What material is the UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light made from?

The cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 cast bronze. This alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its rich frequency response.

What is unique about UFIP's manufacturing process?

UFIP uses a proprietary technique called Rotocasting. Instead of rolling the bronze into sheets, they cast the cymbal in a centrifugal spinning mould to ensure a denser, purer metal structure.

How does the 'Light' weight affect the sound?

The 'Light' designation indicates a thinner profile, which allows the cymbal to open up at lower volumes. It results in a faster attack and a shorter, more controlled decay compared to 'Medium' or 'Heavy' models.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

Yes, while it is a 'Light' crash, its B20 composition and 17" diameter provide a brilliant tone that cuts through a mix. However, it is designed for controlled power rather than extreme volume.

Where are UFIP cymbals manufactured?

UFIP cymbals are entirely handmade in Pistoia, Italy. The company maintains a tradition of hand-hammering and manual finishing for all professional series.

What genres is the 17" Class Series Crash best for?

It is highly versatile, making it suitable for jazz, funk, rock, pop, and world music. Its wide dynamic range allows it to adapt to both acoustic and amplified settings.

How does the 17" Crash Light compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

The Class Series is more versatile and 'glassy,' whereas the Bionic Series, like the Bionic 13" Hi-Hats, is designed for higher volume and more aggressive projection.

Does the cymbal feature hand-hammering?

Yes, the UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light is entirely handmade and features professional cross-hammering to refine its tonal character.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price point for a new UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light is approximately £261.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and region.

How does this cymbal differ from a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?

The UFIP Class Series offers a brilliant, glassy tone with a clean finish. In contrast, a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry crash will have a much darker, 'trashier' sound with less sustain.

Can this cymbal be used in a recording studio?

Absolutely, its controlled decay and wide dynamic range make it a popular choice for studio work. It provides a clear, professional sound that is easy to sit in a mix.

Is the 17" size common for a crash cymbal?

Yes, 17" is a very popular size as it provides a middle ground between the fast response of a 16" crash and the fuller body of an 18" crash.

Gear article

UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light

The UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light is a professional-grade cymbal manufactured in Italy using the brand's proprietary Rotocasting process. Crafted from B20 bronze, it is designed for versatility, offering a wide dynamic range and a glassy, brilliant tone suitable for genres ranging from jazz to rock.

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Overview

The UFIP Class Series represents the pinnacle of the Italian manufacturer's output, serving as their flagship range for several decades. The 17" Crash Light is engineered to be a multi-functional instrument, bridging the gap between delicate acoustic response and the projection required for modern amplified music. Each cymbal is entirely handmade, featuring cross-hammering and manual finishing to ensure professional-standard sonic consistency.

The Rotocasting Process

Unlike standard cymbals which are formed from rolled sheets of bronze, the Class Series 17" Crash Light is created using UFIP's unique Rotocasting technique. This involves centrifugal casting where the molten B20 bronze is poured into a spinning mould. This method removes impurities and creates a denser molecular structure, resulting in a cymbal with a distinctive bell-to-edge thickness ratio and a more consistent grain compared to traditional rolling methods.

Sound Profile and Character

The sonic character of the 17" Crash Light is defined by its 'glassy' and 'brilliant' qualities. Because it is the 'Light' variant, it responds quickly to lower velocities, making it ideal for subtle accents. However, it retains enough body to cut through a dense mix when struck with more force. The tone is described as powerful yet controlled, providing a shimmering decay that does not overwhelm the frequency spectrum of other instruments.

Application and Versatility

This cymbal is marketed as a 'universal' choice for drummers. Its ability to adapt to multiple genres is a key feature:

Jazz and World Music: The light weight allows for expressive, dark overtones and a fast wash.
Funk and Pop: The brilliant finish provides the necessary 'snap' and clarity for rhythmic accents.
Rock: While thinner than a 'Heavy' crash, the 17" diameter and B20 composition offer enough volume for high-energy settings.

Market Comparison

Within the UFIP catalogue, the Class Series sits alongside the more aggressive Bionic Series, such as the Bionic 13" Hi-Hats, which are typically heavier and louder. When compared to international alternatives like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash, the UFIP Class Series tends to offer a cleaner, more 'glassy' high-frequency response rather than the 'trashy' or earthy tones found in extra-dry or vintage-styled Turkish cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light made from?: The cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 cast bronze. This alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, is the industry standard for professional-grade cymbals due to its rich frequency response.
What is unique about UFIP's manufacturing process?: UFIP uses a proprietary technique called Rotocasting. Instead of rolling the bronze into sheets, they cast the cymbal in a centrifugal spinning mould to ensure a denser, purer metal structure.
How does the 'Light' weight affect the sound?: The 'Light' designation indicates a thinner profile, which allows the cymbal to open up at lower volumes. It results in a faster attack and a shorter, more controlled decay compared to 'Medium' or 'Heavy' models.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: Yes, while it is a 'Light' crash, its B20 composition and 17" diameter provide a brilliant tone that cuts through a mix. However, it is designed for controlled power rather than extreme volume.
Where are UFIP cymbals manufactured?: UFIP cymbals are entirely handmade in Pistoia, Italy. The company maintains a tradition of hand-hammering and manual finishing for all professional series.
What genres is the 17" Class Series Crash best for?: It is highly versatile, making it suitable for jazz, funk, rock, pop, and world music. Its wide dynamic range allows it to adapt to both acoustic and amplified settings.
How does the 17" Crash Light compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: The Class Series is more versatile and 'glassy,' whereas the Bionic Series, like the Bionic 13" Hi-Hats, is designed for higher volume and more aggressive projection.
Does the cymbal feature hand-hammering?: Yes, the UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light is entirely handmade and features professional cross-hammering to refine its tonal character.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price point for a new UFIP Class Series 17" Crash Light is approximately £261.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and region.
How does this cymbal differ from a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?: The UFIP Class Series offers a brilliant, glassy tone with a clean finish. In contrast, a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry crash will have a much darker, 'trashier' sound with less sustain.
Can this cymbal be used in a recording studio?: Absolutely, its controlled decay and wide dynamic range make it a popular choice for studio work. It provides a clear, professional sound that is easy to sit in a mix.
Is the 17" size common for a crash cymbal?: Yes, 17" is a very popular size as it provides a middle ground between the fast response of a 16" crash and the fuller body of an 18" crash.