What material is the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi Hat made from?

It is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy, which is widely considered the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its rich tonal properties.

What is unique about the UFIP manufacturing process?

UFIP uses a proprietary Rotocasting procedure where molten bronze is spun at high speeds, aiming to create a more consistent and pure alloy structure compared to traditional methods.

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

They are specifically designed for hard rock and heavy metal, though their wide dynamic range makes them suitable for any style requiring a powerful, bright sound.

Does the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi Hat include a clutch?

No, the manufacturer specifies that the hi-hat clutch is not included with the purchase of the cymbals.

What is the benefit of the 'double punch' hammering technique?

Double punch hammering is used to add depth and warmth to the cymbal's sound, balancing the natural brightness of the Bionic series with complex overtones.

Why choose a 13-inch hi-hat over a 14-inch model?

A 13-inch hi-hat typically offers a higher pitch and a faster, more articulate response, which can be beneficial for intricate rhythms and fast tempo playing.

What type of finish does the Bionic Series have?

These cymbals feature a hand-polished finish, which provides a smooth, vibrant appearance and contributes to their brilliant sound profile.

How does this cymbal compare to the UFIP Class Series?

The Bionic Series is designed for power and projection in heavy music, whereas the Class Series (such as the 14" Light model) is often more versatile and suited for broader musical applications.

What is the typical price for the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi Hat?

The typical price range for this specific hi-hat model is approximately £358, reflecting its status as a professional-grade instrument.

Is the Bionic Series considered a professional cymbal line?

Yes, it is a high-end series from UFIP, utilizing premium materials and artisanal techniques like hand-polishing and Rotocasting.

How does the sustain of the Bionic Hi Hat compare to others?

The Bionic Series is designed for excellent sustain and projection, ensuring the hi-hat sound does not get lost in loud, high-gain musical environments.

Is this cymbal pair suitable for beginners?

While beginners can certainly use them, they are professional-grade instruments priced accordingly; they are most valued by drummers who need specific performance characteristics for rock and metal.

Gear article

UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi Hat

The UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi Hat is a high-performance cymbal pair crafted from B20 bronze alloy, specifically engineered for high-volume musical genres like hard rock and heavy metal. Utilising UFIP's proprietary Rotocasting procedure and double punch hammering, these hi-hats provide significant projection, a bright character, and a wide dynamic range.

See live prices

Overview

The Bionic Series 13" Hi Hat represents UFIP's commitment to creating cymbals that can cut through dense mixes in aggressive musical environments. While many standard hi-hats measure 14 inches, the 13-inch diameter of this model offers a quicker response and a higher fundamental pitch, which is further enhanced by the heavy construction typical of the Bionic line.

Like most premium UFIP products, these hi-hats are sold as a pair (top and bottom) but do not include a clutch. They are distinct for their hand-polished appearance and robust build quality, designed to withstand the physical demands of heavy-hitting drummers.

Manufacturing and Technology

The primary differentiator for UFIP cymbals is the Rotocasting procedure. Unlike traditional centrifugal casting or sheet-rolling methods, Rotocasting involves spinning the molten B20 bronze in a centrifugal mould. This process is designed to remove impurities and ensure a more consistent molecular structure throughout the alloy.

Following the casting, the Bionic Series undergoes a 'double punch' hammering technique. This specific method adds depth and warmth to the otherwise bright bronze, creating a complex overtone profile. The final stage involves a hand-polished finish, which contributes to the vibrant aesthetic and a smooth, shimmer-heavy sonic response.

Sound Profile and Character

The UFIP Bionic 13" Hi Hat is characterised by a powerful, bright sound with excellent sustain. Despite their smaller diameter, they are designed for maximum projection. The use of B20 bronze ensures a rich array of overtones, while the double punch hammering prevents the sound from becoming one-dimensionally harsh.

Key sonic attributes include: * Projection: High volume potential suitable for unmic'd heavy metal stages. * Chick Sound: A sharp, defined 'chick' when closed with the foot. * Dynamics: A wide range that responds to both intricate, low-volume sticking and heavy groove playing.

Target Audience and Applications

These hi-hats are specifically tailored for drummers playing hard rock, heavy metal, and high-energy fusion. Due to their brightness and volume, they are less suited for low-volume jazz or indie-folk settings where a darker, more washed-out sound might be preferred.

They excel in recording environments where a clear, defined hi-hat sound is required to sit above distorted guitars. The 13-inch size also makes them a popular choice for drummers who prefer a more compact setup without sacrificing the power associated with larger cymbals.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other cymbals in the UFIP catalogue, such as the Class Series 14" Light Hi Hat, the Bionic series is significantly more aggressive and focused on power rather than mellow subtlety. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats, which are made from brass, the Bionic's B20 bronze construction offers a vastly more complex tone and higher durability.

Against competitors like the Paiste Giant Beat 14", the Bionic 13" offers a more modern, 'produced' sound profile, whereas the Giant Beat is known for a more vintage, multi-purpose character. The Bionic remains a specialist tool for those needing maximum cut and brilliance.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi Hat made from?: It is crafted from a high-quality B20 bronze alloy, which is widely considered the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its rich tonal properties.
What is unique about the UFIP manufacturing process?: UFIP uses a proprietary Rotocasting procedure where molten bronze is spun at high speeds, aiming to create a more consistent and pure alloy structure compared to traditional methods.
Which musical genres are best suited for these hi-hats?: They are specifically designed for hard rock and heavy metal, though their wide dynamic range makes them suitable for any style requiring a powerful, bright sound.
Does the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi Hat include a clutch?: No, the manufacturer specifies that the hi-hat clutch is not included with the purchase of the cymbals.
What is the benefit of the 'double punch' hammering technique?: Double punch hammering is used to add depth and warmth to the cymbal's sound, balancing the natural brightness of the Bionic series with complex overtones.
Why choose a 13-inch hi-hat over a 14-inch model?: A 13-inch hi-hat typically offers a higher pitch and a faster, more articulate response, which can be beneficial for intricate rhythms and fast tempo playing.
What type of finish does the Bionic Series have?: These cymbals feature a hand-polished finish, which provides a smooth, vibrant appearance and contributes to their brilliant sound profile.
How does this cymbal compare to the UFIP Class Series?: The Bionic Series is designed for power and projection in heavy music, whereas the Class Series (such as the 14" Light model) is often more versatile and suited for broader musical applications.
What is the typical price for the UFIP Bionic 13" Hi Hat?: The typical price range for this specific hi-hat model is approximately £358, reflecting its status as a professional-grade instrument.
Is the Bionic Series considered a professional cymbal line?: Yes, it is a high-end series from UFIP, utilizing premium materials and artisanal techniques like hand-polishing and Rotocasting.
How does the sustain of the Bionic Hi Hat compare to others?: The Bionic Series is designed for excellent sustain and projection, ensuring the hi-hat sound does not get lost in loud, high-gain musical environments.
Is this cymbal pair suitable for beginners?: While beginners can certainly use them, they are professional-grade instruments priced accordingly; they are most valued by drummers who need specific performance characteristics for rock and metal.