X8 Drums Blog

When participating in a drum circle, you might expect to be carried away by the beat of the drums and feel invigorated after. What you wouldn't expect is to develop a case of anthrax. The drum community was startled after recent reports surfaced that a woman participating in a New Hampshire drum circle developed a case of gastrointestinal anthrax. Although there have been reports of anthrax exposure due to spores being inhaled or entering through skin, this is the first report of gastrointestina …

Community drumming creates beautiful, spontaneous music that empowers the participants to facilitate society, foster spirit, and encourage well-being. They offer recreation, emotional relief, and spiritual manifestation through social interaction.  These events are typically held in places, like music stores, churches, parks, community centers, and attended by people from all walks of life -- young and old, beginners to advanced drum players.This music-making experience is made simpler by …

"Rhythm is everywhere and in everything." These are the words that Nina Rodriguez lives by, and her goal of "Unlocking the Rhythm" in life has put her at the center stage of performances designed to assist people with connection to the musical being within.How exactly does she unlock your inner rhythm? Nina has made a career of facilitating "Rhythm Power" events, as well as leading "Unlock the Rhythm" and "Drumming with Nina" functions for corporations, public events, schools, and youth groups. …

The following review was submitted by an X8 Drums customer. While we feel the information is helpful, it does not solely represent the views and opinions of all staff members.Hi X8 Drums,I thought I'd give you some unsolicited Cajon feedback. You guys are certainly the experts, so I likely will not be telling you anything you don't already know, but here's a novice's view in case it is of any value.I'm pretty particular about my musical investments (as you already found out!), so I wanted to jus …

Here at X8 Drums, we recently came across this great article, "When Musical Instruments Become Family" by Felix Contreras.After finding some beautiful vintage Valje Congas by Tom Flores that were subsequently taken off the market because of "a personal connection to the instruments," Contreras began to wonder about why jazz musicians form such strong attachments to their instruments.Contreras argues that instruments "become like members of the family." Selling an instrument would be the same as …

Wow! Now this is a great example of what you can do with a $150 blemished drum! Al from Maui, Hawaii picked up this Ramadan from our blemished section and turned it into quite a gem.Drum pictured is Ramadan Pro Djembe, 13-14". …

With the money allocated to arts education on the downfall all across the world in favor of academic subjects, like math and science, the quality and quantity of arts education is shrinking. Drum circles have been adopted in mainstream classroom environments across the country as a highly effective team building activity and a magical way for students to develop a sense of unity and community. Find out more about the X8 Drums Music Education Discount Program A recent ar …

RhythmTech is turning 30, and X8 Drums is ready to celebrate! RhythmTech is known for its revolutionary improvements to percussion instruments and drums. The company began its musical journey in 1980 during an overdub recording session when Richard Taninbaum, the founder and president of RhythmTech, could no longer hold his tambourine after 15 minutes of steady play. Determining that it was the tambourine’s shape that was not conducive to long-term play, he worked up a prot …

For the professional or hobbyist bongo drummer, selecting the right drums for the gig or circle may be more than a matter of personal preference. Most people shop for bongo drums based on price, availability, looks, and ultimately, the sound the bongos produce. Since there are major differences in the performance needs between stage drumming, studio drumming and drum circle drumming, choosing the best drum for the event is one of the most important decisions a bongo drummer ca …

The mental and psychological changes that can occur though quiet periods of observation or reflective moments of silence are potent testaments to the power of meditation. Meditation is a tool for those seeking stress and anxiety relief, to connect with the subconscious or a higher spiritual power. It brings a calming, peaceful state of mind that enables the processing of external stimuli that can affect the mood and thoughts as well as strengthen the bond between a person and a …