X8 Drums announces new hand drum and world percussion online store. Percussionists around the world are enjoying personal expert advice when selecting hand drums and the added benefits of the X8 Drum Circle that includes festival schedules, how-to guides and an artist directory.

Jersey City, NJ -- Specializing in top quality hand drums and world percussion instruments at discount prices, X8 Drums today announced its new online store for artists and all hand drum enthusiasts. In addition to offering the entire line of top hand drum manufacturers; x8drums.com features a drum circle blog on topics such as hand drum news, how-to articles, drum circle events, and instrument care. The site also offers a hand drum artist directory as well as providing expert advice on its extensive offering of hand drums.

Started by artist husband Mark Stancato and his wife Kristin, X8 Drums strives to not only be the premier online store for all things hand drums but more of web portal and destination spot for drummers. "Knowledge of our product, huge selection, informative articles, and our easy-to-use web site are the key ingredients that separate us from our competitors" remarked co-founder, Mark Stancato. "We're not trying to be all things to everyone. We specialize in hand drums, understand the needs of our customers and truly care about the people that buy from us," added Kristin Stancato.

The website's focus of product will be on congas, bongos, djembes, hand-held percussion, cajon drums, frame drums, and kids percussion from top hand drum manufacturers such as Latin Percussion, Tycoon Percussion, Toca Percussion, and Remo. "Unlike many online stores selling instruments, we're not just selling products", said Mark Stancato. "We're truly independent, serve a niche market, and are focused on matching up our customer's needs with the right product. Providing a hassle free online experience complete with accurate information, knowledgeable staff, great selection, and full transparency are at the heart of what we're about."

About X8drums.com
X8 Drums is a premier online store for all things hand drums. It's all about helping artists and hand drum enthusiasts fill their needs with the right gear. X8 Drums is dedicated to becoming the leading online store and destination spot for all hand drum enthusiasts and artists.

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PS: Feel free to contact us with questions, or if you just want to chat about percussion were here as well. Please note if we don't have what you're looking for we encourage you to drop a line to see if we can get it. Or you can just reach out to tell us your story.

Congas

Djembe

Remo Bongos

Tambourines

Labels: about.x8.drums, bongos, cajon, cajon.drum, cajons, conga, tambourines, world.percussion, x8.drums, x8.drums.history

Tambourines have a long, rich history that has roots in a wide variety of music. From classical to folk to rock, tambourines are simplistic yet versatile instruments that can really bring a song to life. Check out any Beatles record to see what I mean.

Tambourines are generally handheld instruments with a round, wooden frame and parchment or skinheads; metal disks or bells (called jingles) are inserted into the wooden rim. By striking the head of the tambourine or by shaking it, you set the jingles in motion. Rubbing your hand briskly across the drumhead will produce a whisking noise.

Though an ancient instrument, its structure has remained virtually unchanged. Tambourines were played in ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, especially in religious contexts, and they have long been prominent in Middle Eastern folk and religious use. Crusaders took them to Europe in the 13th century. The ancient Romans used it, and in the Middle Ages traveling musicians and entertainers used it. In the 19th century the tambourine became a military-band instrument, appearing later and very occasionally in the orchestra. The timbrel or tabret of the Bible was probably similar to the tambourine.

In Europe, tambourines are associated with both folk and art music repertoire; Mozart was among the earliest western composers to include the tambourine in his compositions. Since the later eighteenth century it has become a more permanent element of the western orchestral percussion section, often used to suggest an exotic or eastern flavor to western audiences, as in Tchaikovsky's Arabian Dance from The Nutcracker Suite. The tambourine is mentioned often in the Old Testament as an instrument of celebration, as here: "Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing."

Labels: drumhead, frame drums, handheld.instrument, tambourine, tambourines