantageous for intricate rhythmic patterns found in modern electronic or fusion styles.

Market Comparison

When compared to other professional cymbals, the Resonant 12 sits alongside notable models like the UFIP Bionic Series 13" and the Paiste Giant Beat 14". While the Paiste Giant Beat offers a more vintage-inspired warmth, the Masterwork Resonant prioritises modern brilliance and a high-gloss aesthetic. It offers a more refined, professional frequency response than entry-level options such as the Meinl HCS series, placing it in a category of premium, performance-ready instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used to make the Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat?: It is crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material is highly regarded in cymbal making for its durability and superior tonal properties.
What type of finish does this hi-hat have?: The cymbals feature a high-gloss, brilliant finish. This finish is achieved through hand-polishing and contributes to a brighter, clearer sound.
Which musical genres are best suited for these hi-hats?: They are particularly well-suited for Rock and Pop. However, their versatile design makes them appropriate for a wide variety of musical styles.
How does the 12-inch size affect the sound?: The 12-inch diameter provides a higher pitch and a faster, more controlled response compared to larger hi-hats. This makes them excellent for precise, articulate playing.
Does the finish affect the sonic qualities of the cymbal?: Yes, the high-gloss surfaces enhance the cymbal's brightness and clarity. This allows every strike to cut through a musical mix with greater precision.
Is the Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat suitable for professional use?: Yes, its B20 construction and hand-finished design categorize it as a professional-level instrument. It is designed for both studio recording and live performance.
How does this model compare to the Masterwork Iris series?: While the Masterwork Iris (such as the 21 Ride) often features different tonal characteristics, the Resonant series focuses specifically on high-gloss brilliance and sparkling clarity. Both share the brand's commitment to high-quality B20 alloy.
Can this be used as a primary hi-hat?: Yes, it can function as a primary hi-hat for drummers who prefer a brighter, more compact sound. It is also frequently used as a secondary or 'auxiliary' hi-hat.
How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi-Hat?: The Resonant 12 is smaller and typically brighter due to its 12-inch size and high-gloss finish. The UFIP Bionic 13" provides a slightly different weight and projection profile common to that series.
Is this hi-hat a good choice for loud rock music?: Yes, its ability to cut through the mix ensures it remains audible even in loud environments. The B20 alloy provides the necessary durability for heavy hitting.
What is the typical price for the Masterwork Resonant 12 Hi-Hat?: The typical price for this model is approximately £229. This reflects its status as a premium, hand-finished B20 bronze instrument.
How does it differ from a low-volume cymbal pack?: Unlike low-volume packs, which are perforated to reduce sound for practice, the Resonant 12 is a full-volume, professional performance cymbal designed for maximum projection and tonal richness.