A quality brand drummer’s microphone such as Shure Microphones can determine the quality of the entire performance or recording of the music you create. As the microphone is the sole projector of all your beats, rhythm and sounds, a poor quality mic would greatly compromise your musical integrity creating unnecessary distortion and static on your track. A good microphone can make all the difference between an amazing set and an unimpressive, flat set which ends up sounding like unwelcome noise.

Shure microphones are designed to enhance the sound quality of drumming. Shure microphones incorporate high-performance, multifaceted and diverse microphone kits which are usable on stage and in the studio. Shure microphones come in wireless, cabled and clip on styles are extremely simple to use and attach to your drum set.

Shure Microphones were established over eighty years ago, so they have had plenty of time to perfect their audio sound, design with pioneering design standards which are unparalleled even today. Shure microphones have redefined sound quality by setting a global standard for superior quality microphones which are preferred by seasoned drummers around the world whenever they perform or record a set, such as Ben Folds of indie rock band Ben Folds Five and Imogen Heap.

Many talented musicians use Shure microphones for their performances, including Fallout Boy, Jason Mraz, Alice Cooper and Mastodon to name a select few. This is because the diversity of Shure microphone product lines and the superior recording Shure microphones produce do justice to each performer’s individual sound and help them retain their musical integrity.

You can purchase Shure microphones in entire microphone kits which include various kinds of microphones for different types of recordings. A set of drummer microphone kit would provide you with attachable microphones to your drum kit, which would capture and project the sound each individual accent creates upon impact, creating a fuller, more resonating sound that has impact and quality which makes for better tracks.

A classic Shure Microphone uses the vintage design of the original icon, which has contemporary upgrades to provide the perfect audio performance. Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis has endorsed the Shure Beta 87c wireless microphone for a very long time in his career, which can be seen in most of Korn’s performance videos and concerts.

Shure microphones also use the beta design microphones to use innovative measures on their microphones for the ultimate sound recording and projecting quality. Shure Microphone’s Microflex line is unique, with sleek, futuristic designs that make them a coveted item for musicians and sound engineers alike around the world.

Shure microphones can be spotted at some of the most iconic moments in history. Shure’s Unidyne series of microphones have been used by celebrities of every decree from the 1940s t the end of the twentieth century. Shure’s Model 55 Unidyne model was clearly photographed with Harry S. Truman in what is known as the biggest blunder in journalism to date; under the heading “Dewey defeats Truman”. A Shure Microphone was also in front of Martin Luther King Jr. which was used for the delivery of his iconic “I have a dream” speech.

Shure microphones have also been favored by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and “The King” Elvis Presley, whose frequent use of the Shure 55S microphone had had the microphone labeled “The Elvis”.

Labels: drum amplifiers, drum microphones, good microphone, mics, shure micorphone

X8 Drums produce certified, handmade wooden shell djembe drums which are manufactured using legally licensed timber that protects the environment. X8 Drums offers a selection of drums which are suitable for professionals and novices alike.

X8 Drums is a green, eco-friendly establishment. X8 Drums make educating consumers about their purchase decisions and their impact on the environment a priority. This is so that they can assist in the preservation of a well balanced eco-system, and can provide help and support to local economies.

X8 Drums are the producers of the traditional djembe, a drum shaped like a large goblet, meant to be played by hand. The djembes are hand crafted using a solid piece of hardwood with carvings on the inside that enable the drum to produce a vast scale of tones.

The djembe originated in West Africa, and is one of the most famous percussion instruments there today. Its structure consists of a single piece of wood covered with stretched animal skin as a drumhead; the djembe is categorized into the membranophane section of percussion instruments and are between twelve to twenty four inches in height.

Blacksmiths were the original manufacturers of the early djembe drums, customizing each drum to suit the drummer it was meant for. The creation of the djembe was a spiritual affair, and the blacksmith created djembe with ritualistic reverence complete with making offerings to the spirits of the trees that had to be cut down in order to make the drum.

Djembe drums all have the same design, a slimmer base which spans out to form a vast drumhead. A regulation djembe drum is twenty four inches tall, with its drumhead diameter being anywhere from twelve to fourteen inches across, but the sizes often vary. The drumhead is tuned by tightening it through a system of ropes, however many modern X8 Drums djembes have the feature of key tuning as well.

The djembe’s shape and size are the keys to producing its unique sound. This is so because of its distinctive goblet shape which consists of a large chamber for resonance, and provides the X8 Drum djembe with its deep, identifiable bass tones. If the chamber is too small, the bass would be on a higher pitch making the sound indecipherable. Original djembe drums are not completely smooth from the inside, but X8 drums have special patterning into the interior which uplifts the tonal quality of the djembe drums they make.

Djembe drums are constructed using mahogany, iroko, lenge and other types of hardwoods. The hardness of these types of woods is essential as it allows the drum to have a thinner shell, improving its sound quality and resonance.

Modern Djembe drums, like X8 Drums are sometimes constructed with synthetic material such as Fiberglass or PVC which closely replicate the strength and timbre of the original hardwood drum. The skin of the djembe is usually goatskin, although some synthetic are also used.

Labels: djembe, hand drum, Latin Percussion, percussion instruments, x8 drums

Sabian Cymbals is a Canadian cymbal manufacturing company which is regarded by many drummers as some of the best cymbals ever produced. Sabian is in competition with some of the leading cymbal producing companies of the world such as Zildjian, Paiste and Meinl.

Sabian Cymbals was in fact founded by the son of Avedis Zildjian III, who was the creator of the Avedis Zildjian Company creators of some of the best percussion instruments in the world. The eldest son of the Zildjian family became head of the company board after the death of his father. This incident caused some dispute between Zildjian’s eldest son Armand and youngest son Robert which caused Robert to leave Zildjian and form Sabian. Today both companies are still in competition and wildly popular with drummers around the world.

The settlement decided on Robert agreeing to exclude the Zildjain name from his company completely and disassociate his cymbals from anything that Zildjain produces. Hence Robert formed the word “Sabian” from the first two letters of the names of his three children, SAlly, BIll and ANdy. Initially after the formation of the company, Sabian Cymbals produced two lines of cymbals, HH and AA which were both manufactured from the orthodox bell bronze alloy.

Drummers often state that Sabian cymbals have a tin-based allow which creates a sharper sound, while Zildjian uses a mellower allow that produces a softer sound acoustically. However Sabian cymbals are manufactured using the same bronze alloy, which is comprised of eighty percent copper, twenty percent tin and some silver which make Sabian cymbals professional grade cymbals and at par with Zildjian cymbals.

Sabian cymbals come in series which can be distinguished as they are created to suit different styles of sound for different drummers. These include the following categories of crashes, rides, Omni, splashes, sets, hats and Chinese cymbal lines:

Modern: A line of cymbals which are designed for creating new and inspired sounds. The sound can be distinguished into two categories, “Modern Bright” which is resonating, inspirational, new, and constantly shifting in focus at any volume and “Modern Dark”, deep rich tones created with a “Tone Projection” design for emphasis and effectiveness.

Vintage: For creating the classical sound of percussion with raw, acoustic tones. These sounds can be distinguished into three categories, “Vintage Bright” for an upbeat, full and bright response in vintage tone for all models and in style. The other category is “Vintage Dark” which creates sounds which are deep, musically rich and comprised of complex vintage tones created by traditional cymbals, hand hammered and aesthetically pleasing. The third category is B20 Value, which are economical Sabian Cymbals for bright sounds.

Creative: This line is for drummers who prefer to do experimentation with their sound and playing styles. The Sabian Cymbals Creative line has two categories, “Unique” which is a collection of one-of-a-kind; different sounds which are meant to inspire drummers to create their own sound through exploration and innovation. The second category is called “Powerful” which consists of sounds designed for powerhouse performances for drummers who want to bring the house down with their bright and authoritative sound.

Focused: Used to create a fixed type of sound, the focused line is divided into four categories. The “Focused Cut” category is for cutting, sharp and penetrating sounds, the “Brilliant” category is for concentrated sounds in brilliant finish, the “Bright” category which has your basic sounds you need when you start using bronze cymbals and the “best brass” which are pure brass cymbal with clear and precise sound.

Labels: crash cymbal, drum accessories, ride cymbal, sabian cymbals, Zildjian

Pearl drum sets are world-renowned and have immense popularity with drummers around the globe. Pearl has its headquarters based in the USA, Europe, Asia and Europe and Pearl drum sets are distributed in sixty countries. Pearl is one of the leading drum manufacturers in the world, and is the largest drum company established today.

Pearl drum sets are made from Superior Shell Technology, a unique manufacturing method used by Pearl to create the perfect air chamber. They are crafted using special woods which are selected for their particular acoustic attributes, which are then milled to a specified thickness, along with customized, scarf-cut ends so that it forms the ultimate air-tight joint.

Then Pearl’s proprietary AcoustiGlue is used t saturate the wood plies, which then soaks it through, permeating every pore and drying to match the exact consistency of the wood itself.

The plies are then stacked in the shell mold and heated simultaneously with 1000 PSI of hydraulic pressure is exerted onto the shell. This results in the creation of a percussion masterpiece in the form of a drum shell which has optimal resonance, superior strength and quality tone.

Pearl drum sets are perfect for drummers on the go, who need to transport drums from rehearsals, to venues and on tour. Pearl drum sets are neatly stacked kits so that drummers can transport them with convenience in their cars. Pearl drum sets were also the first of their kind to offer a limited lifetime warranty on their sets. Pearl drum sets are reasonably priced, so any drummer whether aspiring or seasoned can make a quality purchase to base their sound on.

Pearl drum sets are beautiful, with their unique coloring in colors such as deep red and jet black which are made from 9-ply mahogany or birch. These woods are known for their full tone projection qualities. They are optimized in every item of Pearl drum sets to give drummers access to a complete frequency range.

The wooden material and the ply number variances give Pearl drum sets the ideal thickness, and the results are evident in finished Pearl drum sets. The acoustic air chamber of the drum set produce riveting sound clarity and volume. The shiny and smooth design edges make Pearl drum sets coveted instruments for most drummers.

Pearl drum sets are available in diverse ranges which are created to meet the needs of rookies and seasoned drummers. For drummers who are just starting out, Pearl recommends shell packs which consist of several toms, a snare of all and a bass drum, which are all the pieces you need to practice and to develop independence while you play.

For the more experienced drummers, the SensiTone snare in Pearl drum sets has been accepted as one of the best of its kind for its super-sensitivity and clarity of sound. Pearl has just upgraded its features to include an integrated suspension mounts to attach to tom hoops without having any impact on the shells for the ultimate resonance. The mount also enables the minimization of the duration of drumheads change. The new Pearl drum sets also include amazing upgrades on the cymbals and low-mass lugs.

Labels: buy drums, drums online, pearl drum set, percussion instruments

The name “Gretsch” is a representation of a German family that created a dynasty out of quality percussion instruments at the pinnacle of the rock revolution. Gretsch drums prospered during the age of rock, when the music market was fresh and genius was bought forward by the likes of the King, Elvis Presley, The Beatles and then eventually artists like legendary Stones that defined ‘rock and roll’. Today Gretsch drums are the instrument of choice for drummers like Cindy Black, Phil Collins and Steve Ferrone.

Gretsch drums are amongst the leading brands of percussion instruments, and are a fine example of top quality. Gretsch drums are manufactured in different product lines which determine the series that they are sorted into and then sold. The USA Custom and Signature Series of Gretsch drums are manufactured in Ridgeland, South Carolina while the drums which are less expensive are imported. The imported drums come by Kaman, which are manufactured in Asian drum plants.

The latest trend Gretsch has adopted for their drums is sponsoring talented drummers to endorse Gretsch drums. These drummers take different styles of Gretsch drum sets on tour with them. Ever since Gretsch initiated this trend, they have signed over two hundred drummers that are happily endorsing quality Gretsch drums whenever they put on shows.

Gretsch drums are assorted into series in terms of pricing, sound and requirement. Each piece however is an example of exemplary quality and exceptional sound. Two of the most popular series of Gretsch drums are listed as follows:

•Gretsch Drums Blackhawk Series: The Blackhawk series is the best kit you can pick up when you are just starting out and require a regulation set on which you can practice and play. It is economical yet fully equipped with a complete hardware pack.
The hardware pack of The Blackhawk series is double-braced and has a chain-drive bass drum, boom cymbal stands and flexible hi-hat pedals, along with the standard snare drum. The sound quality is projected off the Blackhawk set’s Basswood and Poplar shell which are acoustically resounding and clear. The set itself is a beauty, with a glossy finish which makes it amazing to play.

•Gretsch Drums Catalina Ash Series: This series is perfect for powerhouse players, especially if you are playing metal, as it projects complete, piercing tones and solid overall features that Lars Ulrich ( Metallica) himself would be proud of (and does in fact endorse Gretsch drums). The Catalina ash series is manufactured from ash wood which is responsible for the drum set’s precise and crisp sound.
The kit is perfect for drummers who have good control and independence, as it has an instantly reactive snare which creates sounds which make a statement. The set is gorgeous with an Ash wood grain pattern all over the set with a glossy finish that would make any drummer covet this instrument of beauty. The set also has pro tom holders paired with heavy 2.5 triple-flanged hoops, GTS tom suspension systems, telescopic spurs and a sturdy, die cast bass-drum claws pedal.

Labels: buy drums, drum kit, Drum Sets, Gretsch, gretsch drums

Percussion instruments have played an integral part in defining modern music through the ages. Drums and other kinds of percussion instruments have been prominent in almost all the cultures worldwide and have been documented as existent since 6000 BC.

Percussion instruments in the olden times have held ceremonial, ritualistic, symbolic and sacred value for many cultures in time. Percussion instruments were also used as a means of communication for large tribes when they needed to convey certain messages such as emergency, distress, collective meeting signal or happiness and death.

Percussion instruments such as the Djembe drums from Africa were sacred to the culture as shamans used the drums for their spiritual healing techniques, their rain-dances and to aid them into entering their trances. Percussion instruments such as the Darbuka are a big part of Mediterranean culture.

Percussion instruments are significant in today’s world too, as they provide the beat and rhythm to music, regardless of the genre. Drums and other percussion instruments provide sounds with solidarity and resonance making them more appealing. Today there are thousands of drummers worldwide that have made their mark in the music industry based on their creative take of percussion. While beats can resemble each other, no two drummers will sound exactly alike when creating original scores as percussion gives you the freedom to create a multitude of beats based on the pattern you feel is working for you at the correct moment.

The most popular percussion instruments in the world are the acoustic drums. The acoustic drum set is iconic for musical genres such as rock and metal which provide the soul, grit and authority to the distinguished sound. The basic acoustic drum set is comprised of a big bass drum which is played through a pedal, operated by foot, tom drums which include suspended toms and floor sides, a snare drum, a hi-hat and a crash cymbal.

However more pieces can be added onto the standard drum kit by drummers with higher independence. An extended drum kit can have more than twenty pieces assembled together, which would include a combination of cymbals (gongs, Chinese, crash, clash), added toms and other percussion instruments borrowed from different genres, such as tuned bass drums from marching bands or a thunder sheet for sound effects. Jack White uses the cowbell for some his songs with his band The Raconteurs.

Handheld percussion instruments are also becoming increasingly popular with bands that want to create fusion music, or to add a unique sound to their music. Jeff Buckley was known to incorporate eastern percussion instruments into his work, such as the use of the Tabla in his album ‘Grace’. Many modern bands employ the use of hand-held bongos, maracas and sticks in their unplugged performances. The usage of the xylophone and the triangle is also a part of most orchestras, which are used as percussion instruments that create bright sounds of clarity.

John Lennon’s famous peace sit-in where the iconic “Give Peace a Chance” was recorded included the usage of hand-held tambourines and human clapping as percussion. The song also has beats created by hitting sticks against books and water bottles which were used as percussion instruments. Recently, indie band Guillemots has used typewriter keys as percussion instruments for their song “Who left the lights off, baby?”

Percussion instruments have been the backbone of sound which has allowed music to transition and move forward with the times. Today synthesized percussion instruments have also gained immense popularity in the techno/trance/house genres of music.

Labels: cabasa, djembe, kalimab, maracas, percussion instruments

When you shop for drums online, there is always some trepidation in your mind about what the product would actually look and feel like when it is finally in your hands. There are tried and tested ways of making sure that exactly what you want so you can buy drums online with confidence, selecting the perfect drum kit for yourself.

When you buy drums online you get detailed descriptions of every piece of the set from websites which list the product specifications, correct usage, weight/height, manufacturing details etc. Some websites even offer tips on the feeding and care for your drum kit. Such information is invaluable for any drummer starting out as it would tell you more about the drum kit you are purchasing then any retail salesperson in a music shop can as there are always details which are overlooked in verbal communication.

Another advantage of buying drums online is the vast catalog of drum sets and drum accessories available on the sites, which you can browse through and select a drum set according to your requirements. These websites contain information that helps you recognize your level of competence at playing the drums, so that you buy a kit which can help you improve your abilities the most. Most websites also sort their drum sets by genre, listing which pieces would best emphasize your sound as a drummer.

An example of this is that most heavy metal drummers prefer using thicker crash cymbals to create pronounced accents in their sound, while indie/alternative rock drummers use thinner cymbals for clear, bright and softer sounds.

Many drum manufacturing companies have a loyal customer base which consists of notable drummers of the day that endorse their products. As many drummers start with a mentor as their inspiration, when you buy drums online you can browse through the artist profiles featured by certain drum companies’ websites which can guide you towards the perfect set you can buy which is also favored by your drumming mentor. For example, Dave Grohl of Nirvana and The Foo Fighters prefers Zildjian drum sticks, while Lars Ulrich of Metallica often plays Gretsch drum sets.

When you buy drums online, several drum companies provide you with the option of customizing a drum set that you order which can be created to suit your sound and your style as a drummer. There is a lot of competition on the web as well, so when you buy drums online you can often get a great bargain upon some research.

If you are a new drummer and you want to buy drums online then you should know some important details that you need to talk out with your dealer before you make the final purchase. You should ensure that you are getting exactly what has been advertised on the website. You can do this by asking the seller to send you detailed photos/video of the kit and get an inventory of items included in the kit so that you know what you are paying for.

You should always find a reliable website to buy drums online, such as http://www.thedrumworks.com

Labels: buy drums, Drum Sets, drums online, gretsch drums, percussion instruments

The iconic drummer sits behind a drum set, hammering away on solos, fills and backbeats while kicking out a double bass line that makes the crowd go numb with its epic excellence. These icons of rock are typically of the male variety, keeping a sort of mystery within the world of music and drumming for women who may want to break into the scene. In an effort to increase the presence of women in drumming, drum manufacturers and drum media companies are joining together to invite girls and women to “hit like a girl” this February in a world-wide contest and search for the best female drummers across the globe.

The contest requires a 3-minute drum video submission, along with background information on the drummer, and will be judged by the likes of Sheila E, Jess Bowen, Susie Ibarra, Dawn Richardson, Kim Thompson and Hannah Ford. All styles and genres of drummers are invited to show off their drumming skills in this online competition, with winners receiving prizes including a complete drum and cymbal set, drum sticks, heads, cases and a variety of other accessories and merchandise valued at over $10,000, plus features in DRUM! Magazine and Tom Tom magazine, as well as various outlets across the Internet.

Beyond the contest and exposure, this competition also plans a full-frontal marketing campaign designed to encourage women and girls as drummers. Through various methods, including social media, print and in-store campaigns, this contest specifically aims to not only reward its winners with prizes and fame, but also encourage and educate girls and women and inspire more females to enter the world of drumming.

The Hit Like a Girl Contest ends March 31, 2012, with judging taking place in May 2012. Contest details are available at www.hitlikeagirl2012.com

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Labels: Drum Contest, Drumming News

When searching for the perfect drum set, the journey to perfection can be wrought with peril, or Pearl, for that matter. Pearl Drums, a leader in drum manufacturing, has one of the best reputations in the music world for its line of quality products with an epic sound.  A classic example of the research and dedication to drummers and musicians, the Pearl Vision Birch VBL 5-Piece Drum Set brings nothing less than the best sound and drumming experience to amateur and professional drummers, alike.

The Pearl Vision Birch VBL 5-Piece Drum Set has a natural resonance and dynamic tone as a result of its 6-ply birch wood shells, creating a sound that is perfect for all genres of music, from rock and jazz to R&B, country and funk. The Pearl Vision Birch VBL 5-Piece Drum Set also features a steel SensiTone Snare Drum w/ Chrome Finish, complete with a SR-900 Duo-Motion strainer, transforming the snare from a side lever action to a throw-off, easily. 2-ply batter heads on the toms and wood bass drum hoops help keep the tone consistent across the set, completing the sound and look of the drum set while giving the drummer the best drumming experience possible.

In terms of quality, affordability and the entire package for drummers, the Pearl Vision Birch VBL 5-Piece Drum Set has the best of all worlds. The sound from this drum set is classic, yet memorable and its overall style, both in form and function, make it one of the best drum sets available on the market today.

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Labels: Drum Reviews

Originating in Australia approximately 1,500 years ago, the didgeridoo is an instrument that may not be well known but is also widely used around the world to this day. The didgeridoo (or didge for short) was created by the indigenous people of northern Australia. These instruments are traditionally crafted from termite-hollowed hardwoods such as eucalyptus or bamboo, both of which are woods native to the region of its creation. Appropriately hollowed trees or branches are cleaned, stripped of bark, trimmed, and shaped to create the didge, which can then be painted if so desired. These instruments can range from 3 to 10 feet long, with longer ones producing lower musical pitches.

Though the didge is an ancient instrument, it has been experiencing increased use in modern music in recent decades. In fact, beginning in the 1960’s, musicians began recognizing the didge as a legitimate instrument and musicologists began modifying the design with nontraditional shapes and materials, creating didgeridoos that are distinctly different than the traditional Aboriginal design. These less traditional forms of the didge are often created from PVC piping, clay, carbon fiber, metal, non-native woods, and a variety of other materials.



One musician who has enjoyed incorporating use of the didgeridoo in his music in recent years is Adam Bay, who is based in Victoria, British Columbia. Bay’s music can be best described as a mix of folk, reggae, and west coast rock. Other surprising uses of the didgeridoo in recent years include the dubstep and techno music genres. Performers around the world are found on street corners and public parks playing the didgeridoo, and use of the didge in modern music has expanded to include trance, Celtic, orchestral, industrial, and tribal rhythm music genres. Recreation of Aboriginal musical styles, such as those found in ancient tribal celebrations and ceremonies have also become popular, and in some areas around the world the didgeridoo has become its own musical genre.

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Labels: Percussion Instrument Video

Toca Percussion, a leading manufacturer or hand drums and percussion instruments, recently released an incredible new line of products. From drums and gear to percussion instruments sure to enhance the “wow” of any rhythm, Toca has taken drumming to a brand new level.

The Origins Djembe from Toca is hand-carved from eco-friendly Mahogany wood that has been lathed and grooved in order to eliminate overtones and is topped with a goatskin head for a classic djembe sound. Toca’s 12” Bougarabou drum is also hand-carved from eco-friendly Mahogany, and features a calf skin head, recreating the favorite tones and sounds of this definitive drum.

For doumbek players, Toca has released two new sizes of its favorite drum. The Jamal Doumbek, designed in collaboration with doumbek master, Jamal Mohamed, is available in 9.5”, 10” and 11” sizes. In addition, the Jamal Doumbek also has a custom designed carrying bag to help protect the drum during transit. The Origina Djembe, Bougarabou and Jamal Doumbek can all be attached to Toca’s new World Percussion Stand, as well.

Toca’s Traditional Series Congas and Bongos are manufactured with resonance and volume and mind from two-ply Asian Oak shells with a natural bison head for an inspirational sound. Two finishes, natural or dark wood, make these Quinto, Conga, Tumbadora and Bongos stand out, especially when used with the new 3700 Series Adjustable Conga barrel stand. Timbales players will also appreciate the new 12” Drumset Timbale with only five tuning lugs and some of the best Timbales sound today.

Percussionists will also appreciate the new line of Colorsound Tambourines made from Acacia hardwood with nickel- and brass-plated double rows of jingles. A Single Row Tambourine is also available, with an ergonomically tapered handle and balanced sound. Also new from Toca is a line of Bamboo Shakers, available in three sizes and affixed with rawhide shells for a dynamic sound.



When it comes to percussion and hand drums, Toca Percussion is always on the cutting edge of what a drummer or musician wants in an instrument. These new Toca products are a testament to the quality of the name, as well as the dedication to enhancing the entire world of music.

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Labels: New Products, Percussion, Toca