What material is the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hat made from?

It is made from premium B20 cast bronze. This alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin is the industry standard for high-end, professional cymbals.

What is unique about the manufacturing of these hi-hats?

They use UFIP’s unique 'Rotocasting' process. This involves spinning the molten bronze in a centrifuge to ensure a consistent, high-density metal structure without impurities.

What kind of sound should I expect from this cymbal?

The sound is described as glassy and brilliant. It offers a clear, shimmering tone that is versatile enough for both loud and soft playing environments.

Is a hi-hat clutch included with the purchase?

No, the manufacturer specifies that the clutch is not included. You will need to use your existing clutch or purchase one separately.

For which musical genres is this hi-hat best suited?

It is highly versatile and works well for rock, jazz, pop, and fusion. Its wide dynamic range makes it suitable for almost any musical setting.

How does the 'Light' weight affect the performance?

The lighter weight increases sensitivity and provides a quicker response. It allows for more expression at lower volumes while still retaining enough power for rock.

Are UFIP Class Series cymbals handmade?

Yes, each hi-hat is hand-hammered and hand-finished by artisans in Italy. This manual craftsmanship ensures that each pair has a high degree of tonal control.

What is the typical price for a 14" Light Hi-Hat pair?

The typical price is approximately GBP 386. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

How does the sound compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

The Class Series is more versatile and balanced. The Bionic series is typically heavier and more suited to high-volume, aggressive playing styles.

Can these hi-hats be used for recording?

Yes, their glassy and precise tone makes them excellent for studio work. They provide a controlled frequency range that is easy to capture with microphones.

What is the difference between these and Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?

While both are 14" professional cymbals, the UFIP uses B20 bronze and rotocasting, whereas the Giant Beat uses B8 bronze. This results in different harmonic structures and sustain characteristics.

Is the finish on these hi-hats natural or brilliant?

The manufacturer describes the tone as 'brilliant,' which typically corresponds to a high-polish finish that enhances the higher frequencies of the B20 bronze.

Gear article

UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hat

The UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hat is a professional-grade cymbal pair manufactured in Italy using a proprietary rotocasting process. Crafted from premium B20 bronze, these hi-hats are designed for maximum versatility across a wide range of musical genres including jazz, pop, and rock.

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Overview and Production

The Class Series represents the flagship range for UFIP (Unione Fabbricanti Italiani Piatti), embodying the company's traditional craftsmanship combined with unique industrial innovations. The 14" Light Hi-Hat is constructed from B20 cast bronze, a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin.

What distinguishes this series is UFIP’s exclusive 'Rotocasting' procedure. Unlike traditional centrifugal casting, this method ensures that impurities are removed while the bronze is still in a molten state within the rotating mould, resulting in a more consistent molecular structure and a more precise tonal response. Following the casting process, each cymbal is hand-hammered and hand-finished by skilled artisans.

Sound Character and Performance

Defined by a glassy and brilliant tone, the 14" Light version of the Class Series is engineered for dynamic control. Despite its 'Light' designation, it retains sufficient power for amplified settings while remaining sensitive enough for acoustic jazz or studio recordings.

The sonic profile is balanced, offering a wide dynamic range that responds accurately to the drummer's touch. The hand-finishing process ensures a controlled sustain and a crisp 'chick' sound when closed, while the open sound remains shimmering and refined rather than overbearingly loud.

Suitability

Due to its balanced frequency response, this hi-hat pair is highly versatile. It is particularly suited for:

Jazz and Fusion: Where subtlety and dynamic nuances are paramount.
Pop and Studio Work: Where a clean, brilliant, and 'glassy' frequency profile sits well in a mix.
Rock: As a more controlled alternative to heavier, unrefined hi-hats, providing clarity without excessive volume.

It is designed for drummers who require an expressive instrument that can transition between different intensities without losing its tonal character.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the UFIP stable, the Class Series is more versatile than the Bionic Series 13" Hi-Hats, which are generally heavier and more aggressive. When compared to industry standards such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, the UFIP Class Series often provides a different harmonic complexity due to the unique rotocasting process.

Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS 13", the Class Series is a professional-tier instrument with significantly greater depth of sound and resonance. While it lacks the 'trashy' character of specialized cymbals like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch or the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, it excels as a primary, all-purpose hi-hat.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hat made from?: It is made from premium B20 cast bronze. This alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin is the industry standard for high-end, professional cymbals.
What is unique about the manufacturing of these hi-hats?: They use UFIP’s unique 'Rotocasting' process. This involves spinning the molten bronze in a centrifuge to ensure a consistent, high-density metal structure without impurities.
What kind of sound should I expect from this cymbal?: The sound is described as glassy and brilliant. It offers a clear, shimmering tone that is versatile enough for both loud and soft playing environments.
Is a hi-hat clutch included with the purchase?: No, the manufacturer specifies that the clutch is not included. You will need to use your existing clutch or purchase one separately.
For which musical genres is this hi-hat best suited?: It is highly versatile and works well for rock, jazz, pop, and fusion. Its wide dynamic range makes it suitable for almost any musical setting.
How does the 'Light' weight affect the performance?: The lighter weight increases sensitivity and provides a quicker response. It allows for more expression at lower volumes while still retaining enough power for rock.
Are UFIP Class Series cymbals handmade?: Yes, each hi-hat is hand-hammered and hand-finished by artisans in Italy. This manual craftsmanship ensures that each pair has a high degree of tonal control.
What is the typical price for a 14" Light Hi-Hat pair?: The typical price is approximately GBP 386. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does the sound compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: The Class Series is more versatile and balanced. The Bionic series is typically heavier and more suited to high-volume, aggressive playing styles.
Can these hi-hats be used for recording?: Yes, their glassy and precise tone makes them excellent for studio work. They provide a controlled frequency range that is easy to capture with microphones.
What is the difference between these and Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats?: While both are 14" professional cymbals, the UFIP uses B20 bronze and rotocasting, whereas the Giant Beat uses B8 bronze. This results in different harmonic structures and sustain characteristics.
Is the finish on these hi-hats natural or brilliant?: The manufacturer describes the tone as 'brilliant,' which typically corresponds to a high-polish finish that enhances the higher frequencies of the B20 bronze.