What are /r/percussion's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Perhaps look into buying a MIDI interface? Here’s an example, but you’ll probably want to shop around a bit and check reviews.

MIDI 2x2 USB MIDI interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CHRS1RC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_086FAEP5KARXR6E2GDPD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I was referring to the drumstick tips as the "head" of the stick, but you are technically correct as well. The drum heads themselves also vary drastically in material that can also impact the sound in interesting ways.

I really like my blue "hydraulic" snare drum head.

https://www.amazon.com/Latin-Percussion-CP221-AW-Traditional-Bongos/dp/B0009A37XI

This is a very sturdy beginner set. Just be sure to tune them up with the provided wrench and they’ll be good to go for a while.

Yeah, half the studio uses the galaxy grip bag. From what I’ve seen (which is unfortunately limited to photos on the internet), the Sabian holds more than the Galaxy bag. I’m probably going to have to get a new bag at some point given that I’m currently using the Vic firth SBAG3, and I’m finding that it’s not holding enough from day to day. I leave the mallets I don’t need at home already, and it’s still pretty cramped.

That’s an older model and probably better quality than current ones. The current model is still sold here:

Latin Percussion LPA211 Aspire Large Wood Block With Striker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002GJJDQ/

There about 1/2 dozen similar wood blocks on the market around the same size.

For snare, I'd recommend "Portraits in Rhythm: Complete Study Guide: Observations and Interpretations" by Anthony J. Cirone. The study guide version has suggestions for practicing and performing each solo, so I'd highly recommend that version over the book with just the etudes. Should keep you busy for a while!

They have some over-the-lug protectors on Amazon. It would be an easy and quick order until you have the time to take off the rubber adhesive. I have some old fiberglass galaxies and am planning on throwing some protectors on those since they're my gigging drums.

https://www.amazon.com/Meinl-Percussion-6-Pc-Conga-Savers/dp/B0042SOPZ2/ref=sr_1_16?dchild=1&keywords=conga+lug+protector&qid=1625842878&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-16

how about this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Mendini-MGS-30-Educational-Glockenspiel-Practice/dp/B00ANR8OAI/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=student+bell+kit&qid=1619571091&sr=8-4

Well if they are rusting, something like CLR may help clean it.

I would usually want to take something and let it soak in a small container full of the CLR, but I don't think those jingles are going to be easily removable. It would be a bit tedious, but could probably still work applying with a cloth to each one and kinda polishing it.

Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin and Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed

https://www.amazon.com/Giantex-Percussion-Glockenspiel-Practice-Mallets/dp/B0197TVD6Y This is the model I have. Is not good in any way, shape or form for performance, but it gets the job done in terms of independent practice. It’s also very easily portable. 10/10 would recommend

What the shit? Dude, use google or Amazon and find comparable prices. You can do this

I like quartz metronomes. I've had this Seiko for five years, and it's great. Two tones, volume dial, and pretty tough. (I bought this after my 2nd Dr Beat II died)

Lots of good feedback here. I just wanted to plug a book you might find useful. How to Write for Percussion by Sam Solomon is an excellent resource for composers.

Any of the Morris Goldenberg 2-mallet etudes would be good. For 2-mallet stuff, something short and sweet is best, but play musically.

Link to Goldenberg book: https://www.amazon.com/Xylophone-Marimba-Vibraphone-Goldenberg-Classics/dp/075790890X

For 4-mallets, it really kind of depends on where you are technically. Yellow After the Rain, Rain Dance, and Frogs are all do-able and would be good audition pieces if you've played some 4-mallet stuff before. A solo out of the Mark Ford Technique through Music book would also be good. Find a piece that will show off what you can do technically. Don't reach for a piece that you can just barely play through. If you're struggling through a piece, they'll know. That being said, the piece should show off a wide variety of techniques, so a chorale isn't really a good audition piece. But, a more technical piece with a chorale section is great.

I like all of the recommendations for Timpani pieces, too. I'd just add that the Vic Firth etudes have some good choices, and the Beck Sonata is a standard in timpani rep, so doing mvmt 2 or 3 out of there would be cool, too. Good luck with your auditions! Where are you looking to study?

If you're a non-percussionist just looking for something to work for this, you're probably not looking for versatility or customization. If you just want something that will work, id recommend a soft rubber mallet. For example, here's the first one that popped up on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Promark-Fyffe-Soft-Rubber-Mallet/dp/B000QDNS1Y/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1432455474&sr=1-3&keywords=soft+rubber+mallets If you wanted to spend a little more you can get rattan handles, like this: http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/malletech-nr8b-natural-rubber-soft-xylo-bell-mallets/bell-glockenspiel-mallets That one is top quality and will save your hands. Hope this helps!