Where is the Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash manufactured?

The cymbal is handcrafted in Istanbul, Turkey. It follows the finest Turkish traditions of cymbal making, involving manual labour at every stage of production.

What material is used for the Resonant 17 Crash?

This cymbal is crafted using B25 bronze alloy. This is a premium alloy known for providing a rich, musical frequency range and durability.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

The Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash features a brilliant finish. The surface is hand-polished to a high gloss, which contributes to its bright and shimmering sound.

How is the Resonant 17 Crash made?

Each cymbal undergoes a meticulous process of melting, hammering, lathing, and finishing. The entire manufacturing process is performed by hand to ensure precision and quality.

What musical styles best suit this cymbal?

It is highly versatile and suitable for many styles, particularly pop and rock. Its shimmering sound allows it to cut through the mix in diverse musical settings.

What are the primary tonal characteristics of this crash?

The cymbal offers a brilliant sound with a warm undertone. This combination provides a powerful shimmer without losing the fundamental depth of the bronze.

Is the Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash suitable for studio recording?

Yes, it is designed for both live performance in a band and for recording in a studio. Its precise handcrafted nature ensures a professional sound for microphones.

How does the Resonant series compare to the Masterwork Iris series?

The Resonant series focuses on a brilliant, shimmering sound with a high-gloss finish. The Iris series, such as the 21" Ride, generally offers a different tonal profile and aesthetic.

What is the typical price for a Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash?

The typical price for this specific model is approximately £164. This represents a mid-to-high level price point for a professional handcrafted Turkish cymbal.

Does this cymbal have a fast or slow response?

As a 17-inch crash, it typically offers a quick response that opens up easily when struck. The brilliant finish helps the initial attack feel immediate and powerful.

Is the Resonant 17 Crash a machine-made cymbal?

No, it is manufactured entirely by hand. Every step from the initial melting to the final polishing is done by skilled cymbalsmiths in Turkey.

How does the B25 alloy affect the sound compared to standard cymbals?

B25 alloy contains a higher tin-to-copper ratio than standard B20 bronze. This results in a unique tonal warmth and a shimmering top-end that distinguishes it from other professional cymbals.

Gear article

Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash

The Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash is a professional-grade, handcrafted cymbal produced in Istanbul, Turkey, using a high-quality B25 bronze alloy. It is distinguished by its high-gloss, hand-polished brilliant finish and a sound profile that balances a shimmering top-end with warm undertones.

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Overview and Production

The Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash is a central component of the Resonant Series, a line of cymbals defined by their high-gloss aesthetics and assertive sonic character. Like all cymbals produced by Masterwork, the Resonant 17 is manufactured entirely by hand in Istanbul, Turkey. The production cycle follows traditional methods, beginning with the melting of the alloy, followed by extensive hand-hammering, lathing, and a final meticulous polishing stage.

While many professional cymbals utilize B20 bronze, the Resonant 17 is notable for its use of B25 alloy. This higher tin content contributes to the specific tonal response and durability of the instrument, ensuring it meets the high standards expected of hand-forged Turkish instruments.

Sound Character and Features

The Resonant 17 Crash is engineered to deliver a powerful, shimmering sound capable of cutting through dense musical arrangements. The hand-polished brilliant surface is not merely aesthetic; it aids in producing a bright, reflective frequency response.

Key sonic characteristics include: * High-Gloss Presence: A shimmering attack that provides immediate impact. * Tonal Warmth: Despite its brightness, the B25 alloy and hand-hammering ensure a warm undertone that prevents the sound from becoming overly harsh. * Versatility: The cymbal is designed to perform equally well in live band settings and controlled studio environments.

Suitability and Applications

Due to its balanced response, the Resonant 17 Crash is marketed as a versatile instrument suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Its ability to 'cut' through a mix makes it particularly effective for pop and rock, where crash cymbals must compete with amplified guitars and keyboards. However, the warmth of the Turkish bronze also makes it appropriate for more nuanced genres where a subtle wash is required.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Masterwork catalogue, the Resonant series is brighter than the Iris series, such as the Iris 21 Ride, which typically offers different tonal complexities. When compared to international alternatives, it occupies a distinct space between the raw, earthy character of the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash and the ultra-modern, dry aesthetics of the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series. Unlike budget options such as the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or the entry-level Meinl HCS series, the Resonant 17 is a fully professional B25 instrument intended for serious performance and recording.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash manufactured?: The cymbal is handcrafted in Istanbul, Turkey. It follows the finest Turkish traditions of cymbal making, involving manual labour at every stage of production.
What material is used for the Resonant 17 Crash?: This cymbal is crafted using B25 bronze alloy. This is a premium alloy known for providing a rich, musical frequency range and durability.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: The Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash features a brilliant finish. The surface is hand-polished to a high gloss, which contributes to its bright and shimmering sound.
How is the Resonant 17 Crash made?: Each cymbal undergoes a meticulous process of melting, hammering, lathing, and finishing. The entire manufacturing process is performed by hand to ensure precision and quality.
What musical styles best suit this cymbal?: It is highly versatile and suitable for many styles, particularly pop and rock. Its shimmering sound allows it to cut through the mix in diverse musical settings.
What are the primary tonal characteristics of this crash?: The cymbal offers a brilliant sound with a warm undertone. This combination provides a powerful shimmer without losing the fundamental depth of the bronze.
Is the Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash suitable for studio recording?: Yes, it is designed for both live performance in a band and for recording in a studio. Its precise handcrafted nature ensures a professional sound for microphones.
How does the Resonant series compare to the Masterwork Iris series?: The Resonant series focuses on a brilliant, shimmering sound with a high-gloss finish. The Iris series, such as the 21" Ride, generally offers a different tonal profile and aesthetic.
What is the typical price for a Masterwork Resonant 17 Crash?: The typical price for this specific model is approximately £164. This represents a mid-to-high level price point for a professional handcrafted Turkish cymbal.
Does this cymbal have a fast or slow response?: As a 17-inch crash, it typically offers a quick response that opens up easily when struck. The brilliant finish helps the initial attack feel immediate and powerful.
Is the Resonant 17 Crash a machine-made cymbal?: No, it is manufactured entirely by hand. Every step from the initial melting to the final polishing is done by skilled cymbalsmiths in Turkey.
How does the B25 alloy affect the sound compared to standard cymbals?: B25 alloy contains a higher tin-to-copper ratio than standard B20 bronze. This results in a unique tonal warmth and a shimmering top-end that distinguishes it from other professional cymbals.