UFIP cymbals

[Cdeleone]

I just saw a thread and in it, Slinky had a UFIP crash I believe. I have in my possession, a 1960's UFIP 22" ride that's been in my family since it's original purchase. My father doesn't know much about it but I don't see a lot of old or new for that matter, UFIP cymbals. It's really bright and sounds amazing...I'm wondering if anyone knows much about them? Thanks!

[SpazApproved]

sounds like a timeless treasure! Pictures?

[Cdeleone]

This is the only picture I have handy at the moment...
I can take a closer one eventually

[SpazApproved]

looks to be in great shape

[Rotarded]

I got a 60's UFIP crash with my Ludwig kit. It surprised me how good it sounds. I had never heard of them until I got this one. Unfortunately it has cracks all around the hole , that are hidden under the felt, and I'm too afraid to put it in my regular rotation.

[drummerMD]

check it out:https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=27&v=btRnk6U1nII

[drummerMD]

Try contacting Drum center of portsmouth(DCP) for any info.

[kay-gee]

I love UFIP cymbals. Two weaknesses however. They can be a little fragile ( not meant for super heavy bashing) and very high price.

I always figured Italy is between Switzerland (Paiste) and Turkey (Zildjian). They have somehow found a perfect blend of the European glassiness and that Arabian mysteriousness.

all the best...

[Cdeleone]

Thanks everyone...I've always been curious to know a little bit about my cymbal. It's old and the stamp is difficult to see nowadays, but it's a beautiful cymbal. I have played with this cymbal ever since I was a little kid...going on 30+ years and not a single crack. I'll never sell, but I'm curious what it's worth.

[slinky]

You have a great cymbal there Cdeleone. I don't know the worth, why not send UFiP an email about it. Maybe they will send you some info.

You're in good company too btw, Charlie Watts has been using his vintage "Italian made" ride forever. "Italian made" was in his own words from an old MD article so it must be a UFiP.


found this video. His is a flat UFiP ride

[kay-gee]

IMO of course. They are just about the nicest sounding cymbals on the planet. Sort of like the Ferrari's of cymbal world. Hard to beat Italian craftsmanship in anything. The high price however prevents me from outfitting my whole set with them.

all the best...

[crispycritters]

This is kind of related to UFIP - during the second world war there were a few Italian prisoners of war held in the UK, prior to the war they were cymbal smiths for UFIP. When the war ended some of them remained in the UK and manufactured cymbals labelled Zyn - the cymbals these guys made are highly regarded and sought after. Unfortunately not all Zyn cymbals are of the same quality - the ones made later (not by these cymbalsmiths) are best avoided.

[slinky]

http://www.allacronyms.com/UFIP/Unio...taliani_Piatti

[kay-gee]

This is kind of related to UFIP - during the second world war there were a few Italian prisoners of war held in the UK, prior to the war they were cymbal smiths for UFIP. When the war ended some of them remained in the UK and manufactured cymbals labelled Zyn - the cymbals these guys made are highly regarded and sought after. Unfortunately not all Zyn cymbals are of the same quality - the ones made later (not by these cymbalsmiths) are best avoided.

Wow I didn't know that. I once owned a 20" Zyn ride cymbal. It was kind of silver colored. I remembered it being stamped "Made in England" I always assumed they were related to Premier drum Co. in some way.

all the best...

[slinky]

The only reason I'm not using my Class ride right now is because i want a lot of ping for RDM. Using a 21'' Z Light Power Ride. The Class is a great cymbal though you can play on it anywhere and find what you need.

I like the 20" Tiger crash I have and also have a 14" B8 Kashian hi hat top that I got for a cymbal project I'm going to do. They made cymbals under different names for companys and some were B20. There's a website that has the stamp breakdown for them dating way back.

[slinky]

I guess it's time for an update if anyone is interested. Bought a Bionic 17" crash last Christmas day for under $140 shipped and yesterday bought a set of 14" Bionic hats (newest series) for $147 shipped!. Pretty stoked about this. They retail for over $400! The new series as far as I can tell has a blue stamp vs a black one. Can't wait to hang these babies on the kit.