Bass Drum FAQs
What different types of cymbals are there?
The most obvious and widely used is the crash cymbal which is typically thin and comes in many different diameters. It produces a bright crash sound that is sustained for some time. A china cymbal has a flanged edge which quickly dissipates the sound providing short and bright accents and dings. The ride cymbal is large and heavy and is often used to keep time as opposed to making accents. It is very popular in jazz music though it is found in many others prominently. A splash cymbal gives a bright spark which quickly dissipates adding a splash of color to certain accents and beats. There are also high-hats and many other customized variations of these cymbals.
What is dubstep?
Dubstep is a genre of music closely related drum and bass, grime, and garage music that originated in the UK in the early 2000s which emphasizes bass and the beat, often with a two-step or syncopated feel. It relies on interesting drum beats and patterns, often clocked at 140 BPM, or beats per minute, and a loud bass line to drive the music forward. The sound is often dark and described by listeners as wobbly. Tones and frequencies often provide the melody though many acoustic instruments and vocals have also been introduced and work effectively. It is very new and accepting of new sounds and formulas making it one of the most progressive types of music today.
What are drum brushes?
Drum brushes or wire brushes are used by drummers to create a unique swoosh sound with each brush. Depending on how they use the brushes and how skilled they are, the drummer can create a wide variety of atmospheric and rhythmic effects. A talented drummer can make them sing. They consist of a bundle of wires attached to a handle. Typically the wires are arranged like a flat fan though there are a number of different types used to create different sounds. It is much softer than playing with sticks and when stuck onto cymbals produces a faint wind chime like accent.
How many drummers does it take to change a light bulb?
Just one, but he will go through an entire box of light bulbs until he realizes that he cannot push them in.