What is the primary material used in the UFIP Supernova 20" China?

The cymbal is constructed from a high-quality sheet bronze alloy. This material is chosen for its ability to produce a bright, consistent, and cutting tone suitable for modern music.

Is this cymbal handmade?

Yes, while it starts as sheet bronze, it is shaped using an innovative hand-hammering technique. This ensures that each cymbal has a professional, dynamic response that differentiates it from mass-produced machine cymbals.

What genres is the Supernova China best suited for?

It is specifically designed for urban genres including hip-hop, drum and bass, and funk. Its quick attack and high-frequency projection allow it to sit perfectly in these contemporary styles.

What does the 'brilliant finish' contribute to the sound?

The brilliant finish adds to the aesthetic but also functionally enhances the bright, fast response of the metal. This results in a cymbal that speaks quickly and clearly when struck.

How does the 20-inch size affect the sound?

The 20-inch diameter provides a larger volume and more powerful projection compared to smaller chinas. It offers a larger 'sweet spot' for accents while maintaining the fast decay needed for intricate patterns.

Is the UFIP Supernova China suitable for beginners?

While beginners can use it, it is designed for professional use. Its specific sonic profile and price point are geared towards drummers who require precise, expressive effects in their setup.

How does this cymbal handle fast-paced playing?

The Supernova China is ideal for fast-paced styles due to its quick attack and fast response. It does not suffer from excessive wash, allowing for distinct hits in rapid succession.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The UFIP Supernova 20" China is typically priced at approximately GBP 222. This places it in the mid-to-high professional bracket for effects cymbals.

How does the Supernova sound compared to the UFIP Bionic series?

The Supernova series is generally brighter and more focused on fast attack for urban styles. The Bionic series is typically heavier and designed for maximum power and volume in rock and metal contexts.

Does this cymbal have a long sustain?

No, it is designed for a quick attack and rapid decay. This 'fast' response is essential for playing sharp accents that don't bleed into the next beat.

Can this cymbal be used in a studio setting?

Yes, its crystal-clear sound and dynamic range make it excellent for recording. The hammering technique ensures it has the complexity required to sound professional under microphones.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

While the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash is dark and earthy, the UFIP Supernova 20" China is much brighter and more aggressive. They serve different musical purposes, with the Supernova focusing on cutting through modern mixes.

Gear article

UFIP Supernova Series 20" China

The UFIP Supernova Series 20" China is a professional-grade effects cymbal constructed from sheet bronze alloy and finished with a brilliant polish. It is specifically designed to provide the fast response and sharp projection required for urban musical styles such as hip-hop, drum and bass, and funk.

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Overview

The UFIP Supernova Series 20" China is a specialized percussion instrument designed for drummers seeking a high-frequency, aggressive accent. Unlike traditional cast bronze cymbals, the Supernova series utilises a sheet bronze alloy that is shaped through innovative hand-hammering techniques. This manufacturing process results in a cymbal that offers a crystal-clear sonic profile capable of cutting through dense musical arrangements, particularly in contemporary urban genres.

Design and Construction

The construction of the Supernova China involves a combination of modern metallurgy and traditional craftsmanship. The sheet bronze is treated with hand-hammering to control the overtones and ensure a dynamic response. A notable feature is its brilliant finish; this aesthetic choice serves a functional purpose by brightening the overall tone and accelerating the cymbal's response time. The 20-inch diameter provides significant surface area for volume, yet the design maintains a fast decay, often referred to as a 'quick attack'.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of this cymbal is defined by its powerful projection and bright, explosive character. It is engineered to deliver sharp accents that do not linger excessively, making it suitable for fast-paced playing. The 'trashy' sound typical of Chinese-style cymbals is present here but is refined by the Supernova's emphasis on high-end frequencies and clarity. This makes it an effective tool for expressive effects in live performance and studio recording alike.

Target Audience

UFIP has positioned the 20" Supernova China as a professional-tier instrument. It is specifically recommended for drummers working within hip-hop, funk, and drum and bass, where rapid-fire accents and high-volume 'chinas' are standard. Its ability to cut through electronic elements and amplified instrumentation makes it a preferred choice for players who need their effects to remain distinct in a loud mix.

Comparative Context

Within the UFIP catalogue, the Supernova series offers a different tonal palette compared to the Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats, which focus on more traditional versatility, or the Bionic Series 13" Hi Hats, which emphasize weight and power. When compared to external alternatives like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash, the Supernova China is significantly brighter and more focused on immediate attack rather than dark, complex sustain. For budget-conscious players, it represents a professional step up from entry-level options like the Gear4Music Low Volume series or Meinl HCS sets.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the UFIP Supernova 20" China?: The cymbal is constructed from a high-quality sheet bronze alloy. This material is chosen for its ability to produce a bright, consistent, and cutting tone suitable for modern music.
Is this cymbal handmade?: Yes, while it starts as sheet bronze, it is shaped using an innovative hand-hammering technique. This ensures that each cymbal has a professional, dynamic response that differentiates it from mass-produced machine cymbals.
What genres is the Supernova China best suited for?: It is specifically designed for urban genres including hip-hop, drum and bass, and funk. Its quick attack and high-frequency projection allow it to sit perfectly in these contemporary styles.
What does the 'brilliant finish' contribute to the sound?: The brilliant finish adds to the aesthetic but also functionally enhances the bright, fast response of the metal. This results in a cymbal that speaks quickly and clearly when struck.
How does the 20-inch size affect the sound?: The 20-inch diameter provides a larger volume and more powerful projection compared to smaller chinas. It offers a larger 'sweet spot' for accents while maintaining the fast decay needed for intricate patterns.
Is the UFIP Supernova China suitable for beginners?: While beginners can use it, it is designed for professional use. Its specific sonic profile and price point are geared towards drummers who require precise, expressive effects in their setup.
How does this cymbal handle fast-paced playing?: The Supernova China is ideal for fast-paced styles due to its quick attack and fast response. It does not suffer from excessive wash, allowing for distinct hits in rapid succession.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The UFIP Supernova 20" China is typically priced at approximately GBP 222. This places it in the mid-to-high professional bracket for effects cymbals.
How does the Supernova sound compared to the UFIP Bionic series?: The Supernova series is generally brighter and more focused on fast attack for urban styles. The Bionic series is typically heavier and designed for maximum power and volume in rock and metal contexts.
Does this cymbal have a long sustain?: No, it is designed for a quick attack and rapid decay. This 'fast' response is essential for playing sharp accents that don't bleed into the next beat.
Can this cymbal be used in a studio setting?: Yes, its crystal-clear sound and dynamic range make it excellent for recording. The hammering technique ensures it has the complexity required to sound professional under microphones.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: While the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash is dark and earthy, the UFIP Supernova 20" China is much brighter and more aggressive. They serve different musical purposes, with the Supernova focusing on cutting through modern mixes.