X8 Drums Blog

The Kalimba is an African percussion instrument that can be found in classrooms, drum circles and featured in different genres of music. It goes by many names, depending on its cultural influence, including the "thumb piano," a term coined from the method of playing. Originally, Kalimbas were constructed from gourds, using metal scraps to form the keys. Today, the Kalimba can be found in shapes and sizes that vary from gourds to squares, circles and more stylized shapes.Kalimbas …

Finding an activity that appeals to a majority of people, regardless of age, gender, physical ability or location can be a difficult task for even the most experienced entertainment director. In order to provide a unique form of entertainment, team-building or promote wellness, many groups are turning to drumming.Drumming has a host of benefits for the mind, body and spirit that keep the imagination alive; it entertains, challenges and can even help heal mental, emotional diso …

Most Afro-Cuban music, such as the Changui and Son, have deep roots in the cultures that were crossed in the 19th century. The African slave trade brought to the Americas a rich and diverse population that influenced the Latin cultures through music and instrumentation. Many of these instruments, including the cajon, were constructed from the leftover shipping crates, boxes and scraps of metal or other materials considered trash. The cajon and marimbula are testimonials to th …

X8 Drums is pleased to announce its partnership with Gon Bops Cajons and Percussion, bringing this legendary brand of Latin drums and hand percussion direct to customers seeking quality instruments and unbeatable sound.Gon Bops began manufacturing its drums in 1950s California, producing the highest quality congas available, and through the years, has come full-circle in the manufacturing and artistry of congas, bongos, cajons and percussion instruments as well as innovative …

Drumming within a drum circle or leading a therapeutic drumming environment requires the ability of the facilitator to keep the drumming interesting as well as easy for the novice drummer or for those with physical or other limitations. Complex rhythms, while fun and inspirational, can cause the participants to shy away from drumming, feeling overwhelmed in terms of the ability needed to play, or even causing sensory overload for more sensitive participants. A time-honored d …

No matter how carefully a set of conga drums is handled, or the amount of time spent playing the congas, these Latin percussion instruments will need to be tuned periodically in order to ensure the best sound and playability. The trick to tuning the congas is not the actual tuning of the drums, but rather the knowing that there is actually no “right” pitch for congas and that each conguero can tune the congas per a personal preference or for a particular song.To tune the cong …

A broken, cracked or torn drum head can make a drum impossible to play. Stresses like traveling, storage or exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause a natural skin drum head to split or break. Bongos, one of the most portable drums available, can be subjected to these changes throughout the life of the drums, and repairing the natural skin of the drum head is a challenging undertaking for even the most experienced bongocero.In order to keep the tone and sound consistent …

Didgeridoo players are well known as eccentric, creative and talented individuals who have mastered the very difficult concept of circular breathing, can back up any sort of trance or techno beat and are often invited to different workshops, stores or other other events so others can witness the healing abilities of the didgeridoo. Because the didgeridoo is still a curiosity for many, the different people who handle an instrument can go beyond the comfort zone of the didgeridoo pla …

Music programs in schools are some of the most valuable educational gifts a child can receive. Music classes expose children to all types of music, teach its history and theory, as well as the mechanics of reading, writing and playing music. Since many children are unable to receive this type of education in the home, the information that is provided through music education programs is an important foundation that can benefit other academic areas, as well as provide an outlet …

The statistics are astounding: one in 110 children are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the US. ASD is a pervasive disorder that does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, ethnicity or socioeconomic group, but touches the lives of everyone, equally. Autism Spectrum Disorder encompasses a wide range of communication and social disabilities, leaving the child or adult affected by ASD without the ability to learn and integrate the necessary life skills needed …