What material is the UFIP Tiger 20" China made from?

The cymbal is crafted from CuSn8 sheet bronze. This specific alloy choice, combined with UFIP's hardening process, provides the durability required for heavy playing styles.

Is this cymbal machine-made or handmade?

The UFIP Tiger Series is completely hand-hammered and finished by hand. This artisan approach ensures a unique tonal character for every individual cymbal.

What genres of music best suit this cymbal?

It is specifically designed for high-energy genres including hard rock, heavy metal, and punk. Its aggressive tone and high volume allow it to cut through thick mixes.

How does the size of the 20" China affect its sound?

The 20-inch diameter provides a deep, powerful presence with a long-lasting sustain. It produces a larger, more explosive sound compared to smaller 16" or 18" China models.

Does this cymbal have a fast response?

Yes, it is designed for a quick response, which is essential for fast-paced playing. This allows the drummer to execute rapid accents that are heard immediately.

What is the typical price for a UFIP Tiger 20" China?

The typical price for this model is approximately £189. This makes it a mid-to-high range investment for serious drummers.

What is the 'special hardening procedure' mentioned by UFIP?

It is a manufacturing step used to maximise the durability of the sheet bronze. This helps the cymbal resist cracking and deformation during heavy use.

How does the sustain of this China cymbal compare to others?

The Tiger 20" China features a long-lasting sustain. This ensures that the aggressive tone resonates for a significant duration, helping accents stand out in the mix.

Is the UFIP Tiger China suitable for low-volume practice?

No, it is designed for high-energy performances and is naturally very loud. For low-volume practice, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.

How does it differ from the UFIP Bionic Series?

While both are high-quality, the Tiger Series is specifically treated for aggression and durability in rock/metal contexts. The Bionic series, such as the 13" Hi Hats, often focuses on different tonal characteristics and manufacturing techniques.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz or light pop?

While technically possible, its aggressive tone and high volume may be overpowering for jazz or light pop. It is better suited for genres that require a sharp attack and high projection.

Is the finish of the Tiger Series China consistent across all units?

Because they are hand-finished, there may be slight aesthetic and tonal variations between units. However, the 'Tiger' aesthetic and aggressive sound profile remain consistent throughout the series.

Gear article

UFIP Tiger Series 20" China

The UFIP Tiger Series 20" China is an aggressive effect cymbal designed specifically for high-volume musical genres such as hard rock, heavy metal, and punk. Crafted from CuSn8 sheet bronze and finished through a unique hardening procedure, it is defined by its explosive attack and robust sustain.

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Overview and Construction

The UFIP Tiger Series 20" China is a professional-grade effect cymbal tailored for drummers who require maximum projection. Unlike many entry-level sheet bronze cymbals, the Tiger Series undergoes a specialised hardening procedure to increase the alloy's density and durability. This process ensures the cymbal can withstand the physical demands of heavy hitting without compromising its sonic integrity.

Each cymbal is completely hand-hammered and finished by hand, which gives every individual piece a unique character despite being part of a standardised series. The 20-inch diameter provides a large surface area, contributing to its significant volume and long-lasting sustain.

Sound Character and Performance

The sonic profile of the Tiger Series China is characterised by a sharp, aggressive attack and a quick response time. This makes it particularly effective for fast-paced playing styles where accents must be instantaneous. Because of its large size and hardened bronze construction, it produces an explosive wash that cuts through dense wall-of-sound arrangements common in heavy metal and punk. While the attack is immediate, the cymbal is designed to offer a long-lasting sustain, ensuring that accents resonate clearly even in high-decibel environments.

Target Audience

This cymbal is primarily aimed at drummers performing in high-energy settings. Its robust sound is ideal for:

Hard Rock: Providing the necessary power to match distorted guitars.
Heavy Metal: Offering the quick decay needed for blast beats and technical fills.
Punk: Delivering a raw, driving rhythm and sharp accents.

While it is built for performance in a band setting, its dynamic range also makes it a suitable tool for solo practice for those looking to develop their technique with professional-grade responses.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the UFIP catalogue, the Tiger Series sits alongside the Bionic and Class series but offers a more specialised, aggressive tone than the balanced Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats or the refined Bionic 13" Hi Hats. Compared to dry cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or boutique options like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the Tiger China is much louder and more focused on raw power. It represents a significant step up in durability and hand-craftsmanship from entry-level options like the Gear4music Low Volume packs or the Meinl HCS series.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the UFIP Tiger 20" China made from?: The cymbal is crafted from CuSn8 sheet bronze. This specific alloy choice, combined with UFIP's hardening process, provides the durability required for heavy playing styles.
Is this cymbal machine-made or handmade?: The UFIP Tiger Series is completely hand-hammered and finished by hand. This artisan approach ensures a unique tonal character for every individual cymbal.
What genres of music best suit this cymbal?: It is specifically designed for high-energy genres including hard rock, heavy metal, and punk. Its aggressive tone and high volume allow it to cut through thick mixes.
How does the size of the 20" China affect its sound?: The 20-inch diameter provides a deep, powerful presence with a long-lasting sustain. It produces a larger, more explosive sound compared to smaller 16" or 18" China models.
Does this cymbal have a fast response?: Yes, it is designed for a quick response, which is essential for fast-paced playing. This allows the drummer to execute rapid accents that are heard immediately.
What is the typical price for a UFIP Tiger 20" China?: The typical price for this model is approximately £189. This makes it a mid-to-high range investment for serious drummers.
What is the 'special hardening procedure' mentioned by UFIP?: It is a manufacturing step used to maximise the durability of the sheet bronze. This helps the cymbal resist cracking and deformation during heavy use.
How does the sustain of this China cymbal compare to others?: The Tiger 20" China features a long-lasting sustain. This ensures that the aggressive tone resonates for a significant duration, helping accents stand out in the mix.
Is the UFIP Tiger China suitable for low-volume practice?: No, it is designed for high-energy performances and is naturally very loud. For low-volume practice, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.
How does it differ from the UFIP Bionic Series?: While both are high-quality, the Tiger Series is specifically treated for aggression and durability in rock/metal contexts. The Bionic series, such as the 13" Hi Hats, often focuses on different tonal characteristics and manufacturing techniques.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz or light pop?: While technically possible, its aggressive tone and high volume may be overpowering for jazz or light pop. It is better suited for genres that require a sharp attack and high projection.
Is the finish of the Tiger Series China consistent across all units?: Because they are hand-finished, there may be slight aesthetic and tonal variations between units. However, the 'Tiger' aesthetic and aggressive sound profile remain consistent throughout the series.