Maker

UFIP

Italian cymbals made by rotocasting

UFIP was formed in Pistoia in 1931 by a group of Italian cymbal makers pooling their workshops. Its distinguishing process is rotocasting: molten bronze is spun in a mould so the alloy densifies toward the rim, which UFIP argues does the work hammering does elsewhere.

Models

  • UFIP Gong

    Gong · Italy

    UFIP applies its rotocasting process to gongs as well as cymbals, producing tam-tams with an unusually even build and a bright upper spectrum.

  • UFIP Experience Series

    Cymbal · Italy

    Experience collects UFIP's odd instruments: extra-dry rides, bell-heavy models, and short, trashy effects cymbals that do not fit the numbered lines.

  • UFIP Class Series

    Cymbal · Italy

    Class is UFIP's main professional line and the clearest demonstration of rotocasting: bronze spun in the mould so the alloy densifies toward the rim. The cymbals are bright, clear, and unusually consistent between examples.

  • UFIP Tiger Series

    Cymbal · Italy

    Tiger is UFIP's loud line: heavier weights and a tighter lathe pattern for stages where a thin Italian cymbal would disappear.

  • UFIP Est. 1931

    Cymbal · Italy

    Est. 1931 takes UFIP's process toward a darker, drier voice, with heavier hammering over the rotocast blank and a lower pitch than the Class line.

  • UFIP Natural Series

    Cymbal · Italy

    The Natural series leaves the rotocast surface unlathed, which shortens the decay considerably and gives a raw, papery attack.

Sources

Categories

  • Cymbals

    Ride, crash, hi-hat, effects, orchestral, and specialty cymbals, plus cymbal makers and series.

  • Gongs

    Orchestral tam-tams, tuned nipple gongs, and the symphonic and planet gongs used in film scoring and sound work.

Representative model

  • UFIP Class Series

    Cymbal · Italy

    Class is UFIP's main professional line and the clearest demonstration of rotocasting: bronze spun in the mould so the alloy densifies toward the rim. The cymbals are bright, clear, and unusually consistent between examples.