Tag: conga drum
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Western Instruments vs West African Drums
Why will people put the time, energy and attention into learning how to play a flute, piano or guitar properly but not a drum? It’s because in our western culture this is what we have been taught. So we respect this. People would never think to just strum on a guitar randomly with zero knowledge… Read More »
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Florida and Maine private, group and drumming classes, workshops and intensives!
I am going back to New England and will be teaching there and Florida in 2019. If you are coming to town or would like to set up a drumming vacation with me please contact me and let’s get together. It’s a great time to be there! Feeling spontaneous? Let’s drum! I highly recommend a… Read More »
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Playing 5 Sets of Some of the Best Congas Ever Made
I am feeling very blessed and happy to have these drums to play and show you! Here today we have some of the nicest conga drums ever made. I made a simple demo video of myself playing these drums so you can get a feel for the all these different and wonderful drums. Of… Read More »
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What is the best conga drum skin to use?
In my experience over the years with conga drums and conga skins I have found that there is no best skin. It is what skin best suits your needs. Do you have an old conga drum, bongos or other hand drums lying around because they don’t sound good? Putting on a new head is relatively… Read More »
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Need skin? Heads up to a good deal on the best skins!
Ryan ‘Manito’ Wendel has been in deep research mode and now has in stock some amazing skins including cow, steer mule and even camel for your congas and bongos in a variety of thickness and sizes that are just as nice. For a limited time he is offering them at a discount for all my readers… Read More »
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How to play stronger and faster
Recently several people have asked me about lifting or using a weight training exercise regimen to improve their speed when playing djembe. Specifically, arm training exercises. I have never seen weight lifting specifically for the arms or shoulders help people to gain speed. It is possible it works, I am not a weightlifting expert but… Read More »
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Sol Percussion is back in action! With Akbar Moghaddam
Sol Percussion by Akbar Moghaddam is back! This is great news for the percussion world as Akbar is always very innovative and creative and the percussion and conga drum-cajon-bongo market needs his wonderful new products and insight to push the bar even higher then where it is currently at now. I have always loved his… Read More »
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Sol Percussion by Akbar Is Back And Better Than Ever!
Sol Percussion by legendary drum artisan Akbar is finally back. He is now up and running with new and improved products including hand made bongos and cajons from a variety of local and exotic hardwoods. Congas will be following shortly. Akbar Moghaddam not only manufactured Sol in the past he also owned Valje and redesigned the… Read More »
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Getting Real With Our Drumming
It Takes All Types! I met with a very old friend today, one of the first people I ever drummed with back in the early 70’s and some one who has inspired and encouraged me in the past as well. We were on the beach talking to some kids from Sweeden and he was telling… Read More »
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New Banded Manito Congas On The Way
Here is the story and photos of some new and very creative work by drummer and artisan Ryan Manito Wendel. (with the help of mother nature herself). These drums are not finished yet and will have traditional style stainless steel hardware. For those of you unfamiliar with Manito Percussion, Ryan is one of the few… Read More »
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One on One Interview with Ryan Manito Wendel of Manito Percussion
As you may all already know, or if you have seen any of my videos or posts, I am a huge fan of the Manito Percussion solid shell one peice congas, bongos and natural drum skins. As a matter of fact, I have a set of Maple Ambrosia congas and also his black walnut bongos,… Read More »
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La Mano Secreta “The Secret Hand Technique”
La Mano Secreta or “The Secret Hand” is what I call a ‘technique’ or rhythm system for playing rolls with a heel tip (a.k.a. palm tip or shuffle) on your left hand. If you are lefty then it would be your right hand and when you get more advanced you play it on both hands. Read More »