What is the primary musical genre for the UFIP Supernova 20" Ride?

The cymbal is specifically designed for urban music genres, including hip hop, drum and bass, and funk. It is voiced to handle the high-energy and intricate rhythmic demands of these contemporary styles.

What manufacturing process is used for this cymbal?

The Supernova 20" Ride is produced using a unique combination of hand-hammering and fast rotation. This hybrid approach ensures the cymbal has a lively, fast-reacting response.

How would you describe the finish of the Supernova Series?

It features a brilliant, hand-polished finish. This gives the cymbal a stunning, reflective appearance on stage while also contributing to its bright, crisp sonic profile.

What is the typical price range for this model?

In the UK market, the UFIP Supernova 20" Ride typically retails for approximately £219. This makes it a competitively priced option for a professional-grade cymbal.

Is this cymbal suitable for professional drummers?

Yes, it is marketed as a versatile choice for professionals. Its wide dynamic range and clear response meet the high-energy demands of professional contemporary performance.

How does the response time of the Supernova compare to other rides?

It is described as a fast-reacting cymbal. The combination of hand-hammering and fast-rotation manufacturing allows it to handle quick transitions and intricate rhythms effectively.

What is the size of this specific ride cymbal?

This particular model is a 20-inch ride. This is a standard size that offers a balance between stick definition and a controllable wash.

Does the UFIP Supernova Ride have a bright or dark sound?

The sound is characterised as bright and lively. It is designed to provide crisp, dynamic tones that cut through a mix, rather than the dark or earthy tones found in some other series.

Can the 20" Supernova Ride be used for slow, heavy rock?

While it can be used in many settings, it is optimised for 'urban' styles like funk and hip hop. Its fast reaction and bright tones are better suited for intricate, high-speed patterns than slow, heavy washing.

How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic Series?

While the Bionic Series (such as the 13" Hi-Hats) often focuses on power and volume, the Supernova Series is tailored for the specific rhythmic clarity and fast dynamics of modern urban music.

Is the hammering on the Supernova series done by machine?

No, the Supernova series features a unique hand-hammering process. This manual craftsmanship is a key part of what gives the 20" Ride its specific dynamic range and character.

What kind of stick definition can be expected?

The cymbal provides crisp and clear stick definition. The brilliant finish and specific hammering process ensure that intricate rhythms remain distinct even at higher volumes.

Gear article

UFIP Supernova Series 20" Ride

The UFIP Supernova Series 20" Ride is a high-performance cymbal designed specifically for the fast-paced demands of contemporary urban music genres. Manufactured using a combination of hand-hammering and fast-rotation techniques, it is known for its bright, clear response and striking hand-polished brilliant finish.

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Background and Construction

The Supernova Series represents UFIP's commitment to modern sonic profiles while maintaining traditional manufacturing integrity. Unlike many cymbals that rely solely on machine processes, the 20" Supernova Ride undergoes a unique hand-hammering process. This is combined with a fast-rotation method during production to ensure a precise, consistent profile that facilitates a rapid response. The cymbal is completed with a meticulous hand-polished brilliant finish, contributing to both its visual aesthetic and its high-frequency clarity.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary character of the 20" Supernova Ride is defined by its crispness and dynamic range. It is engineered to deliver bright and lively tones that remain articulate even during complex patterns. The combination of its size and manufacturing process results in a fast-reacting instrument that can transition quickly between different rhythmic textures, making it a reliable tool for high-energy performance environments.

Musical Applications

This cymbal is explicitly voiced for 'urban' and contemporary genres where rhythmic precision is paramount. Key applications include:

Hip Hop: Provides a clear, cutting ping that sits above sampled beats or heavy bass lines.
Drum and Bass: Offers the fast response needed for high-BPM breakbeats.
Funk: Delivers the dynamic sensitivity required for intricate ghost notes and syncopated accents.
Contemporary Fusion: Suits professional settings that demand a balance of volume and clarity.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the UFIP catalogue, the Supernova 20" Ride offers a more modern, bright alternative to the Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats or the heavier, more aggressive Bionic Series 13" Hi-Hats. When compared to external alternatives like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride, the Supernova tends to offer a faster reaction time and a more 'brilliant' top-end shimmer, whereas cymbals like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry provide a darker, shorter decay.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary musical genre for the UFIP Supernova 20" Ride?: The cymbal is specifically designed for urban music genres, including hip hop, drum and bass, and funk. It is voiced to handle the high-energy and intricate rhythmic demands of these contemporary styles.
What manufacturing process is used for this cymbal?: The Supernova 20" Ride is produced using a unique combination of hand-hammering and fast rotation. This hybrid approach ensures the cymbal has a lively, fast-reacting response.
How would you describe the finish of the Supernova Series?: It features a brilliant, hand-polished finish. This gives the cymbal a stunning, reflective appearance on stage while also contributing to its bright, crisp sonic profile.
What is the typical price range for this model?: In the UK market, the UFIP Supernova 20" Ride typically retails for approximately £219. This makes it a competitively priced option for a professional-grade cymbal.
Is this cymbal suitable for professional drummers?: Yes, it is marketed as a versatile choice for professionals. Its wide dynamic range and clear response meet the high-energy demands of professional contemporary performance.
How does the response time of the Supernova compare to other rides?: It is described as a fast-reacting cymbal. The combination of hand-hammering and fast-rotation manufacturing allows it to handle quick transitions and intricate rhythms effectively.
What is the size of this specific ride cymbal?: This particular model is a 20-inch ride. This is a standard size that offers a balance between stick definition and a controllable wash.
Does the UFIP Supernova Ride have a bright or dark sound?: The sound is characterised as bright and lively. It is designed to provide crisp, dynamic tones that cut through a mix, rather than the dark or earthy tones found in some other series.
Can the 20" Supernova Ride be used for slow, heavy rock?: While it can be used in many settings, it is optimised for 'urban' styles like funk and hip hop. Its fast reaction and bright tones are better suited for intricate, high-speed patterns than slow, heavy washing.
How does it compare to the UFIP Bionic Series?: While the Bionic Series (such as the 13" Hi-Hats) often focuses on power and volume, the Supernova Series is tailored for the specific rhythmic clarity and fast dynamics of modern urban music.
Is the hammering on the Supernova series done by machine?: No, the Supernova series features a unique hand-hammering process. This manual craftsmanship is a key part of what gives the 20" Ride its specific dynamic range and character.
What kind of stick definition can be expected?: The cymbal provides crisp and clear stick definition. The brilliant finish and specific hammering process ensure that intricate rhythms remain distinct even at higher volumes.