UFIP Cymbals: Earcreated in Italy

UFIP (Unione Fabbricanti Italiani Piatti, or Italian Cymbal Manufacturers Union) is a distinguished Italian company that has been hand-manufacturing professional cymbals, gongs, and metal percussion instruments from its base in Pistoia, Tuscany, since its founding in 1931.

The company’s history is closely tied to the ancient Tuscan tradition of bronze casting, dating back to organ and bell makers in the 19th century. Today, UFIP is renowned for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship combined with a unique, patented innovation.

The Core Difference: Rotocasting® Technology

What truly sets professional-grade UFIP cymbals apart is their proprietary, patented manufacturing process known as Rotocasting®.

Unlike most other cymbal companies, which start with rolled and pressed bronze sheets, UFIP employs a technique of centrifuge-casting the bronze alloy:

1. Casting: Molten B20 Bell Bronze (80% Copper, 20% Tin) is poured into a spinning cymbal-shaped mold.
2. Purification: The high-speed centrifugal force drives less dense materials and impurities to the outer edge and surface, which are later removed during lathing.
3. Density: This process creates a remarkably compact molecular structure and a thicker bell-to-bow ratio, resulting in greater durability and a purer, more musical tone that drummers describe as having a unique « shimmer » and dynamic range.

After Rotocasting, every cymbal is finished by hand. Skilled artisans perform the final tempering, hand-hammering, and lathing, ensuring each instrument is unique. UFIP’s dedication to this small-batch, handmade process results in cymbals with a complex, expressive sound that is highly sought after by drummers across all genres, from jazz to rock.