32" brass cymbal prototype. Note the hand-hammered cup.
Series: UFIP Experience
Size: 32" / 80 cm
Thickness: Medium
Profile: Medium High
Material: Brass
Process: Pre-manufactured MS63 disk , tempered, hand-hammered, unlathed, unpolished (basically the same procedure as UFIP's brass gongs)
This specimen is part of a cymbal set consisting of 18" hi-hats, a 28" crash and this 32" ride and was designed to complement a likewise giant drum set by Italian drum company Soprano. In a joint venture to enter into the Guinness Book the set was displayed at the Perugia trade show in Italy.
As soon as I saw it I had to play it. It's labeled 'Experience', the series label prototypes and custom cymbals get. And rightly so, this was an experience! The sound, no wonder, is simply gigantic. This instrument has the widest dynamic range I've ever heard from a cymbal. The response depends extremely varies with different sticks and playing techniques. But, no matter how you play it the spanking, low pitched ping always hovers above a startling, ultra-deep body.
When struck with a felt mallet or gong beater it starts building grumbling undertones and keeps swelling and swelling. Played as a ride, it may take heavy beating with a 3S marching stick without problem, being as loud as any extra heavy or Power Ride, but with the depth and body those cymbals usually lack completely. Played with light sticks and some care near the edge it can be tamed even to club level. This is due to medium thickness, which is really thin in relation to the diameter. Players who like to ride and crash on a large cymbal might love this one. Even though this thing has more power than one could possibly ask for it doesn't get out of control. One can keep any desired volume level with ease because it doesn't get louder until you play harder. Enough said, I couldn't help myself and ordered a 28" the same day...