What material are these hi-hats made from?

They are crafted from high-quality B20 cast bronze, which is a traditional alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin.

What is the Rotocasting process?

Rotocasting is a proprietary UFIP method where the molten bronze is spun at high speeds in a centrifuge. This process helps eliminate air bubbles and impurities, resulting in a denser and more durable cymbal.

Does this product include a hi-hat clutch?

No, a hi-hat clutch is not included with the purchase of the UFIP Class Series 14" Medium Hi-Hats.

Are these cymbals suitable for jazz music?

Yes, their wide dynamic range and crisp articulation make them a great fit for jazz, as they respond well to light stick work and subtle accents.

How do these compare to the UFIP Bionic Series?

The Class Series is designed for versatility and control, whereas the Bionic Series is typically heavier and geared towards higher volume and maximum projection in heavy rock settings.

What genres of music are these hi-hats best for?

They are highly versatile and excel in rock, pop, jazz, and various other contemporary styles due to their balanced frequency response.

How would you describe the tone of the Class Series?

The tone is described as brilliant and glassy, designed to cut through a mix without being overly abrasive or overpowering.

Are these cymbals hand-finished?

Yes, every cymbal in the Class Series undergoes meticulous hand-finishing and cross-hammering to achieve its final sound profile.

Can these hi-hats be used in an electric band setup?

Yes, they have a rich and powerful enough accent to hold their own in electric setups and high-volume live performances.

What is the typical price range for these hi-hats?

The typical price for these cymbals is approximately £386.00, placing them in the professional equipment category.

What is the difference between the Medium and Light Class Series hi-hats?

The Medium version offers more volume and a slightly higher pitch, while the Light version provides a softer feel and faster decay, suited for lower-volume acoustic settings.

How do they perform in a studio recording environment?

They are excellent for studio use because their controlled sound and lack of harsh overtones make them easier for engineers to capture and mix.

Gear article

UFIP Class Series 14" Medium Hi-Hats

The UFIP Class Series 14" Medium Hi-Hats are professional-grade cymbals manufactured in Italy using a unique Rotocasting process. Crafted from B20 bronze, they are designed to provide a versatile, glassy tone suitable for diverse genres including rock, pop, and jazz.

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Overview and Construction

The UFIP Class Series represents the core of the Italian manufacturer's range, offering a wide frequency response and controlled dynamics. The 14" Medium Hi-Hats are constructed from high-quality B20 cast bronze. Unlike many competitors that use traditional casting, UFIP employs a proprietary Rotocasting technique. This centrifugal casting process removes impurities and ensures a denser molecular structure, which is then refined through meticulous hand-finishing and cross-hammering.

Sonic Character and Performance

These hi-hats are characterised by a brilliant, glassy tone that allows them to cut through a musical mix without becoming overpowering. The medium weight provides a balanced feel, offering a wide dynamic range that responds to subtle acoustic playing as well as high-volume electric setups. Users can expect crisp articulation when played closed and a rich, powerful accent when played open, making them highly effective for both live performance and studio recording environments.

Target Audience

Due to their versatile nature, the 14" Medium Hi-Hats are suited for musicians working across multiple genres. They are particularly effective for:

Rock and Pop: Providing the necessary cut and durability for amplified stages.
Jazz: Offering the dynamic sensitivity required for intricate stick work.
Studio Professionals: Delivering a controlled frequency range that is easier to manage during the mixing process.

Market Comparison

Within the UFIP catalogue, the Medium Hi-Hats sit between the Class Series 'Light' models, which offer a softer response, and the 'Bionic' series, which are designed for maximum volume and projection. When compared to industry alternatives like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" or the Meinl Byzance series, the UFIP Class Mediums offer a distinctively 'glassy' European bronze character that is less dry than the Meinl Extra Dry series and more focused than entry-level options like the Meinl HCS.

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Frequently asked questions

What material are these hi-hats made from?: They are crafted from high-quality B20 cast bronze, which is a traditional alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin.
What is the Rotocasting process?: Rotocasting is a proprietary UFIP method where the molten bronze is spun at high speeds in a centrifuge. This process helps eliminate air bubbles and impurities, resulting in a denser and more durable cymbal.
Does this product include a hi-hat clutch?: No, a hi-hat clutch is not included with the purchase of the UFIP Class Series 14" Medium Hi-Hats.
Are these cymbals suitable for jazz music?: Yes, their wide dynamic range and crisp articulation make them a great fit for jazz, as they respond well to light stick work and subtle accents.
How do these compare to the UFIP Bionic Series?: The Class Series is designed for versatility and control, whereas the Bionic Series is typically heavier and geared towards higher volume and maximum projection in heavy rock settings.
What genres of music are these hi-hats best for?: They are highly versatile and excel in rock, pop, jazz, and various other contemporary styles due to their balanced frequency response.
How would you describe the tone of the Class Series?: The tone is described as brilliant and glassy, designed to cut through a mix without being overly abrasive or overpowering.
Are these cymbals hand-finished?: Yes, every cymbal in the Class Series undergoes meticulous hand-finishing and cross-hammering to achieve its final sound profile.
Can these hi-hats be used in an electric band setup?: Yes, they have a rich and powerful enough accent to hold their own in electric setups and high-volume live performances.
What is the typical price range for these hi-hats?: The typical price for these cymbals is approximately £386.00, placing them in the professional equipment category.
What is the difference between the Medium and Light Class Series hi-hats?: The Medium version offers more volume and a slightly higher pitch, while the Light version provides a softer feel and faster decay, suited for lower-volume acoustic settings.
How do they perform in a studio recording environment?: They are excellent for studio use because their controlled sound and lack of harsh overtones make them easier for engineers to capture and mix.