Where is the Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash manufactured?

It is handcrafted in Istanbul, Turkey, following traditional Turkish cymbal-making techniques.

What metal alloy is used for this cymbal?

The cymbal is constructed from B25 alloy, which is a high-grade bronze mixture known for its rich tonal properties.

What kind of finish does the Resonant 19 Crash have?

It features a brilliant, hand-polished high-gloss finish that enhances its visual appeal and shimmering sound.

Is this cymbal machine-made or handmade?

Every Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash is manufactured entirely by hand, including the melting, hammering, and lathing stages.

Which musical styles are most suitable for this cymbal?

It is highly versatile but is particularly well-suited for Pop and Rock music due to its ability to cut through a mix.

How would you describe the sound of the Masterwork Resonant Series?

The sound is brilliant and shimmering but is supported by a warm undertone provided by the B25 alloy.

Can this cymbal be used for studio recording?

Yes, its precise handcrafted quality and balanced frequency response make it an excellent choice for professional studio environments.

What is the typical price for a Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash?

The typical price for this specific model is approximately GBP 224, reflecting its position as a professional-grade instrument.

How does the 19-inch size affect its performance?

The 19-inch diameter provides more volume and a longer sustain compared to smaller 16-inch or 17-inch crash cymbals.

Does this cymbal come with a brilliant or traditional finish?

The Resonant series specifically features a brilliant finish, which is achieved through meticulous hand-polishing.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris series?

While both are high-quality, the Resonant series focuses on a brilliant, shimmering sound, whereas the Iris series often features different lathing or finishes for distinct tonal qualities.

Is the B25 alloy common in cymbal manufacturing?

B25 is a premium alloy used by select manufacturers like Masterwork to achieve a specific balance of durability, warmth, and high-end sparkle.

Gear article

Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash

The Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash is a professional-grade cymbal handcrafted in Istanbul, Turkey, using a high-grade B25 bronze alloy. It is characterised by a high-gloss, hand-polished brilliant finish and is designed to provide a powerful, shimmering sound that cuts through modern musical mixes.

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Overview

The Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash is a premium percussion instrument belonging to the Masterwork Resonant Series. As a 19-inch crash, it occupies a space between standard crash sizes and larger effects cymbals, offering a substantial physical presence and sound projection. The cymbal is manufactured in Turkey, adhering to the historical methods of the region while targeting the requirements of contemporary musical genres.

Manufacturing and Material

Unlike many mass-produced modern cymbals, the Resonant 19 Crash is manufactured entirely by hand. The process involves four distinct stages:

Melting: The B25 alloy—a specific mixture of copper and tin—is melted to form the initial casting.
Hammering: Skilled artisans shape the cymbal and compress the metal using manual hammering techniques to influence the tonal character.
Lathing: The surface is lathed to achieve the desired thickness and weight.
Finishing: The cymbal is hand-polished to a high-gloss, 'brilliant' finish, which contributes to its aesthetic and sonic brightness.

Sonic Character

The Resonant Series is defined by its ability to balance high-frequency clarity with a foundational warmth. The 19-inch crash delivers a shimmering, powerful response with a significant 'cut', making it audible even in dense arrangements. Despite its brilliance and high gloss, the B25 alloy ensures the cymbal retains warm undertones, preventing the sound from becoming overly harsh or thin.

Applications

Due to its versatile nature, the Resonant 19 Crash is suited for a variety of environments, including live band performances and professional studio recording. Its frequency profile is particularly effective in Pop and Rock music, where a drummer needs a crash that can penetrate a mix of electric guitars and synthesizers. The 19-inch diameter provides a slower decay than smaller models, making it useful for accents that require more sustain.

Comparisons

Within the market, the Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash competes with other high-end Turkish and boutique cymbals. While models like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash focus on jazz-centric, dark complexities, the Resonant 19 is geared toward modern brilliance. It offers a more polished, high-frequency response compared to the 'raw' aesthetic of the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, and provides a significantly different tonal profile than budget-friendly options like the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or the entry-level Meinl HCS series.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash manufactured?: It is handcrafted in Istanbul, Turkey, following traditional Turkish cymbal-making techniques.
What metal alloy is used for this cymbal?: The cymbal is constructed from B25 alloy, which is a high-grade bronze mixture known for its rich tonal properties.
What kind of finish does the Resonant 19 Crash have?: It features a brilliant, hand-polished high-gloss finish that enhances its visual appeal and shimmering sound.
Is this cymbal machine-made or handmade?: Every Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash is manufactured entirely by hand, including the melting, hammering, and lathing stages.
Which musical styles are most suitable for this cymbal?: It is highly versatile but is particularly well-suited for Pop and Rock music due to its ability to cut through a mix.
How would you describe the sound of the Masterwork Resonant Series?: The sound is brilliant and shimmering but is supported by a warm undertone provided by the B25 alloy.
Can this cymbal be used for studio recording?: Yes, its precise handcrafted quality and balanced frequency response make it an excellent choice for professional studio environments.
What is the typical price for a Masterwork Resonant 19 Crash?: The typical price for this specific model is approximately GBP 224, reflecting its position as a professional-grade instrument.
How does the 19-inch size affect its performance?: The 19-inch diameter provides more volume and a longer sustain compared to smaller 16-inch or 17-inch crash cymbals.
Does this cymbal come with a brilliant or traditional finish?: The Resonant series specifically features a brilliant finish, which is achieved through meticulous hand-polishing.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris series?: While both are high-quality, the Resonant series focuses on a brilliant, shimmering sound, whereas the Iris series often features different lathing or finishes for distinct tonal qualities.
Is the B25 alloy common in cymbal manufacturing?: B25 is a premium alloy used by select manufacturers like Masterwork to achieve a specific balance of durability, warmth, and high-end sparkle.