X8 Drums Blog

Drummers are some of the most underestimated and talented musicians in the world, usually left to their own devices as they sit in the back of a stage, keeping rhythm and enhancing the music being played with unstoppable fills and solos. The same can be said for drummers in drum circles, drummers who teach and drummers who actively share their gifts with the world offstage (or out of the circle). It has been 19 years since Eric Carr, the drummer from KISS, passed …

Pepe Espinosa is a well-known name in Latin music circles, but, to many in Michigan, he's just another aspect of a diverse musical culture. Kansascity.com reports that the Latin jazz drummer has made Michigan his home as he plays his bongos, timbales and congas throughtout the state. Espinosa prefers the quiet atmosphere that Michigan provides, as well as the diverse music scene in the larger cities. With inspiration from family and a motivation like the rhythm he plays, Espinosa is current …

FURNITURE QUALITY FINISH...THE LATIN PERCUSSION CONGAThe conga is sanded by hand while it spins on the lathe. Once the drum is finely sanded it is ready for the next step, the formation of the bearing edge. The bearing edge is the most important part of a drum, because this is where the drumhead is positioned. If this detail is not properly shaped and prepared, the drum will not provide ideal sound.Latin Percussion has developed the optimum bearing edge design, one that is strong enough to take …

When you deal with the stress at work or at home, you can explore a new and intuitive stress relieving activity called - drum magic. Drum magic was invented by Jana Broder. After years in the family catering business, Jana took a road trip all over the country where she ended up in a drumming class in Berkeley, CA. From that class, her passion for drums grew, and she understood the transcendent power of drum magic. Drum magic is defined as an effective group activity performed by synchroniz …

The Lacey Act states that it is a 'federal criminal offense to import, sell or hold any product containing wood or plant material that was harvested in violation of any law in its country of origin'. The Act affects all imports of pianos and stringed instruments such as guitars or pianos.If often seems that a large majority people assume we are going to have unlimited global resources for our children and our children's children. No matter how unimportant it may be to some, it is still our duty …

Before you head to the airport with your djembe, you should consider the details of traveling with an instrument. Djembes are large, oddly-shaped, and heavy, and can easily hold up your trip.1. Read Before You LeaveThough you may be anxious to book your flight, check the airline regulations regarding baggage. Packing both a suitcase and a djembe will typically earn you extra baggage fees, and frequently affect the cost of your ticket as a consequence of weight. Read the fine print on your ticket …

All congas may look similar but they are not created equal! Although most congas are manufactured in Bangkok, Latin Percussion congas (including the brands LP, LP Matador & LP Aspire & CP) are quite unique. Every detail of the design and construction of Latin Percussion congas is the result of collaboration with the world's greatest designers, musicians and craftsmen. With 40 years of experience, LP has learned to pay attention to even the smallest detail. You might wonder what makes an LP br …

For some companies, the illegal harvesting of wood from protected forests is a big business.  Getting a low cost deal on a lot of wood means a huge profit in the pocket of the company, and no one in corporate America is going to argue about profits after the free fall that was and still is resulting from the economic recession.  In this light, it's not surprising that instrument manufacturers are under the microscope for the illegal importation of protected woods.  Most recently, …

Every January 1st, people around the world make New Year's resolutions. 9 times out of 10, that resolution is to lose weight. Whether you are in tip top shape and want to trim down an extra pound or two, or you are 50 pounds overweight and want to create a whole new you, your goal to lose weight is the beginning of a journey toward better health. Unfortunately, the best way to lose weight is through exercise, and there are many people out there who do not find exercise to be fun. One way to jazz …

Have you ever walked past a store with thumping music, so loud that it vibrates your eardrums while you are still on the sidewalk? We all love to listen to music, some of us with the volume set to 10, but are you actually enticed to go into the store? times out of 10, a person who could be a potential customer simply walks away because of the music inside. If you've ever asked yourself why we psychologically gravitate toward pleasant sounds while avoiding the unpleasant noise around us, lo …