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Manny T

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JCR Timbales (Stainless Steel) vs. Gon Bops Alex Acuna Timbales (Brass)

« on: June 09, 2007, 01:25 PM »

Bros,

I should have posted this inquiry of mine to this "Percussion Parlor" section rather than "Drum/Equipment/Instruments" section. Perhaps, I'll have better luck getting some response. Thanks in advance.

Manny T.

Quote from: Manny T on June 05, 2007, 03:44 PM

I'm a new subscriber to Drummer Cafe and I discovered it by "googling" the Internet for any comparison between the JCR timbales and Gon Bops Alex Acuna timbales. I must say that this is a great site!

I have a question for all you experienced timbales players/owners out there. Which do you think sounds better: JCR timbales (stainless steel) or Gon Bops Alex Acuna timbales (brass)?

I realize that comparing stainless steel timbales and brass timbales can be like comparing "apples and oranges". But, there's got to be a bottom line answer.

Also, I know that some of you would advise that I should hear each set of timbales first and that ultimately my ears should decide. But, unfortunately, where I'm located (S.F. Bay Area) getting a hand on either brand is not that easy. First of all, JCR is located in New York and, not surprisingly, there seems to be none of his handmade timbales "in stock" anywhere. Secondly, my favorite DW/Gon Bops dealer who can supply me the timbales sooner is hundreds of miles away from where I live.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!


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Nuclear

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Re: JCR Timbales (Stainless Steel) vs. Gon Bops Alex Acuna Timbales (Brass)

« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2007, 02:25 PM »

From what I understand:

Steel = bright and cutting sound
Brass = a bit warmer

It really will be personal preference, since both are reputable brands. Maybe you can find some other brands locally in brass and steel to compare the sound quality of the different metal to determine which you like. I'm sure the JCRs and the Acunas are both well-made.


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Manny T

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Re: JCR Timbales (Stainless Steel) vs. Gon Bops Alex Acuna Timbales (Brass)

« Reply #2 on: June 09, 2007, 04:21 PM »

Hi Nuclear,

Thank you very much for your response. I appreciate it.

I'm aware of the sonic difference between stainless steel and brass. What I'm really trying to get at is this: Which one sounds better--overall?

I'm especially directing this question to my fellow percussionists (particularly timbaleros) who've had the chance to play or hear the JCR timbales (better yet if they've also played or heard the Gon Bops Alex Acuna timbales) in person.

BTW, the JCR timbales is, of course, handmade--by Cali Rivera in NY. On the other hand, the Gon Bops Alex Acuna timbales is mass-produced. I contacted DW's (owner of Gon Bops) customer service and was informed that it's made in Taiwan (not Thailand).

Again, thanks in advance.


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Nuclear

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Re: JCR Timbales (Stainless Steel) vs. Gon Bops Alex Acuna Timbales (Brass)

« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2007, 10:12 PM »

No prob Manny.

I was a timbalero in a salsa band for awhile, but I only played stainless steel. I really think you're going to have a difficult time finding a definitive answer about which sound better, because it is so subjective. I'm not trying to beat around the bush, it's just kind of difficult to say one is better, because as soon as you voice that as fact you get the other side of the fence weighing in - know what I mean?

I like stainless, and I know the JCRs are great timbales. Maybe another forumite has experience with the Acuna shells and will supply further info to chew on.


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chilledbongo

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Re: JCR Timbales (Stainless Steel) vs. Gon Bops Alex Acuna Timbales (Brass)

« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2007, 11:14 AM »

let's put it this way: of all the timbales players i've ever seen, the ratio of steel to brass is probably 200-1. all those ears cant be that wrong ... Cool


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Drumlooney

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Re: JCR Timbales (Stainless Steel) vs. Gon Bops Alex Acuna Timbales (Brass)

« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2007, 02:46 PM »

Brass Tims have a cool sound to them but not what you would consider "traditional", I have a good friend who's also an LP endorser (Wilfredo Figueroa III) who uses them a lot, but I've carried them, they weight a ton, LOL and he has to hit them pretty hard to get a clean Cascarra. I would stick with Stainless steal but that's my 2 cents.

Jose


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