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Drum Dogs Percussion and Drummer Discussion Forum
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phantompong
Lion
Joined: 30 Jul 2005
Posts: 924
Location: on the side of the world
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 Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 8:18 pm Post subject: Percussion? |
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I've been thinking about this for quite some time now, but I'm not sure where to start. I'm interested in having a go at Latin/Afro-Cuban percussion, mainly to expand my horizons (etc etc) but also partly because it would potentially open me up to unmiked acoustic gigs, and well, it's percussion and I like hitting stuff. For some reason I'm particularly drawn to cajons. The other possibility is LP's Giovanni Compact Congas, because they would be easy to integrate into a set. Do you guys have any particular recommendations on this front? I'm not sure when I can get a percussion teacher either, so do you guys have any books/websites/videos to recommend?
Here comes a completely out-of-the-way question - I showed my mum the picture of a cajon and she said, hmm, why don't you try building one yourself? I'm pretty interested in woodworking and am quite good with my hands, but building an instrument I don't even play yet is kind of like jumping into the ocean when you can't swim. What do you guys say to this - one of two things, I suspect - #1 it's actually not that hard, or #2 don't be silly?
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Bongoman
Big Goldfish
Joined: 10 Jul 2006
Posts: 70
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| Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:56 am Post subject: Re: Percussion? |
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| phantompong wrote: | I've been thinking about this for quite some time now, but I'm not sure where to start. I'm interested in having a go at Latin/Afro-Cuban percussion, mainly to expand my horizons (etc etc) but also partly because it would potentially open me up to unmiked acoustic gigs, and well, it's percussion and I like hitting stuff. For some reason I'm particularly drawn to cajons. The other possibility is LP's Giovanni Compact Congas, because they would be easy to integrate into a set. Do you guys have any particular recommendations on this front? I'm not sure when I can get a percussion teacher either, so do you guys have any books/websites/videos to recommend?
Here comes a completely out-of-the-way question - I showed my mum the picture of a cajon and she said, hmm, why don't you try building one yourself? I'm pretty interested in woodworking and am quite good with my hands, but building an instrument I don't even play yet is kind of like jumping into the ocean when you can't swim. What do you guys say to this - one of two things, I suspect - #1 it's actually not that hard, or #2 don't be silly? |
Hello Mr Pong.
I am Bongo and I play drumset and percussion. I will try to answer your questions.
Playing percussion is fantastic. I recomend it. I will try now to answer each of your questions.
Mr Pong said. "I'm interested in having a go at Latin/Afro-Cuban percussion, mainly to expand my horizons (etc etc) but also partly because it would potentially open me up to unmiked acoustic gigs, and well, it's percussion and I like hitting stuff."
Bongo answers. First of all Latin/Afro Cuban is only a small part of a very large world of percussion. I think this is important to remember. As for your question.
You are correct. Being able to play percussion is a very healthy skill. You will have access to more gigs than if just a drummer. Playing in quiet setting is also easier. I have played in cafes with nothing more than a tambourine a shaker and a tamborim. I take up little space.
Playing percussion will also expand your horizons in many ways. For me it made me think more about sound. Drumset players are often more concerned with technique than sound. Although the very very good ones understand the concept of sound in a very deep way.
Not all percussion is struck. Much of it is shaken, carressed and swung.
Mr Pong said. "For some reason I'm particularly drawn to cajons."
Bongo answers. I too enjoy playing the cajon. I own a number of cajons. There are many different kinds but the most used is the box cajon. These instruments come in 2 types. Those with wires and those without.
Mr Pong said. "The other possibility is LP's Giovanni Compact Congas, because they would be easy to integrate into a set."
The LP Giovanni Compact congas are okay. I had one but sold it. There isno bass. Great for slaps and taps but no bass tone. You can use them on a kit but if you want to play congas you will want to use your hands. I just use real congas to the left of my hi hat and play them by hand.
I think the money is better spent on real congas.
Mr Pong said. "I'm not sure when I can get a percussion teacher either, so do you guys have any books/websites/videos to recommend?"
Bongo answers. There are many books and videos on percussion. LP has video clips on their site that may help. If you play drumset already check out the David Garibaldi Jesus Diaz and Michael Spiro book called Timbafunk. That way you will get a bit of both. I've had a good look through it and it is a good book.
For conga. All the Giovanni DVDs are great. So is the DVD by Roberto Quintero. Poncho Sanchez has a good book and DVD out as well.
That stuff is strictly Afro Cuban.
Also check out the Conga Place website. There are also online groups for djembe, bata and Latin jazz. Just do a Google search.
Mr Pong said. "Here comes a completely out-of-the-way question - I showed my mum the picture of a cajon and she said, hmm, why don't you try building one yourself? I'm pretty interested in woodworking and am quite good with my hands, but building an instrument I don't even play yet is kind of like jumping into the ocean when you can't swim. What do you guys say to this - one of two things, I suspect - #1 it's actually not that hard, or #2 don't be silly?"
You can easily make a cajon out of sheet timber and thicker timber for the frame. It is an instrument that began as a crate. It does not have to be fancy. My advice is that you visit a store and have a look at one. If you plan on buying one I can recomend the Meinl. I recently bought another cajon and chose the Meinl because of the price. They are pretty good value for money and Meinl also make a great case for them that is also pretty cheap. The LP cajon is not bad. I had one but it got broken on the road. Check out Flamenco recordings dating from the late 80's to now.
If you are interested in woodwork, making a cajon should not be hard. Let me know how you go. If you make them well, I may even buy one!
I hope this was of some help.
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