What material is used for the UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hat?

The cymbals are made from B20 cast bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is industry-standard for professional cymbals due to its rich tonal range.

What is the Rotocasting process?

Rotocasting is a unique centrifugal casting method used by UFIP. It involves spinning the molten bronze in a mould to ensure higher density and a more uniform distribution of the alloy.

How does the sound of the 15" model differ from the 14" version?

The 15" version generally offers a lower pitch and a fuller, broader sound compared to the 14" model. It provides more volume and a deeper 'slosh' when played open.

Are these cymbals suitable for heavy metal music?

While they are versatile enough for Rock, the 'Light' weight designation makes them better suited for styles requiring dynamics. For extremely loud metal, a heavier series like the UFIP Bionic might be more appropriate.

Is a hi-hat clutch included with the purchase?

No, the UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hat does not include a clutch. Users must provide their own standard hi-hat clutch for mounting.

What genres best suit this specific hi-hat?

The manufacturer recommends these for Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Latin styles. Their wide dynamic range makes them adaptable to both acoustic and high-energy settings.

What does 'cross-hammering' contribute to the cymbal?

Cross-hammering is a manual finishing process that creates a complex surface tension. This results in a more controlled sound and a unique character for each individual cymbal.

How would you describe the tonal brilliance of these cymbals?

The cymbals are described as having 'glassy' brilliant tones. This means they have a shimmering high-end clarity that sounds clean and polished in a studio or live mix.

How does the UFIP Class Series compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?

The UFIP Class Series is made of B20 bronze and is hand-hammered, whereas the Giant Beat uses B8 bronze. The UFIP typically offers a more complex and traditional cast-bronze texture.

What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?

The typical price for a new pair of UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hats is approximately GBP 425. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Are these cymbals handmade?

Yes, every cymbal in the Class Series is fully handmade. This includes the casting, hammering, and finishing processes to ensure professional quality.

Can these cymbals be used for low-volume practice?

While they are responsive at low dynamics, they are full-volume professional cymbals. They are not intended as 'Low Volume' cymbals like those found in specific practice packs.

Gear article

UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hat

The UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hat is a professional-grade cymbal pair manufactured in Italy using a unique Rotocasting process. Constructed from B20 bronze, these hi-hats are designed for versatility across genres ranging from Jazz to Rock, offering a glassy tone and a wide dynamic range.

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Manufacturing and Materials

The UFIP Class Series is defined by its use of B20 cast bronze alloy, a traditional mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin. Unlike most manufacturers who use rolling mills, UFIP employs a proprietary 'Rotocasting' technique. This centrifugal casting method eliminates impurities and creates a more uniform molecular structure in the bronze.

Following the casting process, each 15" Light Hi Hat is fully handmade. This includes cross-hammering and hand-finishing to achieve professional-grade specifications. The resulting cymbal is noted for its durability and responsiveness under various playing pressures.

Sonic Characteristics

The 15" Light Hi Hat is characterised by a 'glassy' and brilliant tonal profile. Due to the larger 15-inch diameter compared to standard 14-inch models, it provides a slightly lower fundamental pitch while maintaining the controlled, powerful projection necessary for modern music.

The 'Light' weight designation ensures that the cymbals are highly responsive, offering a sensitive 'chick' sound when closed and a lush, airy wash when played slightly open. Its dynamic range allows it to transition smoothly from soft acoustic passages to high-energy, louder performances.

Versatility and Application

While many light-weight cymbals are pigeonholed into specific genres, the UFIP Class Series is marketed as a multi-purpose tool. Its balanced frequency response makes it suitable for:

Jazz and Latin: Where sensitivity and complex overtones are required.
Funk and Pop: Where a crisp, clean 'glassy' top end helps the cymbals cut through a mix.
Rock: Where the 15" size provides enough volume and body to compete with amplified instruments.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the UFIP catalogue, the 15" Light model offers a deeper, more expansive sound than the standard UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hat. For drummers seeking more aggression and volume, the UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi Hat provides a thicker, more piercing alternative.

Compared to competitors such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, the UFIP Class Series tends to have a more complex, hand-hammered character. While the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats are entry-level brass cymbals, the UFIP Class Series occupies the high-end professional market, comparable in quality to the Meinl Byzance or Istanbul Agop series.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hat?: The cymbals are made from B20 cast bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is industry-standard for professional cymbals due to its rich tonal range.
What is the Rotocasting process?: Rotocasting is a unique centrifugal casting method used by UFIP. It involves spinning the molten bronze in a mould to ensure higher density and a more uniform distribution of the alloy.
How does the sound of the 15" model differ from the 14" version?: The 15" version generally offers a lower pitch and a fuller, broader sound compared to the 14" model. It provides more volume and a deeper 'slosh' when played open.
Are these cymbals suitable for heavy metal music?: While they are versatile enough for Rock, the 'Light' weight designation makes them better suited for styles requiring dynamics. For extremely loud metal, a heavier series like the UFIP Bionic might be more appropriate.
Is a hi-hat clutch included with the purchase?: No, the UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hat does not include a clutch. Users must provide their own standard hi-hat clutch for mounting.
What genres best suit this specific hi-hat?: The manufacturer recommends these for Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Latin styles. Their wide dynamic range makes them adaptable to both acoustic and high-energy settings.
What does 'cross-hammering' contribute to the cymbal?: Cross-hammering is a manual finishing process that creates a complex surface tension. This results in a more controlled sound and a unique character for each individual cymbal.
How would you describe the tonal brilliance of these cymbals?: The cymbals are described as having 'glassy' brilliant tones. This means they have a shimmering high-end clarity that sounds clean and polished in a studio or live mix.
How does the UFIP Class Series compare to the Paiste Giant Beat?: The UFIP Class Series is made of B20 bronze and is hand-hammered, whereas the Giant Beat uses B8 bronze. The UFIP typically offers a more complex and traditional cast-bronze texture.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: The typical price for a new pair of UFIP Class Series 15" Light Hi Hats is approximately GBP 425. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Are these cymbals handmade?: Yes, every cymbal in the Class Series is fully handmade. This includes the casting, hammering, and finishing processes to ensure professional quality.
Can these cymbals be used for low-volume practice?: While they are responsive at low dynamics, they are full-volume professional cymbals. They are not intended as 'Low Volume' cymbals like those found in specific practice packs.