What material is the Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat made from?

It is crafted from B20 alloy, a professional-grade mixture of copper and tin known for its durability and excellent tonal range.

What type of finish does this hi-hat have?

The cymbal features a hand-polished, high-gloss brilliant finish that enhances both its visual appeal and its bright sonic characteristics.

What is the typical price for a Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat?

The typical price range for this specific hi-hat model is approximately £305.

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

They are designed for a wide range of genres, but are especially recommended for Rock and Pop due to their sparkling tone and ability to cut through the mix.

How does the 15-inch size affect the sound compared to a 14-inch hi-hat?

The 15-inch diameter generally offers a fuller, warmer sound with a slightly lower pitch and more volume when played open compared to smaller models.

Does the high-gloss finish affect the sound quality?

Yes, the high-gloss surface contributes to a brighter and clearer sound, ensuring every strike has precision and clarity.

Is the Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat hand-made?

The cymbals undergo a hand-polishing process to achieve their specific finish and tonal properties.

How would you describe the overall tone of this hi-hat?

The tone is described as a blend of sparkling brightness and musical warmth, offering exceptional clarity.

How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Masterwork Resonant is a higher-end professional cymbal made from B20 bronze, whereas the HCS series is typically an entry-level brass or B8 option.

Can these hi-hats be used for recording?

Yes, their precision and clear tonal profile make them suitable for studio environments where clarity is essential.

How does the durability of B20 alloy compare to other alloys?

B20 alloy is highly regarded in the industry for its durability and its ability to maintain tonal integrity over long periods of use.

Is this hi-hat considered a 'versatile' piece of gear?

Yes, it is designed for maximum versatility, allowing it to fit into various musical settings beyond just Rock and Pop.

Gear article

Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat

The Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat is a professional-grade cymbal set crafted from high-quality B20 alloy and finished with a hand-polished high-gloss surface. Known for its balance of sparkling clarity and warm tonal properties, it is specifically designed to provide a versatile sound that cuts through modern musical mixes.

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Overview

The Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat represents a combination of traditional manufacturing and modern aesthetic preferences. These cymbals are hand-polished to achieve a brilliant finish, which serves both a visual and acoustic purpose. The 15-inch diameter provides a slightly lower fundamental pitch and a broader 'wash' compared to standard 14-inch models, while maintaining the responsive feel required for intricate foot and stick work.

Material and Construction

Masterwork utilises B20 bronze alloy for the Resonant series, a material favoured in professional cymbal making for its durability and wide frequency range. The alloy's inherent properties allow for a complex harmonic structure. During production, the cymbals undergo extensive hand-polishing. This high-gloss treatment smoothens the surface, which aids in the projection of high-frequency overtones, resulting in a 'sparkling' character that distinguishes the Resonant line from unlathed or traditional-finish alternatives.

Sound Profile

The sonic signature of the Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat is characterised by a blend of brightness and warmth. The high-gloss surfaces ensure that the 'chick' sound (when closed with the foot) and the 'ping' (when struck with a stick) are clear and precise. Despite its brightness, the B20 alloy ensures the tone remains musical rather than harsh. It is designed to cut through dense arrangements, such as those found in Rock and Pop, ensuring the drummer's time-keeping is audible even in loud stage environments.

Versatility and Application

While particularly effective for Rock and Pop due to its precision and clarity, the 15-inch sizing adds a degree of versatility. The larger surface area allows for a fuller sound when played semi-open, which can be useful in various contemporary genres. Its construction focuses on providing maximum versatility, making it a reliable primary hi-hat for both studio recording and live performances.

Market Comparison

Within the professional cymbal market, the Masterwork Resonant 15 sits alongside other high-quality B20 options. Compared to the Paiste Giant Beat 14, the Masterwork offers a more polished, modern brilliance. It provides a contrast to the 'dry' and 'earthy' characteristics of the Istanbul Agop Lenny White series or the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry range. For drummers seeking a bright but full-bodied sound, the Resonant 15 offers a middle ground between the lightweight UFIP Class Series and the more aggressive UFIP Bionic series.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat made from?: It is crafted from B20 alloy, a professional-grade mixture of copper and tin known for its durability and excellent tonal range.
What type of finish does this hi-hat have?: The cymbal features a hand-polished, high-gloss brilliant finish that enhances both its visual appeal and its bright sonic characteristics.
What is the typical price for a Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat?: The typical price range for this specific hi-hat model is approximately £305.
Which musical genres are best suited for these hi-hats?: They are designed for a wide range of genres, but are especially recommended for Rock and Pop due to their sparkling tone and ability to cut through the mix.
How does the 15-inch size affect the sound compared to a 14-inch hi-hat?: The 15-inch diameter generally offers a fuller, warmer sound with a slightly lower pitch and more volume when played open compared to smaller models.
Does the high-gloss finish affect the sound quality?: Yes, the high-gloss surface contributes to a brighter and clearer sound, ensuring every strike has precision and clarity.
Is the Masterwork Resonant 15 Hi-Hat hand-made?: The cymbals undergo a hand-polishing process to achieve their specific finish and tonal properties.
How would you describe the overall tone of this hi-hat?: The tone is described as a blend of sparkling brightness and musical warmth, offering exceptional clarity.
How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Masterwork Resonant is a higher-end professional cymbal made from B20 bronze, whereas the HCS series is typically an entry-level brass or B8 option.
Can these hi-hats be used for recording?: Yes, their precision and clear tonal profile make them suitable for studio environments where clarity is essential.
How does the durability of B20 alloy compare to other alloys?: B20 alloy is highly regarded in the industry for its durability and its ability to maintain tonal integrity over long periods of use.
Is this hi-hat considered a 'versatile' piece of gear?: Yes, it is designed for maximum versatility, allowing it to fit into various musical settings beyond just Rock and Pop.