What is the primary material used for the UFIP Natural Series 20" Crash?

This cymbal is constructed from a high-quality cast B20 bronze alloy. This specific ratio of copper and tin is the industry standard for professional-level cymbals, offering maximum resonance and durability.

How does the Rotocasting process affect the sound?

Rotocasting is a centrifugal casting method that creates a more dense and uniform bronze structure. This improves the overall resonance and structural integrity of the cymbal compared to traditional gravity-casting methods.

What kind of hammering is used on this cymbal?

The UFIP Natural Series features a double-punch hammering process. This handcrafted technique is used to shape the tone and ensure a rich, warm sound profile with complex harmonics.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, it is optimized for dark, warm tones and controlled frequencies. Drummers in loud rock environments might find it lacks the high-end bite of the UFIP Bionic series.

What genres is the 20" Natural Crash best for?

It is ideally suited for jazz, blues, R&B, and acoustic music. Its dark tone and controlled sustain make it perfect for genres where nuances and dynamics are critical.

What is the benefit of the specialized heat treatment?

The heat treatment is applied to reduce surface tension in the bronze. This results in a more focused and controlled tone, preventing the cymbal from becoming overly 'washy' or bright.

How does this compare to the UFIP Class Series?

The Class Series is generally brighter and more versatile for all-around use. The Natural Series is darker and more focused, specifically designed for drummers who want to avoid high-frequency shimmer.

Is a 20-inch crash too large for jazz?

Not in the case of the Natural Series. Because it is engineered for controlled low-end and a dark profile, the 20-inch size provides a deep, warm wash that complements jazz drumming without being overpowering.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

The UFIP Natural Series 20" Crash typically retails for approximately £335. This reflects its status as a handcrafted, professional-tier instrument.

Does this cymbal have a lot of sustain?

The sustain is described as controlled. Thanks to the heat treatment and hammering, the cymbal provides a rich sound that decays naturally without lingering in a way that muddies the mix.

Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?

While primarily a crash, many 20-inch cymbals in the Natural Series possess enough definition for light riding in acoustic settings. However, it is specifically designed for its crash characteristics.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?

Both cymbals are dark and professional-grade. However, the UFIP Natural uses the Rotocasting process and double-punch hammering to achieve its warmth, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry focuses on a more raw, unlathed, and 'trashy' aesthetic.

Gear article

UFIP Natural Series 20" Crash

The UFIP Natural Series 20" Crash is a professional-grade cymbal handcrafted from B20 bronze alloy using a proprietary Rotocasting process. It is specifically designed for drummers seeking a dark, warm, and controlled sound profile, making it a staple in jazz, blues, and acoustic settings.

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Background and Manufacturing

The Natural Series represents a specialized branch of UFIP's cymbal production, focusing on organic, earthy tones. Unlike many mass-produced alternatives, this 20-inch crash is manufactured using the brand's signature Rotocasting process. This technique involves centrifugal casting, which helps eliminate impurities and air bubbles while increasing the density and strength of the bronze alloy.

Following the casting phase, the cymbal undergoes a 'double-punch' hammering process. This handcrafted approach ensures that each instrument possesses unique tonal characteristics while maintaining the series' reputation for rich, complex harmonics.

Technical Features

Constructed from high-quality B20 bronze, the Natural Series 20" Crash is treated with a specialized heat process. This treatment is critical to the cymbal's performance as it reduces surface tension. By relaxing the metal, UFIP achieves a more focused and controlled tone compared to brighter, high-tension crashes. The result is a cymbal that reacts predictably to player input without excessive overtones or uncontrolled sustain.

Sound Profile and Character

The sonic signature of this 20-inch model is defined by its dark, warm timbre and controlled low-end frequencies. While many 20-inch cymbals can be overpowering, the Natural Series crash is engineered for subtlety. It provides a rich wash that sits comfortably within a mix rather than cutting through with harsh high frequencies. The decay is naturally attenuated, allowing for precise rhythmic work even at lower volumes.

Applications and Suitability

Due to its controlled nature, this cymbal is highly recommended for professional drummers operating in dynamic environments. It is particularly well-suited for:

Jazz and Blues: Where complex, dark overtones are preferred over bright shimmer.
R&B: Providing a deep, soulful punch that complements rhythmic grooves.
Acoustic Settings: Where volume control is paramount and a traditional, bright crash would be too invasive.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other high-end options, the UFIP Natural 20" Crash occupies a middle ground between the extreme dryness of the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series and the more traditional brightness of the UFIP Class Series. While the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash offers a similarly dark character, the UFIP's Rotocasting process provides a distinct structural strength and density. For drummers requiring even more aggression, the UFIP Bionic series serves as a heavier, louder alternative.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the UFIP Natural Series 20" Crash?: This cymbal is constructed from a high-quality cast B20 bronze alloy. This specific ratio of copper and tin is the industry standard for professional-level cymbals, offering maximum resonance and durability.
How does the Rotocasting process affect the sound?: Rotocasting is a centrifugal casting method that creates a more dense and uniform bronze structure. This improves the overall resonance and structural integrity of the cymbal compared to traditional gravity-casting methods.
What kind of hammering is used on this cymbal?: The UFIP Natural Series features a double-punch hammering process. This handcrafted technique is used to shape the tone and ensure a rich, warm sound profile with complex harmonics.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, it is optimized for dark, warm tones and controlled frequencies. Drummers in loud rock environments might find it lacks the high-end bite of the UFIP Bionic series.
What genres is the 20" Natural Crash best for?: It is ideally suited for jazz, blues, R&B, and acoustic music. Its dark tone and controlled sustain make it perfect for genres where nuances and dynamics are critical.
What is the benefit of the specialized heat treatment?: The heat treatment is applied to reduce surface tension in the bronze. This results in a more focused and controlled tone, preventing the cymbal from becoming overly 'washy' or bright.
How does this compare to the UFIP Class Series?: The Class Series is generally brighter and more versatile for all-around use. The Natural Series is darker and more focused, specifically designed for drummers who want to avoid high-frequency shimmer.
Is a 20-inch crash too large for jazz?: Not in the case of the Natural Series. Because it is engineered for controlled low-end and a dark profile, the 20-inch size provides a deep, warm wash that complements jazz drumming without being overpowering.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: The UFIP Natural Series 20" Crash typically retails for approximately £335. This reflects its status as a handcrafted, professional-tier instrument.
Does this cymbal have a lot of sustain?: The sustain is described as controlled. Thanks to the heat treatment and hammering, the cymbal provides a rich sound that decays naturally without lingering in a way that muddies the mix.
Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?: While primarily a crash, many 20-inch cymbals in the Natural Series possess enough definition for light riding in acoustic settings. However, it is specifically designed for its crash characteristics.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?: Both cymbals are dark and professional-grade. However, the UFIP Natural uses the Rotocasting process and double-punch hammering to achieve its warmth, whereas the Byzance Extra Dry focuses on a more raw, unlathed, and 'trashy' aesthetic.