David Valdés

How I made some snare gates

© David Valdés

How I made some snare gates. A snare gate is an opening in the lower counterhoop that allows for the snares to pass through it and to make contact with the resonant head. See the opening in the lower counterhoop, right below the snare strainer. © Grover Pro Percussion View from below. Check the snares… Continue reading How I made some snare gates

My home-made Renaissance drum

© David Valdés

My home-made Renaissance drum. A side drum is an ancient kind of large drum that was used in Europe by the landsknechts, mercenaries from the German area. Said troops fought on the side of the highest bidder, and they even were part of the Spanish infantry under emperor Carlos I.   Said drum was played… Continue reading My home-made Renaissance drum

Making my own Renaissance long drum

© David Valdés

Making my own Renaissance long drum. I always wanted a large drum like that owned by my dear colleague Manolo Durán. © David Valdés His drum has been used by the Oviedo Opera Foundation, by the Asturias Symphony Orchestra in several early music programs. I wanted one like his, but stablished brands do not offer… Continue reading Making my own Renaissance long drum

Home-made (“DIY”) Turkish crescent

© David Valdés

Home-made (“DIY”) Turkish crescent. As you already know, I am really interested in historical percussion and performance. I have always wanted to make a Turkish crescent to play early music, so I finally jumped into it and made my own jingle Johny. Before we get into the specific making-process, I would like to introduce you… Continue reading Home-made (“DIY”) Turkish crescent

Restoration of a rope drum

© David Valdés.

Restoration of a rope drum. While working on my own 16″x16″ historical rope drum (“DIY historic rope tension drum I”, “DIY historic rope tension drum II” and future articles), I came across an already made 14″x12″ drum at a very good price, so I could not resist the temptation and got it. Said drum was… Continue reading Restoration of a rope drum

“The Timpani and Percussion Instruments in 19th-century Italy”

© bandaturca.com

“The Timpani and Percussion Instruments in 19th-century Italy” Because I have been a very good boy during this last year, the Three Wise Men brought me as a present the book “The timpani and percussion instruments in 19th-century Italy”, written by Renato Meucci, translated into English by Michael Quinn and edited by Banda Turca. ©… Continue reading “The Timpani and Percussion Instruments in 19th-century Italy”