I remember discovering that that the humble drumstick came in a bewildering variety of brands, shapes, lengths, weights, materials, tips… you name it. But I mostly still had 3 buckets for any such hitting instruments: there were, very basically, mallets, sticks and brushes.

So imagine my quizzical looks when I was introduced to a pair of Pro-mark Cool Rods. They didn’t look right. They looked like a stick had mated with a brush and birthed twins. Or, more plausibly, someone had just duck-taped a bundle of incense sticks. It wasn’t even immediately clear which end was the ‘hitting’ end, till you thought about it.. “They’re just like sticks,” I was being re-assured. Uhm. OK. Those who knew best had decided that I should have a pair, and they weren’t pricey, so I thought why not give it a go. Continue reading →

Just a super quick cellphone pic of Blue, my brand new second hand baby:

She is loud, and has been severely muffled after a trip to the store to buy lots of felt. The felt works quite well – pretty pleased with meself. Still: the proof of the pudding will come this weekend, when she is let off the leash during the weekend. Will see if the neighbours revolt… I’ve heard sounds of other instruments wafting through the building on occasion, so I’m hopeful.

edit: so apparently the kick drum’s feet were on backwards. loool… sigh. fixed! :o)