by yalla » Fri Aug 13, 2004 8:08 am
JC and Raymond, thanks so much for all the info...
JC, forgive me but I do not agree with you... timbales evolved from old French orchestra timpani (kettle drums) and I think large diameters are closer to this "heritage". For instance, I have a CD by Orquesta Revè ( "la explosiòn del momento" ) where the aim is to recreate some old fashioned sound - that's why they often sing with the "voz de la vieja" in this record. Well, the timbales here are quite low tuned, with a fat but open sound, where the deepness of the shells seems not to matter much.
More generally speaking, I think you get a full and richer sound on the hembra with large diameters, when you play balance with the fingertips (you know, on the count of 2 and 4). That's all my little opinion, I am light years away from you masters, so I may be wrong...
Well, back to my set: it's solid brass, quite thick (but not very much), shells are 8" deep. I play with 3/8" Vater hickory sticks. I know, too light and small sticks... but I cannot play with heavier and/or thicker sticks... I feel like playing with baseball bats...
In the end, in Italy there are not much good timbaleros I can talk to, of course there are some great players and teachers, but totally out of my reach!
Anyway, I think I will go with Coated Ambassador on the macho, and renaissance on the hembra.
Any comment?
nadie se salva de la rumba