What material is used for the Masterwork Troy 14 Crash?

The cymbal is crafted from B25 bronze, which is a high-grade alloy containing 25% tin. This material is known for providing a warm and harmonically rich sound compared to lower tin alloys.

How is this cymbal manufactured?

The Masterwork Troy series is hand-hammered by skilled smiths. This traditional manufacturing process ensures that each cymbal has a unique character and controlled vibration.

What is the typical sound character of the Troy 14 Crash?

It features a warm, natural tone with a very fast attack. Because of its 14-inch size, it has a quick decay, meaning the sound fades shortly after being struck.

Is the finish of the cymbal reflective or matte?

The cymbal features a traditional finish. This means it is lathed to a natural bronze look rather than being polished to a high-gloss brilliant finish or left raw.

Which musical genres best suit this cymbal?

It is ideal for jazz, fusion, and studio recording. Its expressive qualities and dynamic range also make it suitable for any genre where nuanced, quick accents are required.

How does the size of this cymbal affect its performance?

At 14 inches, this is a relatively small crash cymbal. It provides a higher pitch and faster response than standard 16 or 18-inch crashes, making it excellent for quick highlights.

Is this cymbal suitable for heavy metal or hard rock?

While it can be used for accents, its lightweight build and fast decay might not provide the volume or sustain needed for heavy rock. It is designed more for dynamic and expressive playing.

What is the typical price for the Masterwork Troy 14 Crash?

The typical retail price is approximately £103. This puts it in a competitive position for a hand-hammered bronze cymbal.

Does this cymbal work well for studio recording?

Yes, its quick decay and warm tone are highly valued in the studio. It provides a clean accent that does not linger or interfere with other frequencies in a mix.

How does B25 bronze compare to B20 bronze?

B25 bronze contains 5% more tin than the industry-standard B20. This generally results in a richer, warmer sound profile with more complex overtones when hand-hammered.

Is the Masterwork Troy 14 Crash a beginners' cymbal?

While it is affordably priced, its construction from B25 bronze and hand-hammering process make it a professional-grade instrument suitable for experienced players.

Can this be used as a large splash cymbal?

Due to its 14-inch size and fast decay, it can effectively bridge the gap between a traditional splash and a full-sized crash cymbal.

Gear article

Masterwork Troy Traditional 14 Crash

The Masterwork Troy Traditional 14 Crash is a Turkish-made crash cymbal constructed from B25 bronze and finished with a traditional lathed surface. It is designed for drummers who require a responsive instrument with a fast attack and quick decay, particularly suitable for jazz, studio recording, and dynamic musical environments.

See live prices

Overview

The Masterwork Troy Traditional 14 Crash is a specialised percussion instrument belonging to the Troy series. It is defined by its small diameter and lightweight construction, which facilitates a rapid response to player input. Unlike standard B20 bronze cymbals, this model utilizes B25 bronze, a high-tin alloy that contributes to its distinct tonal profile. The cymbal is hand-hammered and features a traditional lathed finish, maintaining a classic aesthetic and sound.

Design and Construction

The construction of the Troy 14 Crash involves traditional Turkish cymbal-making techniques. The use of B25 bronze (consisting of 75% copper and 25% tin) is a notable feature, as most professional cymbals use B20. This higher tin content typically provides a richer harmonic spectrum. The cymbal is hand-hammered to shape the profile and control the vibration patterns, followed by precise lathing on both the top and bottom surfaces. This process ensures a warm, natural tone and allows for expressive, nuanced playing.

Sound Profile and Character

Characterised by a warm and natural tone, the Troy Traditional 14 Crash is engineered for speed. The 14-inch diameter results in a high-pitched, explosive attack that quickly dissipates, known as a fast decay. This prevents the cymbal's sound from bleeding into subsequent notes or washing out other instruments in an ensemble. It is particularly effective for sharp, bright accents rather than heavy, sustained crashing.

Application and Suitability

Due to its responsive nature and lightweight build, this cymbal is highly suited for genres requiring dynamic control, such as jazz, fusion, and acoustic sessions. It performs exceptionally well in studio environments where precise control over decay and volume is necessary. While it can be used in pop or rock settings for quick accents, its size and weight make it less suitable for high-volume, heavy-hitting applications where a larger, thicker crash would be required.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other high-end cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, the Masterwork Troy is significantly more compact and focused. While larger crashes offer more volume and sustain, the Troy 14 provides a specific 'splash-like' crash quality. It occupies a different sonic space than budget options like the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or Meinl HCS series, offering the complex overtones associated with hand-hammered B25 bronze rather than the simpler tones of brass or B8 bronze.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the Masterwork Troy 14 Crash?: The cymbal is crafted from B25 bronze, which is a high-grade alloy containing 25% tin. This material is known for providing a warm and harmonically rich sound compared to lower tin alloys.
How is this cymbal manufactured?: The Masterwork Troy series is hand-hammered by skilled smiths. This traditional manufacturing process ensures that each cymbal has a unique character and controlled vibration.
What is the typical sound character of the Troy 14 Crash?: It features a warm, natural tone with a very fast attack. Because of its 14-inch size, it has a quick decay, meaning the sound fades shortly after being struck.
Is the finish of the cymbal reflective or matte?: The cymbal features a traditional finish. This means it is lathed to a natural bronze look rather than being polished to a high-gloss brilliant finish or left raw.
Which musical genres best suit this cymbal?: It is ideal for jazz, fusion, and studio recording. Its expressive qualities and dynamic range also make it suitable for any genre where nuanced, quick accents are required.
How does the size of this cymbal affect its performance?: At 14 inches, this is a relatively small crash cymbal. It provides a higher pitch and faster response than standard 16 or 18-inch crashes, making it excellent for quick highlights.
Is this cymbal suitable for heavy metal or hard rock?: While it can be used for accents, its lightweight build and fast decay might not provide the volume or sustain needed for heavy rock. It is designed more for dynamic and expressive playing.
What is the typical price for the Masterwork Troy 14 Crash?: The typical retail price is approximately £103. This puts it in a competitive position for a hand-hammered bronze cymbal.
Does this cymbal work well for studio recording?: Yes, its quick decay and warm tone are highly valued in the studio. It provides a clean accent that does not linger or interfere with other frequencies in a mix.
How does B25 bronze compare to B20 bronze?: B25 bronze contains 5% more tin than the industry-standard B20. This generally results in a richer, warmer sound profile with more complex overtones when hand-hammered.
Is the Masterwork Troy 14 Crash a beginners' cymbal?: While it is affordably priced, its construction from B25 bronze and hand-hammering process make it a professional-grade instrument suitable for experienced players.
Can this be used as a large splash cymbal?: Due to its 14-inch size and fast decay, it can effectively bridge the gap between a traditional splash and a full-sized crash cymbal.