PERCUSSION
UNEXCITING SUPPORT STAFF | Mark Shelton
Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash
Getting a new car— Exciting! Replacing a worn tire— Not Exciting.
Your dream snare drum arrives— Exciting! Buying a package of felt washers— Not Exciting.
Some things are just more thrilling than others. However, the less-exciting is sometimes needed so you can make good use of the more-exciting. Although the percussion gear specified below might not provide the same exhilaration as acquiring a set of premium bongos, these unexciting items certainly come in handy. Consider them members of the support staff.
STANDS How many different stands for percussion are there? A stand is needed for suspended cymbal, snare drum, glockenspiel, congas, timbales— and do you also need a music stand? Unless you own a levitation device to suspend instruments in mid-air, you must have stands.
Avoid cheap and flimsy. You should not place a $ 700 drum on a stand costing less than the pliers needed to tighten the height adjustment. A boom cymbal stand capable of converting to a straight stand— own at least one.
Double-braced stands will likely weigh more than single-braced models. However, it is possible to find sturdy, dependable singlebraced stands.
Before you trash a damaged stand, maybe it can be repurposed. Check out this video:
TRAP TABLE A trap table lives in my van so it is always handy. Whether playing in a jazz ensemble, worship band, symphony orchestra, or folk group, a trap table has gotten me through many tight logistical situations. This soundless sidekick provides a central location for sticks, mallets, and hand-held instruments such as tambourines, shakers, and cabasa( and you can park your coffee mug on it). The lightly padded surface helps prevent extraneous sound when moving instruments and implements.
DRUM KEY You can spend more on a burger than on a standard drum key. Buy several drum keys and scatter them around your percussion world.
• A standard drum key should be hanging on your key ring.
• Toss one in your stick bag and keep a drum key in the trap case.
• If you play timpani and / or congas / bongos, make sure you own those special tuning tools.
FELT WASHERS The main purpose of these circular cushions is to act as a buffer to prevent annoying buzz between a cymbal and the mounting disk. Felt washers manage to fall off or wear
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