What material is used to make the Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat?

These cymbals are crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and rich tonal properties.

What kind of finish does this hi-hat have?

The Resonant series features a brilliant, high-gloss finish. Each cymbal is hand-polished to achieve this reflective surface, which contributes to its bright and clear sound.

Which musical genres is this hi-hat best suited for?

While versatile, it is specifically recommended for Rock and Pop music. The bright, sparkling tone ensures it can cut through dense mixes and loud amplification.

What is the diameter of these hi-hats?

The Masterwork Resonant Hi-Hats featured here have a 14-inch diameter. This is the most common size for hi-hats, offering a balanced pitch and response.

How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?

The high-gloss surface enhances the cymbal's sonic capabilities by producing a brighter and more precise tone. It helps the strike cut through the mix with greater clarity compared to traditional finishes.

Is the Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat hand-made?

Yes, Masterwork cymbals are known for being hand-crafted. The Resonant series specifically undergoes a hand-polishing process to achieve its signature look and sound.

What is the typical price range for these cymbals?

The typical price for the Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat is approximately £227. This places it in the mid-to-high professional bracket.

How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

The UFIP Bionic series is often even more aggressive and heavy, whereas the Masterwork Resonant aims for a balance of 'sparkling yet warm' tones for broader versatility.

Does this hi-hat come as a pair?

Yes, it is sold as a standard hi-hat pair, including a top and bottom cymbal designed to work together to create a cohesive sound.

Can these cymbals be used for recording?

Absolutely. Their precise and clear sound profile makes them excellent for recording environments where clarity and a lack of unwanted overtones are required.

Are these cymbals durable enough for heavy hitters?

Yes, being made from B20 alloy, they are designed for professional durability. Their suitability for Rock music implies they can withstand the rigours of energetic playing.

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

Unlike low-volume packs (such as those by Gear4music), which are perforated with holes to reduce decibels, the Resonant 14 is a full-volume, professional performance cymbal meant for live performance and recording.

Gear article

Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat

The Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat is a professional-grade pair of hi-hat cymbals hand-crafted from B20 bronze alloy. Featuring a distinct high-gloss, hand-polished finish, these cymbals are designed to offer a balance of brightness and warmth suitable for modern music styles.

See live prices

Background and Design

Masterwork is known for its commitment to traditional cymbal-making techniques, and the Resonant series represents their approach to modern, high-output performance. The 14-inch Hi-Hat is a flagship size within this range, constructed from B20 alloy—a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is widely regarded in the industry for its durability and complex tonal profile.

The most striking feature of the Resonant series is its aesthetic. Each cymbal is hand-polished to a brilliant, high-gloss finish. This is not merely a visual choice; the polishing process removes some of the surface texture, which alters the way sound waves move across the metal, resulting in the specific sonic characteristics associated with 'brilliant' finish cymbals.

Acoustic Characteristics

The Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat is characterised by a 'sparkling yet warm' tonal profile. Because of the high-gloss treatment, the initial attack is bright and clear, allowing the cymbals to 'cut' through the sound of a full band, particularly in high-volume settings like Rock or Pop.

Despite this brightness, the B20 alloy provides a fundamental warmth that prevents the sound from becoming overly harsh or brittle. When played closed, the hi-hats produce a crisp, articulate 'chick' sound. When opened, they offer a lush wash that remains controlled and musical.

Versatility and Use Cases

While specifically marketed for Rock and Pop due to its clarity and projection, the Resonant 14 Hi-Hat is designed for maximum versatility. Its 14-inch diameter is the industry standard for hi-hats, providing a middle-ground pitch that is neither too deep nor too piercing. This makes it a suitable choice for drummers who need a single set of hi-hats that can perform across various recording and live performance environments.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other professional options, the Masterwork Resonant sits in a unique position:

VS Paiste Giant Beat 14: While the Giant Beat offers a vintage, multi-purpose sound, the Masterwork Resonant provides a more modern, polished aesthetic and a brighter top-end bite.
VS UFIP Class Series 14 Light: The UFIP Light is more focused on delicacy and lower-volume jazz or acoustic settings, whereas the Resonant is built for more aggressive projection.
VS Meinl HCS 13: The HCS is an entry-level brass cymbal. Upgrading to the Resonant 14 represents a significant jump in material quality (B20 bronze) and sound complexity.
VS Masterwork Iris: The Iris series often features different lathing or finishes that provide a more complex, earthy tone, whereas the Resonant focuses on high-gloss clarity.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is used to make the Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat?: These cymbals are crafted from B20 bronze alloy. This material consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its durability and rich tonal properties.
What kind of finish does this hi-hat have?: The Resonant series features a brilliant, high-gloss finish. Each cymbal is hand-polished to achieve this reflective surface, which contributes to its bright and clear sound.
Which musical genres is this hi-hat best suited for?: While versatile, it is specifically recommended for Rock and Pop music. The bright, sparkling tone ensures it can cut through dense mixes and loud amplification.
What is the diameter of these hi-hats?: The Masterwork Resonant Hi-Hats featured here have a 14-inch diameter. This is the most common size for hi-hats, offering a balanced pitch and response.
How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?: The high-gloss surface enhances the cymbal's sonic capabilities by producing a brighter and more precise tone. It helps the strike cut through the mix with greater clarity compared to traditional finishes.
Is the Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat hand-made?: Yes, Masterwork cymbals are known for being hand-crafted. The Resonant series specifically undergoes a hand-polishing process to achieve its signature look and sound.
What is the typical price range for these cymbals?: The typical price for the Masterwork Resonant 14 Hi-Hat is approximately £227. This places it in the mid-to-high professional bracket.
How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: The UFIP Bionic series is often even more aggressive and heavy, whereas the Masterwork Resonant aims for a balance of 'sparkling yet warm' tones for broader versatility.
Does this hi-hat come as a pair?: Yes, it is sold as a standard hi-hat pair, including a top and bottom cymbal designed to work together to create a cohesive sound.
Can these cymbals be used for recording?: Absolutely. Their precise and clear sound profile makes them excellent for recording environments where clarity and a lack of unwanted overtones are required.
Are these cymbals durable enough for heavy hitters?: Yes, being made from B20 alloy, they are designed for professional durability. Their suitability for Rock music implies they can withstand the rigours of energetic playing.
How does it differ from a low-volume cymbal pack?: Unlike low-volume packs (such as those by Gear4music), which are perforated with holes to reduce decibels, the Resonant 14 is a full-volume, professional performance cymbal meant for live performance and recording.