What is the primary material used in the UFIP Class 20" Crash?

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

What makes the UFIP Rotocasting process unique?

Rotocasting involves pouring molten bronze into a spinning mould. The centrifugal force pushes the denser metal to the edges, resulting in a cymbal with a thicker bell and a more consistent molecular structure than pressed cymbals.

Is the 20" Crash Medium suitable for jazz music?

Yes, its wide dynamic range and hand-hammered finish allow for the subtle accents and tonal complexity required in jazz. The medium weight ensures it remains musical at lower volumes.

How does this cymbal handle high-volume rock performances?

The 20" diameter and medium thickness provide significant volume and projection. Its 'glassy' character helps it cut through dense mixes of electric guitars and bass.

How is the finish of the UFIP Class Series described?

Each cymbal is hand-finished and cross-hammered. This results in a professional aesthetic and a refined sound profile that is consistent across the Class Series range.

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

The UFIP Class Series 20" Crash Medium typically retails for approximately £335. This reflects its status as a professional, handmade instrument.

How does the sound of the Medium weight differ from the Light weight?

The Medium version, such as this 20" model, offers more volume, a slightly higher pitch, and a longer sustain than the 'Light' versions, which are generally faster and darker.

Can this 20" crash be used as a light ride cymbal?

Due to its 20" size and medium weight, it possesses enough stick definition to function as a crash-ride in acoustic or jazz settings. However, its primary design focus is as a powerful crash.

How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic series?

While the Bionic series is geared toward heavy metal and high-volume rock with a more aggressive tone, the Class series is more versatile and dynamic. The Class series is designed to fit a wider variety of genres.

Is this cymbal handmade?

Yes, every UFIP Class Series cymbal is completely handmade. This includes the initial casting, the cross-hammering process, and the final lathing and finishing.

What kind of sound character does 'glassy' refer to?

In this context, 'glassy' refers to a clean, bright, and transparent high-end shimmer. It indicates a lack of 'trashy' or distorted overtones often found in thinner or unlathed cymbals.

Which drummers should consider this cymbal?

It is ideal for professional drummers who require one versatile crash that can handle multiple genres. It suits those who value hand-crafted quality and a wide range of expressive possibilities.

Gear article

UFIP Class Series 20" Crash Medium

The UFIP Class Series 20" Crash Medium is a professional-grade cymbal constructed from B20 bronze using the manufacturer's proprietary Rotocasting technique. It is designed as a versatile instrument capable of producing a glassy, brilliant tone with a wide dynamic range, suitable for genres ranging from jazz to rock.

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Background and Manufacturing

The Class Series represents the core of the UFIP catalogue, embodying the brand's traditional approach to cymbal making. Unlike most manufacturers who use rolling and pressing techniques, UFIP employs a unique 'Rotocasting' process. This centrifugal casting method ensures that the bronze alloy is more compact and free from the air bubbles common in traditional gravity casting. Each 20" Crash Medium is subsequently cross-hammered and finished by hand, ensuring that every individual unit possesses its own unique musical character within the series specifications.

Acoustic Characteristics

The 20" Crash Medium is defined by a glassy and brilliant sound profile. Due to its larger diameter and medium weight, it offers a powerful projection that is balanced by a controlled tone. The B20 bronze alloy provides a rich harmonic spectrum, allowing for a wide dynamic range. This means the cymbal can respond with sensitivity to light stick work for subtle accents, yet maintain clarity and power when struck forcefully for bold crashes in high-volume settings.

Versatility and Application

Designed as a multi-purpose professional tool, this cymbal is suited for a diverse array of musical environments.

Rock and Funk: The medium weight provides the necessary cut and durability to pierce through amplified instruments.
Jazz and Acoustic: The hand-finished nature of the bronze allows for the nuanced overtones required for lower-volume settings.
Live Performance: The controlled sustain and predictable decay make it a reliable choice for stage work where microphone bleed must be managed.

Market Comparison

Within the UFIP range, the Class Series sits alongside the more aggressive Bionic Series, such as the Bionic 13" Hi Hats, offering a more balanced and traditional profile. When compared to industry alternatives like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash, the UFIP Class Medium tends to offer more brilliance and a cleaner, less 'earthy' wash. It serves as a more robust alternative to thinner cymbals, providing greater volume potential than entry-level options like the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or standard HCS series cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the UFIP Class 20" Crash?: The cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 bronze. This alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, is the industry standard for professional-grade musical cymbals due to its resonance and durability.
What makes the UFIP Rotocasting process unique?: Rotocasting involves pouring molten bronze into a spinning mould. The centrifugal force pushes the denser metal to the edges, resulting in a cymbal with a thicker bell and a more consistent molecular structure than pressed cymbals.
Is the 20" Crash Medium suitable for jazz music?: Yes, its wide dynamic range and hand-hammered finish allow for the subtle accents and tonal complexity required in jazz. The medium weight ensures it remains musical at lower volumes.
How does this cymbal handle high-volume rock performances?: The 20" diameter and medium thickness provide significant volume and projection. Its 'glassy' character helps it cut through dense mixes of electric guitars and bass.
How is the finish of the UFIP Class Series described?: Each cymbal is hand-finished and cross-hammered. This results in a professional aesthetic and a refined sound profile that is consistent across the Class Series range.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: The UFIP Class Series 20" Crash Medium typically retails for approximately £335. This reflects its status as a professional, handmade instrument.
How does the sound of the Medium weight differ from the Light weight?: The Medium version, such as this 20" model, offers more volume, a slightly higher pitch, and a longer sustain than the 'Light' versions, which are generally faster and darker.
Can this 20" crash be used as a light ride cymbal?: Due to its 20" size and medium weight, it possesses enough stick definition to function as a crash-ride in acoustic or jazz settings. However, its primary design focus is as a powerful crash.
How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic series?: While the Bionic series is geared toward heavy metal and high-volume rock with a more aggressive tone, the Class series is more versatile and dynamic. The Class series is designed to fit a wider variety of genres.
Is this cymbal handmade?: Yes, every UFIP Class Series cymbal is completely handmade. This includes the initial casting, the cross-hammering process, and the final lathing and finishing.
What kind of sound character does 'glassy' refer to?: In this context, 'glassy' refers to a clean, bright, and transparent high-end shimmer. It indicates a lack of 'trashy' or distorted overtones often found in thinner or unlathed cymbals.
Which drummers should consider this cymbal?: It is ideal for professional drummers who require one versatile crash that can handle multiple genres. It suits those who value hand-crafted quality and a wide range of expressive possibilities.