ISSUE #65 \__\__\___THE____/__/__/ MAY 5, 2002 _______________TEMPO DISPATCH ___________ Newsletter For Drummers and Drumming Enthusiasts Copyright Bill Powelson 2002 all rights reserved. ____________'IT'S ALL ABOUT DRUMS'_______ Tips * Tricks * Hints * Ads * Freebies * Lessons * _________NOW more than 12,500 SUBSCRIBERS!__________ IN THIS ISSUE . . . FEATURE ARTICLE: 1. CYMBALS: Riding and Crashing.    When to RIDE the 'Ride', crash    the CRASH, or RIDE the Hi-hat.    2. TRIVIA:  What's a BEATBUG?    Dont know?  (Click here) http://www.studydrums.com/z.html    I only have 2 BEATBUGS left!   3. Drum Instructors Wanted! 4. WHAT'S A 'TONGUE DRUM'? 5. FREE ADS! BUY/SELL DRUMS Buying and Selling used drums? Subscribe to two new free newsletters. (See details below.) 6. Humor: Dying Nun. 7. Play the new DRUMMERS TRIVIA GAME.  http://members.aol.com/bpowelson/d-triv02.html _____________________________________ |__________FEATURE ARTICLE___________|             DRUM LESSON CYMBALS:  When to RIDE the 'Ride' . . . crash the 'Crash', or RIDE the Hi-hat.      The objective of this lesson is to offer a few of the unwritten-rules-of-thumb, on the subject of working the cymbals . . .      IN THIS LESSON we'll try to discover when to play on a closed hi-hat versus riding the 'RIDE CYMBAL'.      We'll also try to touch on the topic of 'CRASH CYMBALS', and WHEN to crash.      This is a generalized lesson.  None of these suggestions are written-in-stone.  I'm only trying to offer a few general ideas as to how you may best use your cymbals most effectively in the music you'll be playing. ......... WHAT'S A RIDE CYMBAL? .............. ASK FOR THIS FREE E-MAIL LESSON:      For those of you who DO NOT know what a 'HI-HAT' or 'RIDE CYMBAL' is; Simply ask via e-mail for the following free (e-mail) lesson, by sending a note to     JUST ASK FOR . . .      "Different Parts of the Drum Set" .............................................. RIDING THE CLOSED HI-HAT  . . .      It's a 'volume' thing . . .      We ride the closed hi-hat during the vocals, in an effort to keep the vocalists and other musicians from complaining about our ROARING ride-cymbal.  If we tend to be heavy handed, the ride-cymbal may build in volume as we continually play it.  It's very common for the other band members to complain about this.  Especially, if our ride-cymbal is dominating the music during the vocal portions of a song.  We find that many singers and vocalists will often hate the ride-cymbal. WHEN TO USE THE RIDE CYMBAL . . .      It's very common to move over to the Ride, during the 'instrumental' portion of a song.  We'll normally play the same rhythm pattern we WERE PLAYING on the closed hi-hat during the vocals, but by moving to the ride-cymbal on the instrumental ride, it will often ADD TO THE DYNAMICS of the music.  There are times when it's ok to play a little louder.  The instrumental-ride of most songs, seems to be that time.      (It varies from song to song.  This is simply a blanket-coverage of the topic.)      That 'instrumental' portion of the music is called the 'instrumental RIDE', by-the-way. It's also the best time for us to ride the RIDE-cymbal.      As the various instruments in a band play their parts, the music will tend to get louder when compared to the vocal portions of the song.  This gives us drummers the opportunity to increase our volume as well, by playing on the ride-cymbal, rather than a closed hi-hat.      I don't know where the term RIDE-cymbal originated or why.  Maybe it comes from the fact that we tend to 'ride' on top of it as we play our beat patterns, or maybe it's named for the fact that we tend to use that cymbal most during the instrumental-RIDE portion of a song.      If anyone has the facts on this . . . help me out.  I really don't know when, where or why the term 'RIDE-cymbal' came to be. CRASHING . . .      CRASH CYMBALS, come in all shapes and sizes.  Usually, the thinner the cymbal, the brighter it will sound.  Bright sounding cymbals seem to make the best sounding crash cymbals, but this may be my own opinion.  There's plenty of room for your own opinions here too.      Actually it's all about forming YOUR OWN opinions.       When you purchase ANY cymbal . . . it's best to hear that cymbal before you buy it!  It's VERY difficult to change the tone of a cymbal if you don't personally like the way it sounds.       It seems that no two cymbals will sound exactly alike, though they may be the same size, shape and brand.  Every cymbal tends to have it's own personality.  When it comes to cymbals, we tend to get what we are willing to pay for. I prefer to listen to a cymbal before I lay down my hard-earned cash.         Smaller, thinner cymbals are most common as crash cymbals.  Crash cymbals may range anywhere from 8 or 10 inches in diameter to 18 inches (or occasionally larger.)  The extremely small, thin cymbals are sometimes called 'Splash' cymbals, because of the splashing sound they make.      We punctuate the music with occasional crashes/splashes, to add dynamics or to emphasize special 'kicks' in the music.  There doesn't seem to be a rule-of-thumb for crashing.  It seems to usually be a random, intuitive kind of thing.  If a crash seems to add excitement . . . we crash . . . if we tend to get glares from the other band members or the crowd. . . we don't do it as much.     Some songs tend to have built-in crashes that are important to the arrangement of the song.  One stand-out song I can think of is, "Proud to be an American", by Lee Greenwood.  If you've ever heard that song, you've also heard the cymbal crash I'm speaking of.  That one simple little crash, tends to make the whole song!     Other songs seem to cry-out for a crash that wasn't included on the original recordings.   We drummers are often allowed the liberty to experiment in those situations.     Then, there are situations where crashing will distract from the music.  We learn by doing . . . and sometimes by NOT doing.       If there are definite rules about crashing, I haven't heard about them.  It's usually an intuitive thing, in most cases.  We crash to accent or punctuate the music as needed.       I usually kick a simultaneous bass-drum with my crashes, to add impact.  I think a lot of drummers do that.  Experiment both ways (with and without a simultaneous bass-kick.) CRASH WITH BOTH HANDS . . .      Right-handed drummers may have a tendency to use only the right-hand for crashing, and left-handed drummers may favor the left.       You'll probably agree that it's at least VISUALLY more pleasing to watch a drummer crash the cymbals using BOTH HANDS.  It just looks better from the audience perspective.  We should never forget that they are the people we're wanting to impress.        FOR EXAMPLE:  It's good to have a crash on the left-side of the set and another on the right-side.  Then, rather than reach across the set with the favored hand, try crashing the left-cymbal with your left-hand and the right- cymbal with your right-hand.      Also experiment with the various ways to attack the cymbals.  Crash from UNDERNEATH the cymbals in an upsweep motion, on occasion, as well as from the top down.       When we crash . . . it is most common to use the shaft of the stick rather than the point.  The point of the stick seems to be 'too wimpy' for most crash effects.           I hope all this helps you . . .      These are just some of the unwritten things we all tend to do without much thought.  I've never read much about it and it's a difficult topic to write about since there aren't very many WRITTEN rules to cling to.       Yet, most working drummers seem to play the way I've tried to explain it here.  I've arrived at most of these conclusions by just watching and listening . . .    I think you will too. ADDITIONAL HELP FOR PAID MEMBERS!    For additional info on these topics, visit the following pages at the password site . . . 1. CYMBAL TIPS http://wwwc.catalog.com:82/drummers/hsdrum/td21.txt 2. HI-HAT TIPS http://wwwc.catalog.com:82/drummers/hsdrum/td26.txt 3. 'SWISHING THE HI-HAT' http://wwwc.catalog.com:82/drummers/hsdrum/td37.txt ....................................... NOW, HERE'S SOME SPECIAL HELP FOR BEGINNING STUDENTS OF DRUMSET: FOLLOW THIS LESSON-PLAN, FOR BEST RESULTS:     The drum lessons at are arranged (from the top-down) at the web site in such a way as to allow you to achieve the BEST possible results, in the LEAST amount of time, while enjoying the MOST POSSIBLE FUN  . . .     We would follow this exact same plan if you were to enroll as a private student at my private teaching studios.  I use this lesson plan because it works!     You'll be WISE to follow the plan, FROM THE TOP DOWN, in the (early-beginner) stages of study.     MEMORIZE the BASIC DANCE BEATS at: http://www.studydrums.com/prime01.html ADVANCED STUDENTS . . .     Skim lightly over any material that seems too basic or too simple . . . BUT DIG-IN AS THE LESSONS GET MORE DIFFICULT.   Almost every lesson in this 100-lesson course is intended as one-week of study for the average student in private study.  Some students move faster while others, slower.       Here ONLINE . . . Many of you may find it easy to absorb SEVERAL lessons per week, while others may need several weeks on each lesson!  That's the advantage of online lessons!      The cost is the same for EVERYONE. ........................................................ NOTE:      Not all the lessons are free.  Many of the BEST hidden lessons do not appear at the public site at all. They're hidden and not mentioned anywhere except on the 'Contents' page at: http://www.studydrums.com/contents.html      This 100-lesson course provides the knowledge you'll need as a working-pro when playing in a band.     My sole objective as a teacher is to help get you playing in a live band, as soon as possible.  These lessons have been structured and streamlined to accelerate that possibility. ........................................................     Set your own pace . . . and dig-in for the long-haul!  Think of the whole thing as PRIVATE DRUM LESSONS, online. That's exactly what it is, but YOU set the pace!  :>)   ---------------------------------- SPECIAL NOTE:      Be sure to visit the 'contents' page to get a complete idea of the complete contents of this unique, one-of-a-kind $49 homestudy course.      The CONTENTS page is at: www.studydrums.com/drummers/contents.html PURSUE YOUR DREAMS WITH PASSION!  BEGIN THIS ONLINE DRUMMING-CORRESPONDENCE-COURSE TODAY! ORDER THIS COMPLETE, 100+ LESSON, ONLINE DRUMMING COURSE, FOR ONLY $49 In US funds, while the price lasts. To ORDER NOW, with your credit card, from anywhere in the World . . . go here: https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html ($97 is the NEXT PROJECTED PRICE INCREASE and it may occur ANY DAY!) I am currently and always adding new lessons. Buy the course now and get everything (including all FUTURE UPDATES) at this limited one-time low price . . . (or wait and pay more.) _____________________________ |_____WHAT'S A BEATBUG?_______| FIND OUT HERE . . . http://www.studydrums.com/z.html BEATBUG! ALL PREVIOUS DEALS ARE OFF! Beatbugs are about to become collectors items.  They are no longer being manufactured. (I sick about this!) I have only 8 units left.  The price is up to $145 each.  When they're gone, they're gone. I don't even want to sell the ones I have left.  My bet is they will bring $500, this time next year. ORDER NOW OR WISH FOREVER THAT YOU HAD . . . https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html  _________________________ |____Train yourself to___| TEACH DRUMS *** THE DRUM INSTRUCTORS GUIDE *** If you have some stage experience, why not TEACH DRUMS? Teach my methods in your locality. I WILL SHOW YOU HOW! Great income potential in most areas. TO ENQUIRE: Mention The Instructors Guide in a note to Bill Powelson _________________________________ |________TONGUE DRUMS? __________| WHAT'S A TONGUE DRUM? IT'S THE PERFECT GIFT FOR DRUMMERS WHO ALREADY HAVE EVERYTHING! FIND OUT HERE! http://www.studydrums.com/tngdrm01.html _________________________________ |_____AD SPACE AVAILABLE ________| This ad space available.  Reach 12,500 avid drum-buffs per month, with YOUR drumming related ad. INQUIRE:  drums01@att.net _________________________________ |_OTHER DRUMMING NEWSLETTERS_____| Canadian Drum Classifieds: To join this absolutely free service of weekly emails listing used drums for sale in Canada for Canadians, e-mail Mike Hogg at: . American Drum Classifieds: A free service for any and all Americans.  List ads or simply search for a new/used drumset.  To subscribe or post, mail Mike Hogg: , then scroll down to the PAYPAL icon.  This is for the $49 course only. 3. TO ORDER WITH AN E-CHECK:  E-mail and ask for the E-check form. 4. TO ORDER BY REGULAR MAIL . . . SEND CHECK, CASH or MONEY ORDER in US FUNDS to: Bill Powelson 107 Douglas Dr. Holly Hill, Fl. 32117 NOTE: Please include your E-mail address. FOREIGN STUDENTS: Visit your local bank and have them prepare a check or money order for $49 in US funds to Bill Powelson, then mail it to the above address. BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS! ................................... NOW, HERE'S ANOTHER FREEBY! ...................................      'CHRISTMAS OR ANYTIME' SPECIAL. ASK FOR THIS FREE E-BOOK, YEAR-ROUND!    HOW TO ASSEMBLE A NEW DRUMSET 'Out of the Box and Under the Tree" 'Assembling a New Drumset / Out of the Box'. I've decided to keep this 'Christmas Gift' available at NO CHARGE, all year long.          COMPLIMENTARY E-BOOK           * SPECIAL GIFT *             VIA E-MAIL: Just ask for this E-book if you need it. Send a note to:          (Mention 'NO-COST E-book') _______________________________________             MORE FREEBIES! 1.  Play DRUMMERS TRIVIA GAME     Try your luck.  It's a fun, educational experience . . . http://members.aol.com/bpowelson/d-triv02.html ________________________________________ Removal Instructions For instant REMOVAL, simply hit reply and type REMOVE on the subject line. _______________________________________ Like our Newsletter? Please vote for our ezine! Visit: WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! If you enjoy this little 'e-zine' please show your support by reading the ads and buying the products. TO PURCHASE ANY OF THE DRUM SCHOOL PRODUCTS WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD, CLICK HERE   https://secure.catalog.com/drummers/ccard.html BEATBUGS . . . GOING, GOING, ALMOST GONE! $145.00 each. I pay shipping in U.S.  ($5 extra shipping outside U.S.) *  What's a TONGUE DRUM? http://www.studydrums.com/tngdrm01.html      Don't forget to check out the FREE WEB PAGE LESSON, "Spice Up Your Fills", at: http://home.att.net/~drums01/fillsc.html END OF TEMPO DISPATCH #65 MAY 5, 2002