DRUMMER CAFE

nospam_online

Guest

« on: November 10, 2003, 02:11 PM »

I'm looking for a present for my wife who is a drummer. She's into alot of different percussion stuff as she already has a set of LP congas, bongos and a steel drum.

Recently she has shown interest in both tablas and timbales and I was wanting to get one as a surprise gift. If you had to pick, which one? Thanks in advance for any replies.


	Logged

563

supporter
Platinum Member

Offline

Offline

Posts: 6612

drum + hand

What would you get??

« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2003, 02:41 PM »

Those two are so vastly different I dont think theres any real way to guess. Heres what I will say on the matter ...

I ... meaning me and me alone ... would choose tabla for myself, because I like and play arabic/indian music and not latin, but timbale for your wife.

The timbale would fit in better with her current collection because of the latin/afro-cuban angle.

Tabla will pretty much definitely require an instructor, even with a prior knowledge of hand drumming (this is coming from the patron saint of self teaching on this forum) while timbale can be a bit easier to get a handle on.


	Logged

Making bad art. Saying stupid things. Implimenting my master plan to be forgotten when I'm gone and forgettable while I'm here.

The Luna Moth
me
Tableland

random

Guest

What would you get??

« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2003, 03:30 PM »

tabla are AMAZINGLY cool. but difficult to play. back when i played trumpet in the school band, a percussionist tought me timbale in a few minutes. (i've since forgotten everything about it but still Grin

)

i'll go with what mark said.


	Logged

Mister Acrolite

Sous Chef
Platinum Member

Online

Online

Posts: 5595

Mr. Sensitive

What would you get??

« Reply #3 on: November 10, 2003, 03:42 PM »

ONLY get her tablas if you can locate a qualified local teacher, and maybe buy her a lesson or two as part of the gift. Unlike most drums, they are NOT an instrument that you can just "wing it" with. If you do that, get the tabla teacher to help you pick out a decent pair for her.

Timbales are a safer bet, if she's expressed an interest in them.


	Logged

I just found out most of the recordings I'm on were actually played by Bernard Purdie.

my drummerworld page

marker

Gold Member

Offline

Offline

Posts: 665

I love the Drummer Cafe!

What would you get??

« Reply #4 on: November 10, 2003, 07:03 PM »

I would agree with the other comments. I haven't tried it, but from what I've seen, tabla drumming requires a very serious, studious approach, and studying with a qualified instructor is a job requirement. Tabla drums are on the quiet side, so they will be drowned out in a loud situation.

If she's into afro/cuban stuff, the timbales would be a natural. Warning - They're very loud.


	Logged

Bart Elliott

Chef de Cuisine
Platinum Member

Online

Online

Posts: 12492

How have you bean burrito?

Re:What would you get??

« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2003, 09:55 PM »

I agree with Mr. A ... tabla is probably the most difficult percussion instrument on the planet (in my opinion). If she's not serious about learning even the basics ... the instrument will end up being a nice conversation piece in your living room.

Timbales would be something that she could use in a wide variety of music genres, and can be used in both a drumkit or percussion set-up. I'd go with the timbales.

One final note ... it's very easy to buy cheap quality tabla, and they don't sound very good. With timbales, it's almost impossible to lose, although there are varying qualities out there. Unless you are prepared to really get a nice set of tabla, again, I'd go with the timbales.


	Logged

The only way to have a friend is to be one.

terekete

Guest

What would you get??

« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2003, 10:55 AM »

as a tabla player, I'd suggest-- timbales. really, unless you're sure she's gonna make the committment, they're just going to sit around. whereas timbales are fun right out of the box, and, as bart says, easier to buy than a decent set of tablas.

hint-- you're not gonna find a good set of tabla at a general music store.