PERCUSSION ADDITIONS

Much to my regret, most of my percussion extras from the original Fortress were sold off or lost. However, I was able to dig up a few items, beginning with these Latin Percussion triangles. Here I have mounted the 5 and 6" versions on a customized Premier stand (now discontinued). This was a small boom cymbal stand that I cut down to accomodate these triangles so that they could be mounted up where I wanted them. Below these I have mounted a new Treeworks Classic Chime Set that I purchased to replace my old CP Silver Chimes that deteriorated and were disposed of.

I still have my single Zildjian crotale, a "tuned cymbal" about three inches in diameter. This little bell is tuned to a "C" and is most prominently featured as the intro to Rush's infamous instrumental, "YYZ." Being a Neil Peart fan in my day, I had to have one and would never part with it. I had to custom order it. Sabian also makes crotales, but unless I run out of other things to buy, I don't feel it is necessary to replace my Zildjian model.

In the woodblock department I am using an LP High Pitch Jam Block. This is a modernized version of the classic woodblock that is virtually indestructible and projects much better.

In the cowbell department I have a set of Gon Bops bells called Cha-Go Bells. This is a triple bell set that includes the three smallest bells made by Gon Bops: the Chachita, the Cha-cha Alto and the Cha-cha. Although this set is quite pricey, they are very sturdy and well worth the money. Gon Bops no longer makes the Triple Agogo Bell I used on The Fortress years ago which is disappointing, because those little high-pitched bells were super cool. I am always searching on the Internet for a used set however.....

Below this triple bell set I am also using an LP Mambo Cowbell, their largest bell which has a deep, dry sound. Check out the LP website for an awesome audio sample of this bell in action.

As far as the future goes, I absolutely have to have an LP Chinese Bell Tree. That goes without saying. No drummer can call himself a "percussionist" without one. I am kind of interested in the LP Jam Bells as well. I might snag one or two of those if the notion hits me. I am also trying to relocate a Ludwig Orchestra Bell kit that I think I may have donated to my church, but if I am unsuccessful I don't think I will invest in another one.