Shopping For Percussion

Percussion is one of the ancient musicalThis instrument is played by beating the clay
instruments used by early human civilizations.surface in one hand and moving the other hand
These instruments are widely used not only foron the hole and mouth producing magnificent
musical purposes but also as a symbol of culturalsound effects. Gadam is a similar type of clay
and religious values. Before shopping forinstrument widely used in Indian subcontinent while
percussion instruments it is always advisable toperforming carnatic classical music.
understand them properly.Congas are the widely used Afro Cuban originated
All percussion instruments fall under two broadpercussion musical instrument. Originally congas
groups tuned and untuned. Shakers and handwere made of wood staves and calfskin heads.
drums that produce undefined pitches belong toSynthetic and fiberglass shells are used in modern
untuned category where as marimbas, steel pans,congas which results in louder volume projection.
and xylophone that creates defined tonal rangesCongas are normally associated with other two
falls under tuned category. Today a variety oftypes of drums named tumba and quinto. Usually
percussion instruments are available in the market.these three instruments come as a set and are
It is widely believed that the percussionkept in conga gig bags or cases for better
instruments are originated from African continentperformance.
symbolizing their ancient culture. Djembe is one ofBongos are another kind of small hand drums
the earliest versions of percussions. It is basicallyoriginated from Cuba and are played in sitting
a large goblet-shaped drum carved of wood andposition keeping the instrument between the legs.
fitted with animal skin. This instrument is playedTimbales were originally iron vessels used in
using bare hands and sometimes with sticks.transporting sugarcanes. Steel or brass is used in
Djembe is gaining popularity among western musicmodern timbales to produce powerful cutting tone
lovers recently.which is suitable for any music styles like rock,
The thumb piano is a melodic percussion musicalLatin and fusion.
instrument having a carved wooden body andThe xylophone is a kind of tuned percussion
flattened nails or similar metals as keys. Tama orinstrument made of wooden bars of various
talking drum is tied with vertical strings across thelengths with vibrating tubes below them with piano
body to produce changed pitches. It is believed tolike keyboards.
talk with skilled players while playing with curvedWooden, rubber or plastic headed mallets are
stick.used to play such instruments. Xylophones are
Udu is a pot shaped percussion instrument madeused in variety of music styles including ethnic,
of clay with narrow mouth and a hole in the side.jazz and classical.