by Raymond » Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:12 pm
Mike,,
Regarding my open perspective...well, I've learned it through experience....In some way, what you want to get in regards to any instrument or accesory is by watching others or following the crowd. Although, some people like to be original or want to be different. What sounds good to you might not sound good to me, you might get a sound I don't get and so forth...
When I came back to Puerto Rico, after years in the US, I befriended a bongo player that made fun of me because of my LP bells...He told me JCR was the "standard" in recording and playing in salsa, at least in PR. After noticing everybody who is who, it was true...However, is not always true in everything....People like to get their colors in their playing and tend to differ...I've done the same throughout the years...
I own, and still have bells from LPs, JCRs, El Piernas, Osiris, Meinl, Pearl and other brands..I've tried them all...Yes, is expensive when you want to experiment..
I like to have the variety so I could adapt to playing situations, sounds I like to play at that moment, and even "break in" a bell once in a while...Trial and error...I've noticed that bells I've hate to play after I bought them, I played them at home with my practice set up and they start to sound "sweet" to be played out there...I always keep in my bongo case or bag and in my timbale case a couple of bells to experiement or have the alternative..(Also in case of any contingent situation like breaking of bracket or whatever...It has happened to me and is an uncomfortable situation when I don't have a spare).