What is the primary genre for the UFIP Natural 21" Medium Ride?

It is most frequently used in jazz fusion and acoustic music due to its rich warmth and controlled sustain. The cymbal's ability to provide nuance makes it perfect for expressive playing styles.

How does the finish affect the sound of this ride?

The Natural Series features an unlathed, dark finish resulting from a special heat treatment. This reduces surface tension and provides a more controlled, lower-pitched sound compared to polished cymbals.

What is the weight class of this cymbal?

It is classified as a 'Medium' weight ride. This weight provides a balance between stick articulation and the ability to produce a full-bodied wash when played harder.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can handle powerful strokes, it is better suited for settings requiring clarity and warmth. Drummers seeking high-volume projection might prefer the UFIP Bionic Series instead.

What alloy is used in the 21" Medium Ride?

Like most high-end UFIP cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its wide frequency range and professional tonal characteristics.

How does this compare to the UFIP Class Series?

The Class Series is more versatile and brighter with a traditional lathed finish. The Natural Series is darker, more controlled, and specifically designed to eliminate high-pitched overtones.

Can the 21" Medium Ride be used as a crash?

Because it is a medium weight ride, it has a full-bodied response that can work as a large crash in certain contexts. However, its primary design focus is on stick definition and ride patterns.

Does the hand-hammering make each cymbal unique?

Yes, UFIP utilizes hand-hammering for the Natural Series, which ensures that each 21" Ride has a distinctive character while maintaining the series' overall sound profile.

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

The UFIP Natural Series 21" Medium Ride typically retails for approximately GBP 365. This reflects its status as a professional-grade, hand-crafted instrument.

How should I clean the Natural Series finish?

Because of its unlathed and specially treated surface, it is recommended to avoid harsh abrasive cleaners. A simple wipe with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to maintain its appearance.

How does the 21" size affect the playability?

The 21-inch diameter offers a larger surface area for varied tonal zones compared to a standard 20-inch ride. It provides a slightly deeper pitch and a broader sweet spot on the bow.

Is the bell on this ride prominent?

The bell is designed to be musical and integrated into the overall sound. It provides a clear, cutting tone that remains warm rather than overly piercing.

Gear article

UFIP Natural Series 21" Medium Ride

The UFIP Natural Series 21" Medium Ride is a professional-grade cymbal manufactured using traditional Italian methods, designed specifically for drummers requiring warmth and control. It is characterised by its distinctive unlathed finish and hand-hammered B20 bronze construction, making it ideal for jazz fusion and acoustic environments.

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Background and Construction

The Natural Series represents UFIP's commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Unlike the brighter Class Series or the high-output Bionic Series, the Natural Series is defined by its unique manufacturing process. This 21" Medium Ride is subjected to a proprietary heat treatment that reduces surface tension, combined with intensive hand-hammering. This process results in a darkened, raw appearance that lacks the reflective shine of traditional lathed cymbals.

Acoustic Characteristics

The sound profile of the Natural Series 21" Medium Ride is focused on tonal warmth and clarity. Key features include:

Rich Overtones: A balanced mix of complex overtones that provide depth without becoming unruly.
Controlled Sustain: The unlathed surface naturally dampens excessive ring, offering a shorter, more articulated decay.
Articulate Stick Definition: Despite its medium weight, the cymbal produces a clear 'ping' that cuts through acoustic mixes.
Dynamic Range: It responds effectively to varied velocities, from delicate brushwork to strong accents.

Target Applications

This cymbal is primarily geared toward drummers who prioritise nuance and expression. Its full-bodied response is well-suited for jazz fusion, where intricate stick patterns need to be heard clearly above a band. It is also an excellent choice for acoustic settings, such as unplugged performances or small club environments, where a bright, high-volume ride might overwhelm the stage sound.

Comparison to Other Models

Within the UFIP range, the Natural Series sits between the brighter Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats and the more aggressive Bionic Series. Compared to industry alternatives like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash, the UFIP Natural Ride offers a more 'controlled' warmth. While the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride offers similar versatility, the UFIP model is specifically lauded for its focused, musical response and hand-hammered consistency.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary genre for the UFIP Natural 21" Medium Ride?: It is most frequently used in jazz fusion and acoustic music due to its rich warmth and controlled sustain. The cymbal's ability to provide nuance makes it perfect for expressive playing styles.
How does the finish affect the sound of this ride?: The Natural Series features an unlathed, dark finish resulting from a special heat treatment. This reduces surface tension and provides a more controlled, lower-pitched sound compared to polished cymbals.
What is the weight class of this cymbal?: It is classified as a 'Medium' weight ride. This weight provides a balance between stick articulation and the ability to produce a full-bodied wash when played harder.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can handle powerful strokes, it is better suited for settings requiring clarity and warmth. Drummers seeking high-volume projection might prefer the UFIP Bionic Series instead.
What alloy is used in the 21" Medium Ride?: Like most high-end UFIP cymbals, it is crafted from B20 bronze. This alloy is known for its wide frequency range and professional tonal characteristics.
How does this compare to the UFIP Class Series?: The Class Series is more versatile and brighter with a traditional lathed finish. The Natural Series is darker, more controlled, and specifically designed to eliminate high-pitched overtones.
Can the 21" Medium Ride be used as a crash?: Because it is a medium weight ride, it has a full-bodied response that can work as a large crash in certain contexts. However, its primary design focus is on stick definition and ride patterns.
Does the hand-hammering make each cymbal unique?: Yes, UFIP utilizes hand-hammering for the Natural Series, which ensures that each 21" Ride has a distinctive character while maintaining the series' overall sound profile.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The UFIP Natural Series 21" Medium Ride typically retails for approximately GBP 365. This reflects its status as a professional-grade, hand-crafted instrument.
How should I clean the Natural Series finish?: Because of its unlathed and specially treated surface, it is recommended to avoid harsh abrasive cleaners. A simple wipe with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to maintain its appearance.
How does the 21" size affect the playability?: The 21-inch diameter offers a larger surface area for varied tonal zones compared to a standard 20-inch ride. It provides a slightly deeper pitch and a broader sweet spot on the bow.
Is the bell on this ride prominent?: The bell is designed to be musical and integrated into the overall sound. It provides a clear, cutting tone that remains warm rather than overly piercing.