Everyone is looking for some way to make their daily lives a little bit better. Whether it’s a new piece of percussion gear or a gadget to improve your performance, the choices out there can get overwhelming!
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The team at Percussion Source has created a list of their top 10 items that you probably don’t already have but should!
1. Latin Percussion LP0020BK Big Egg Shaker
It’s funny because it’s big. The LP Big Egg Shaker will add a spark into your shaker game. These big eggs measure in at 3 inches and are constructed with wipe-clean plastic and filled with non-toxic steel shot. Students and adults alike will enjoy holding them and hearing the louder sounds they bring to your ensemble. If you need a big shaker sound, look no further!
2. Remo Crystal Kalimba
Everyone needs a way to de-stress and relax. Not too long ago, everyone had a fidget spinner — why not make the next great fad a kalimba! The new Remo Crystal Kalimba is a small, soothing instrument that can be played anywhere. Its oval-shaped acrylic body is easy to hold — and more importantly, easy to clean! The 7 metal tines are tuned to a C Pentatonic scale, and the instrument comes with a microfiber bag for storage and transport. Part of Remo’s new Green and Clean series!
3. Spinbal Cymbal Spinner
Looking for a way to give your cymbals some pop? Check out the Spinbal Cymbal Spinner. This device replaces your cymbal sleeve and features a ball bearing mechanism that allows the cymbals to spin. This can be a great effect for your drum solos or your front ensemble in your marching group. There is also an added benefit of protection from cracking as the constant movement helps move the impacts around the cymbal.
4. Overseas Connection Firikyiwa
These African Castanets are hand-forged from iron and are a great tool for drum circles, classrooms, or any large group ensemble in which you just need to keep the beat! The clear, high-pitched tones cut across even the most rambunctious players. You need this instrument because it can be played one-handed, leaving your other hand free to conduct or assist other players! The firikyiwa is placed on the middle finger and struck with an iron ring worn on the thumb. Firikyiwas are fun to play and the perfect instrument for leading accurate rhythms in a large group.
5. Trick Drummers Light
Need a light? Whether you are on a dark stage or trying to load your car up late after a gig, this handy little LED light from Trick is a great tool. On the base of this pen-like light is a magnet that allows you to attach this light to the bottom of a stand so you can see your setlist or make any adjustments needed. Also, the light features a clip that allows you to attach this bad boy to your sweet new pocket protector.
6. Westco TA5205 Plastic Foot Tambourine
Everyone needs a foot tambourine – yes, even you! Keeping the beat has never been easier. This plastic foot tambourine is durable and easy to slip over any shoe. The double row of steel jingles is crisp, and the ring of the jingle is just right. If you are a music teacher, music student, music therapist, guitar player, percussionist…the list seriously goes on and on…you need this! Great to keep a steady beat, leaving your hands free to conduct, play an instrument, or show off your best arms-only dance moves. We like The Robot.
7. Snareweight Small White Drumhead Dampener
Attention drums, put your wallets away. Well, actually keep them out briefly and then put them away after you purchase the Snareweight Drumhead Dampener. This dampener features a leather band and a metal clamp that attached to the counter hoop of your drum. What’s so special about that? There are also magnets built into the sides that can be flipped up for more or less dampening depending on the sound you want. The smaller size is great for snare drums and smaller toms. There is a larger size that can be used for field drums and floor toms.
8. Cympad Optimizer Pads
These Cympads are made of premium cellular foam that will not only last much longer than your felt cymbal pads but also make your cymbals sound better! Get rid of those old cymbals felts that you are probably missing anyway and replace them with these. Cympads get more sustain and clearer sound out of your cymbals and provide suspension and isolation from your stands and mounting hardware.
9. Meinl Rawhide Shaker
Two different shaker sounds in one small package. What more could you want? This Meinl Shaker features a plastic body and is capped off on both sides with rawhide heads. Explore the different sounds that you can get out of this small, but powerful, shaker by shaking, twisting, or rolling it to add extra flavor to your tunes.
10. Percussion Source Stick Bag
That stick bag is too small. That stick bag is too large. This stick bag is just right! Our Percussion Source stick bag is a great medium-size stick and mallet bag that will hold just the right amount of sticks and mallets. Most of the time you don’t need to haul around every single stick and mallet you own, and the small bag you got in 5th grade just won’t do. The PS Stick bag includes two tiers of individual pockets to keep items separated and vertical. There are also clips that allow you to hang this bag from your floor tom or keyboard instrument and external pockets for all your accessories.
Adam Balling has been with West Music/Percussion Source since 2011, specializing in percussion sales, customer service, and consulting. He holds degrees in both Musical Education and Percussion Performance. When not helping customers with their percussion needs on the phone or at a conference, he enjoys cycling and both playing and listening to music around the Chicagoland area where he resides.