Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Information on Drum Sets


Image : http://www.flickr.com


Anybody who is interested in music can start of by playing a number of instruments such as a guitar, a piano or drums. Each of these instruments has their own place and importance within the music world. However, it primarily depends on one's preference and inclination in regards to which instrument he or she would want to play. Drum sets are available in various models sporting different sizes and options. One of the most popular kits available presently is known as sonor drums.

They are available in various packages and can be purchased at a range of prices. However these products are top notch in terms of quality and therefore are priced accordingly. Hence, one has to conduct a lot of research in order to get the right product at the right price. Sonor drums are can be categorized in terms of hand drums, standing drums and complete drum sets. In general, hand drums are the least expensive whereas standalone or standing drums are moderately priced while complete drum sets can be extremely expensive. In essence, hand drums feature attributes such as calfskin or goat skin that can be altered in accordance with the sort of sound that one needs. Hence, these products can be classified as mimicking top of the line tambourines.

Stand alone or standing drums are produced in accordance with varying features and attributes. They are basically just like timpani rotary style drums. The skins are also adjustable while the size of the individual drums can vary between thirteen and eighteen inches. On the other hand, height of the fixtures can be adjusted till twelve inches. These drum sets are also equipped with advanced tuning mechanisms that enable one to set the sort of sound that is required. However, in accordance with these adjustable features the price of these models is also pretty hefty.

Lastly, the most wide-ranging product current being offered by sonor drums is the complete drum set. Product diversity in this line is such that four different items are available mainly SQ2, the delite, the S classix and the Force series. Although most people prefer to buy preconfigured sets with various options but specific customers can also opt for individual optional products such as snare and bass drums. Additional features such as laminated wood layers to reduce tension and promulgate neutral tuning are also available. In fact the fixtures for these devices are equipped with double support mechanisms in order to facilitate the creation of excellent sound management. The entire drum set can be adjusted in accordance with specific requirements thereby making these products extremely versatile.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Junior Drum Sets Can Be Both Learning Tools and Fun


Image : http://www.flickr.com


We are all drummers when we're children, give a infant some pots and pans and a wooden spoon and let them drum out their hearts content. Some people are born with a musical gift; some have great rhythm, why not feed that trait by looking into junior drum sets. Junior kits are basic and help you to offer everything you need.

Drum kits come in all sizes, if your kid has the ability and you want to help them improve their skills you will find junior drum sets that are perfect starter kits. As they continue to improve you can always purchase pieces until you have a full set.

Its best to give your stick twirler plenty of space for their drum kit, make sure you live in an area that will allow your child drummer to not disturb the peace but allow them the opportunity to discover their musical skills. Kid drum sets are made just for kid drummers; they come with the standard five piece junior drum kits, a bass drum, two tom-toms, a snare, and cymbals.

Musical instruments are an investment in your kid's creativity and while guitar video games seem to dominate the gaming world, there is still a need for drummers to keep the beat. You never are sure if your child will pursue music as a career and kid drum kits are the best foundation in which to begin.

Besides being the beat of the band kids have lots of energy and when you can give them an outlet like drumming to release it you might realize they have more enjoyment focusing on a skill like drumming. You can also increase their junior drum set as they improve, it's also a great exercise and who wouldn't love to get their kids off the couch once in a while.

If you examine today's video game market all the creativity is in the game itself. All you have to do is hit the buttons in order to advance to another level, some people say its good hand eye coordination, but its not. Put the creativity into your young ones hands, such as a pair of drumsticks. There are plenty of drummers they can look up to and try to learn from. Your kids will surprise you when it comes to their originality.

Junior drum sets are encouraging, what better way to indicate to your child that you want to improve their musical direction. I'm sure a lot of parents would stay away from drum kits in their house because of the loudness but it would be much worse to find out that your child wanted to play drums but never had your support.

Learning music is excellent for a child's development, drums are part of the musical world and when you see your kid concentrate and focus on developing how to become better you will know that drum kits support their talent.

Junior drum sets are an inexpensive way to help them find their musical abilities as well. If your kid acts interested in drumming you could help them determine if they really want to go in that direction. Look at junior drum sets that are made for kids and then help them pursue a set that will give them the tools they need to become accomplished musicians.

Friday, June 25, 2010

How to Buy the Best Drum Set?


Image : http://www.flickr.com


A drum set is one of the musical instruments that are the collections of cymbals, drums and other percussion instruments including cowbells, triangles, chimes and woodblocks etc. All these instruments are arranged as well as played by a single user and the user is known as the "drummer". During the year 1700, the instrument was named as "drum hit" in the Britain region. The same instrument is known as a "drum set/ trap set" in the United States region. In order to buy a best drum set, there are certain tips that you need to follow.

Initially, you should concentrate on the number of drums that you need to practice with it. If you are in a beginner level, then it is better to start with five piece sets. However, an experienced drummer will seek for more number of drums and also with certain features that produce unique as well as quality sound. For quality sound, material is very important factor and it is necessary to choose a wood that perfectly matches with it. The only difference is with the sound because most of the drum sets will sound same and people who have some knowledge on drum can be able to judge the unique sound produced from various drums.

The next important thing that you need to consider is regarding the drum size. Selecting the drum set with necessary diameter as well as depth will be the best factor for quality outcome of sound. Hence, manufacturers are concentrating more on size, depth and also with the diameter to ensure the quality sound. The only thing is that you should be able to recognize with the sound quality after the instrument has been played.

Finally, you should definitely check with the price from various stores. Price for drum sets will vary according to their material as well as size. A beginner level drum set (with 5 drums including the bass drum) will cost up to 500 USD to 1000 USD. Though it seems to be expensive, the quality of the sound will be great. If you want an instrument just for practicing in your free time or at a cheaper price, then you can find a best deal in any one of the auction sites in the internet. During recent times, several websites deal with online sales and also some websites provide best deals that suits best to your budget.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Vintage Drum Sets


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Vintage drum sets have certain characteristics that set them about from today?s drum sets. One is the quality of the tone that a vintage set produces that is described as 'warm' in sound. Vintage, brass-shelled drums are classic because of the distinct tonal range of highs and lows. Other characteristics that enhance the value and appeal of vintage drum sets are how rare they are, the historical significance of the set (who owned them) and the condition of the set.

It has only been in the last few years that drum collecting, as a hobby seems to have taken off. The most collectable pieces seem to start during the 1929s and carry through to the 60s. There are also sets that were produced before the 20s that are considered collectables as well. Although hard to find, most collectors like to find vintage drum sets that are in original condition. These sets appreciate in value more readily than reconditioned ones and are easier to sell. However, musicians who are looking for a vintage set to use for performance will often make some alterations to get the exact sound they are looking for.

Drums are the backbone of any genre of music and provide a rhythm and base line. Drums are largely used in rock, jazz, country, pop, and classical music. Since early times drums have been in prominent existence. They were used by rock bands in the pre World War II era and continue to dominate the music scene. The drums manufactured earlier were simple as compared to the elaborate ones produced now and were available as 3 or 4 piece sets.

Vintage drums are a collectors dream and a valuable buy. However, they need to be closely inspected for wear and tear. The cymbals are made of copper, which tend to acquire a greenish coating when not used for a long time. The drum skin is key component f the drum set that produces the sound. As these drum sets are old and have undergone a tremendous amount of drumming, it is advisable to closely inspect the drum skins from the inside.

Vintage drum sets especially owned by rock bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Grateful Dead are in demand and fetch the highest price.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Afro Cuban boot / RTS - the abstruse language

Here we explore my system for decoding the phrasing of african decent music, RTS - Relayed Time shifting To get the proper feel of this music, western players must learn to do this. Without the proper feel, Your playing sounds sterile and 1 dimensional.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE-24OG83Ms&hl=en

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Shinichi Osawa - Star Guitar (Brookes Brothers Remix)

Data Records presents am amphetamine-laced drum & bass remix of the classic 'Star Guitar' by The Chemical Brothers. Set to be a massive hit this year. Much respect.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE2HDl5rsIo&hl=en

Monday, June 14, 2010

Jealous Again - Jealousy Among Musicians


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Jealousy - do you feel it? Do you sense it in others? Does it hinder your relationships with other musicians? Does it sap your confidence? Does it block your creativity? Here are some questions to help you get clearer about the jealousy in your life.

1. What is my jealousy trying to teach me? Generally when I have a strong emotion towards a specific person it's either because that person represents something about me that I can't tolerate yet or because that person embodies something that I wish I could do or have. I remember being in a high school arts program and being incredibly envious of a fellow singer. What I was so painfully aware of (though I couldn't have articulated it at that time) was that this person was able to fully express herself and her talents, and I couldn't. I was a better singer at home in my bedroom than I was in front of other people, and THAT'S what I couldn't stand about the situation. By doing what I couldn't do, she shone a spotlight on my biggest challenge. It made it virtually impossible to have a good relationship with her.

2. How can I identify with this person as a fellow musician, instead of comparing our work? What opportunities are there for collaboration, mutual support and the exchange of ideas? Can I open myself to receiving gifts from this person - feedback, support and love? What can I, in turn, give to this person? Even the most famous, the most successful musician is a human being just like you. Find the connection. What can I give to a musician who's newer than I am?

3. How can I develop confidence in my unique message and express this authentically? I will never sound like this other musician, or anyone else for that matter. Influences may be heard, comparisons will inevitably be made, but my words will never come out exactly like theirs, because my "story", my life, my experiences, my collection of qualities, strengths and challenges are completely unique to me. When I honor my uniqueness my confidence grows, and it becomes pointless to compare myself to others - there's no comparison. This quote by Martha Graham further explains what I mean.

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. - Martha Graham, quoted by Agnes DeMille, Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham

4. How can I turn my attention away from this other person and back to what I can do to further my own success and creative fulfillment? If I'm jealous of someone winning a songwriting contest, I can ask myself: how many songwriting contests have I entered? If I'm jealous of the size of their fan base, I can ask myself: how am I attracting new fans and how I am deepening my relationship with the ones I have now? If I'm jealous of the number of songs they've written, I can ask myself: what am I choosing to do with my time instead of writing songs?

5. Now that I've learned from it, how can I let go of my jealousy? Often in life we hang on to emotions long after they've served their usefulness. They become comfortable, familiar and safer than doing the work to get to the other side of them. And yet they can also weigh us down and block our creativity. Try the analogy FEEL. First, Feel your feeling - don't suppress it, actually let yourself feel it. Next, Express the feeling - write about it, sing about, talk about it with someone you trust, play it on an instrument or express it in art. Next, Explore the feeling - what is it trying to teach you, etc. as discussed above. And finally Let it Go. This can be as simple as saying a short prayer or affirmation ("I have let go of my jealousy", or "I have valuable and unique gifts to offer"), or writing the feeling on a piece of paper and tearing it up.

Jealousy has a lot to teach us. So when it shows up in your life, pay attention. If you notice jealousy in others, put yourself in their shoes and help them to identify with you. Reveal your humanity. Let them know that they've got something to offer you.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

HOW TO PLAY DRUMS - DRUM LESSONS ONLINE - Free Beginner Drum Lessons

Get Free Drum Lessons at www.grooveisking.com This is a beginner drum lesson and a teaser of what's to come at www.grooveisking.com You are going to learn from a professional that will take your drumming to another level. It will teach you what producers and artist want you to know. That the FEEL is more important than the FILL.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hUhYwLTDfk&hl=en

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Steel Drums


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A steel drum, also called a steelpan, is a type of drum that is made from a metal oil barrel. Steel drums differ from drums found in a regular drum set because they can be tuned to a certain pitch. This allows the steel drums to be played in such a way that they can actually create a melody.

History of Steel Drums

Steel drums were first made and used in Trinidad, which is located in the West Indies. There are some legends associated with the first created steel drums and it is hard to tell the differences between fact and fiction. A man called Winston "Spree" Simon is often credited with developing the first steel drum out of a biscuit tin. Oil drums were later used. The first steel drum record was made in the early 1940's.

Steel Drums today

When the steel drums were first developed, the elite classes looked down on both the music and the players. Now, not only are steel drum players more respected, there are people who specialize in making the drums themselves and the pitch that each drum is tuned in is standardized.

Making Steel Drums

To make a steel drum, the top of a metal barrel is pounded on until the desired shape is achieved. This process is called "sinking" the drum and it is only complete when a bowl shape is created. Then, the drum is heated until it is white hot and then cooled. After this, the pitches are created by making oval shapes at the top. When the desired pitch is achieved, the steel drum is complete. Since hitting the drum causes it to go out of tune, there are specific methods that are used to tune it.

The sound of steel drums is a definite sign that you are in the West Indies. Though steel drums were developed in Trinidad, they can be found in the islands throughout the area and in other parts of the world. The US Navy even had its own steel drum band. The sound is reminiscent of the islands, but is also incorporated in music throughout the world.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Review of the Toni Braxton CD Libra


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The exceptionally talented Pop artist Toni Braxton has released her CD entitled Libra. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Toni Braxton fans, and Pop fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Libra Toni Braxton's artistic excellence is on full display as Braxton has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be her best work to date.

Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Libra. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Pop music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors on the project including Dan Shea and Rich Harrison plus a few other notables as well.

Listen to this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Toni Braxton is clearly in top form. So much so that if you're even mildly into Pop music you'll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 3 - What's Good, track 6 - I Wanna Be, and track 10 - Shadowless.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Please. Good stuff!

Libra Release Notes:

Toni Braxton originally released Libra on September 27, 2005 on the Blackground Enterprises label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Please 2. Trippin (That's The Way Love Works) 3. What's Good 4. Take This Ring 5. Midnite 6. I Wanna Be (Your Baby) 7. Sposed To Be 8. Stupid 9. Finally 10. Shadowless

Personnel include: Toni Braxton (vocals); Rich Harrison (various instruments); Dan Shea, Siete (guitar); Kendrick Dean (strings); Greg Phillinganes (piano); Tamar Braxton, Babyface (background vocals). Recording information: The Hit Factory, Criteria, Miami, Florida.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

CLIPMANIA: World Wide Video - You are TV

CLIPMANIA takes a glance at what the 'Can Gang' from Valence in France have been throwing. CLIPMANIA meets young polish internet drumming sensation Igor Falecki And CLIPMANIA investigates the new Marketing bug which is infecting the internet. Can Throwing as Visual Poetry Five young Frenchmen turn tossing a can away into an artform. Even the simplest film ideas can sometimes lead to big things. Five friends from the provincial town of Valence near Lyon got together with a camera and a tin can and took to the streets. They posted their first video on the internet in May 2006 and kick started a new trend, winning fans all over the world. Suddenly many other people tried to master their can throwing skills. The youngsters from 'The Can Gang' received an interesting proposal: a free trip around the world with unlimited drinks, courtesy of a major soft drinks producer.Polish Percussion Prodigy and Internet Star Little Igor Falecki from Poland is one of the most famous drummers on the Internet. But exactly how does someone so young, get to be so good? AND just how old is this boy ? Igor Falecki is only six years old but he can already drum like a pro. His dad films him practising at home in Gdansk, Poland, and posts the footage on the Internet. His videos have attracted around 20 million clicks. There's plenty of media interest in the talented 6-year-old too. He's given lots of interviews and people even ask for his autograph. His parents, both muscians, are very careful not to ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io5c7oCZKQ8&hl=en

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Reggae

One Drop Reggae Drum Tutor Drum Lesson Stu Roberts with ACM. For more lessons check out www.heyfunkydrummer.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18zrqYyLI_w&hl=en

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Muse - Hysteria (Drum Cover)

Band: Muse Song: Hysteria Album: Absolution Drum Cover # 5 Copyright! All rights and reserves belong to Helium 3, Warner Bros. Records, Mushroom Records, Taste Media and muse. Thank you all for your permission to keep this video on YouTube. This song was by far my favorite absolution from the CD. I think it's the hardness of guitars and guitar solo. The bass riff crunchy. Obviously the battery Dom are always fun. But Matt's solo during the bridge will open just click on the song andmakes it breathe. Of course he is a guitar virtuoso. And the whole band are virtuosos for that matter. As weird as it is to say, their latest album is my least favorite of theirs. But I still love it. Kind of Sloppy. Story behind this one: Played this song for an hour yesterday just trying to perfect the fills. Making annoying mistakes. Came back today and did 3 takes in about 15 minutes. Thus rushed mistakes.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vCJfJO68M8&hl=en