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X8 Drums Blog

History of the Tambourine

Tambourines have a long, rich history that has roots in a wide variety of music. From classical to folk to rock, tambourines are simplistic yet versatile instruments that can really bring a song to life. Check out any Beatles record to see what I mean.Three-time Grammy award winner Glen Velez is considered one of the most influential percussionists of our time, as well as being responsible for a world-wide resurgence in the popularity of the frame drum. His teaching and performances inspired the …
7th Jul 2014

History of the Conga Drum

The exact history of the conga drum seems to be a bit misunderstood. I've read various articles that seem to point to either an African or Cuban descent. However one thing is sure: that the name 'Conga' is actually used incorrectly in the U.S. In Cuba, where these drums were developed, the word conga is usually only applied to a drum and rhythm played during Carnaval (or Mardi Gras in the U.S). A more accurate term, used in a traditional sense and by most Spanish-speakers, is tumbadora. This ter …
7th Jul 2014

What's A Drum Circle?

A drum circle is any group of people typically playing hand drums and percussion in a circle. It is a rhythm-based event where a diverse group of individuals and instruments are gathered for the common purpose of empowering a community with creative self-expression in a group music making experience. Rhythmical expression is as ancient and unique as man and found throughout the world, represented in art, celebration, meditation, and wellness situations. Drum Circles are commonly used for social …
7th Jul 2014

Best Beginner Conga

p>Shopping for conga drums can seem a bit overwhelming especially if you're new to the market or not sure what questions to ask. As a hand drum store owner and percussion enthusiast I'm frequently asked questions from customers regarding the best set of conga drums to purchase for beginner players. Let's face it; there are many congas in the marketplace all vying for your attention and all pretty much look the same. However, the unique differences in each conga can make a big differ …
7th Jul 2014

Dancing Drum Signature Djembe

The very first djembes made from staved Siam Oak as opposed to being carved from a solid piece of mahogany or hardwood. There's a new djembe in town and it rocks! Back in November of 2006 Tycoon Percussion partnered up with Dancing Drum, a company based in Santa Barbara that specializes in the drum circle and educational market. They expressed to Tycoon the need for a high-quality but affordable djembe and so together they embarked on creating one, hence the name: "Tycoon Percussion - …
7th Jul 2014

Tycoon Percussion - A Brief Overview

For over 22 years Tycoon Percussion has been manufacturing high-end, top quality, percussion instruments for musicians worldwide. They have over 150 skilled craftsman creating all types of percussion instruments including bongos, congas, djembes, timbales, and cajons to name a few. Tycoon currently produces around 40,000 sets of percussion instruments each year and venture to all the main music exhibitions including NAMM. Tycoon instruments are known by professional percussionists (such …
7th Jul 2014

Sorsornet Rhythm on Djembe

NYC percussionist Eddie Jones performs Sorsornet rhythm on djembe. Brotha Sean on djun djun. Djembe drum used in this recording session is a 12" Deep Carve Chocolate Djembe by X8 Drums. View drum details Djembe Rhythm Library 3. KuKu 4. Sokou 5. Sorsornet 6. Naningo 7. Drum Call 8. Sinte 9. Sounds from a Drum Circle 10. Djembe Ensemble CD …
7th Jul 2014
The Tycoon Percussion Difference

The Tycoon Percussion Difference

Virtually all percussion instruments that are manufactured today are made in Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok's close proximity to the raw material and skilled labor needed to manufacture percussion instruments make it an ideal location. Brands such as Tycoon, Latin Percussion, Toca, Meinl, and Fat Congas to name a few are all manufactured in Thailand. In fact Latin Percussion and Toca are subsidiaries of Kaman Music. However, only Tycoon owns its own factory in Bangkok. Most other brands rent fact …
7th Jul 2014

Djembe Rhythm Samples and Exercises

X8 Drums has an ongoing production of free djembe lessons and instructional videos as a complimentary resource for all hand percussionists. Use the djembe rhythm video and audio tracks below to practice your hand drumming skills before your next performance. All djembe music samples are free, courtesy of X8 Drums. After test driving our free videos and lessons, check out our advanced pay-per-download lessons for Djembe, Cajon, Congas and Bongos. Djembe Rhythm Library …
7th Jul 2014

How to Tune a Rope Tuned Djembe

Watch step by step instructions for tuning a djembe. Part 1 - Understand the Concept of Rope Tuning Part 2 - Tuning The drum is tightened by weaving triangles with the extra rope. The more triangles, the tighter the head becomes. Step 1 - Uncoil the excess rope after the last triangle. You will be creating new triangles as you work around the drum. Step 2 - From the last triangle, working in the same direction as previous row of triangles, …
7th Jul 2014