Frequently Asked Questions...
Is this a good drum set brand?
I am thinking of getting my brother a set for Christmas. He has just started learning percussion and shows interest in playing set. There was an ad in the paper for a set so I went to look at it (im a percussionist). It was CB Drums brand with 2 toms, a floor tom, a snare, a high hat, and a ride cymbal. I havent heard of the brand....help please? Advice?
Answer:
CB is a beginner set that usually sells for $300 or so. It's ok. When it comes to beginners, I always encourage seeking out something decent, but not spending too much until the player seems to want to stick with it (no pun intended!).
Take a look at FirstAct, from Target or Walmart type stores. They run much less expensive and are decent for beginners. I promise I don't work for FirstAct--I've just noticed that they seem to be one of the best choices for beginners.
 SABIAN B8 20" Ride Cymbal 20 inch percussion drum b 8 42012 US $109.00 
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 Sabian Canada AAX Metal Ride 20" 51cm Drum Cymbal Percussion Music NR US $11.08
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 Meinl HCS 20in Ride Cymbal with Sound Percussion Stand US $65.00
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 DRUM CYMBAL - 20" POLISHED - LIGHT RIDE - PERCUSSION US $39.99
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 DRUM CYMBAL - 18" POLISHED - HEAVY RIDE - PERCUSSION US $39.99
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 DRUM CYMBAL - 20" POLISHED - HEAVY RIDE - PERCUSSION US $49.99
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 DRUM CYMBAL - 20" RAW - HEAVY RIDE - ACCENT PERCUSSION US $49.99
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 SABIAN B8 18" Crash Ride Cymbal 18 inch percussion b 8 US $85.00
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 Meinl Candela Series Percussion Crash/Ride 18" US $279.99
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 SABIAN AAX 20" Metal Ride Cymbal 20 inch percussion 22014X US $265.00
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 18" INCH HEAVY RIDE CYMBAL POLISHED BRASS PERCUSSION US $54.95
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 20" INCH HEAVY RIDE CYMBAL POLISHED BRASS PERCUSSION US $63.95
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 20" INCH HEAVY RIDE CYMBAL RAW BRASS PERCUSSION DRUM US $63.95
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 SABIAN AA 20" Rock Ride Cymbal 20 inch percussion drum US $245.00
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 SABIAN AAX 20" Dry Ride Cymbal 20 inch percussion drum US $265.00
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 SABIAN AAX 20" Stage Ride Cymbal 20 inch percussion US $265.00
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 SABIAN Vault V2012B 20" V-Ride Ride Cymbal 20 inch percussion drum US $269.00
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 SABIAN AA 20" El Sabor Ride Cymbal 20 inch percussion US $245.00
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Ride Percussion
Meinl 21" Derek Roddy Serpent Ride
Great Moments In Opera, Wagner's "Ride Of The Walkyries"
In Wagner's opera "Die Walkure" (the second in "The Ring"), the chief all the god's Wotan, at first orders Brunhilde (the leader of his Walkryies) to assist Siegmund so that he might emerge triumphant in battle over Hunding and win the love of Sieglinde; who also happens to be his sister. It is however after Wotan gives these orders that he is forced to retract himself when his wife, Fricka (goddess of marriage and conventionality) convinces him that he should defend Hunding's rights, who is Sieglinde's husband and not Siegmunde; who according to her is merely trying to steal another man's wife. It is then with great reluctance that Wotan tells Brunhilde that he has changed his mind and now wishes that she fight along side Hunding so that he might emerge triumphant.
Brunhilde being the obedient soldier that she is, heeds Wotan's request however is less than enthusiastic in wanting to help Hunding, whom she sees as an evil man; who has taken Sieglinde to wife by force. Brunhilde however despite her unwillingness to follow Wotan's orders intends to assist Hunding yet is convinced by Siegmunde to do the opposite of what she has been instructed. This being precisely what Brunhilde does and it is just as Siegmunde is about to emerge victories that Wotan interferes in Hunding's favor; killing Siegmunde.
Wotan however is all too aware that Brunhilde has done the complete opposite of what he has instructed her to. As she has used the power he gave her against not only his wishes but him as well. Brunhilde, then immediately seeing that she has been caught in an act of insubordination, flees knowing that Wotan's rage will soon be about her and it is in her desperate flight that we hear "Ride Of The Walkyries".
"Ride Of The Walkyries" in fact being the piece which starts act three, as Wotan with all of his fury chases his once beloved, Brunhilde and it is the music which allows us to feel his anger and rage; as both soar through the heavens. One in an almost vain attempt to escape while the other intent on establishing his law. The music is heavy, making use of brass and percussion in a way which makes this piece as heavy for its time as heavy metal was for the 80s. The music showing purpose as a hurricane blowing through a town with full destruction or an invading army which brings about it an irresistible force or such do the harmonies of "Ride Of The Walkryies" dictate to those who have felt its influence.
"Ride Of The Walkryies" has lyrics yet they are completely unrelated to the actions which are taking place, as we hear Brunhilde's fellow Walkryies taking merriment and singing about how they should keep a male horse away from a mare, for he shows that his desires go beyond being friendly. Wotan, naturally catches up to Brunhilde and severely castigates her for her actions yet it is this piece which has left a long lasting impression on not only the history of opera but music as a whole. "Ride Of The Walkryies" influencing not only heavy metal but also many of today's film music composers such as John Williams along with several others.
For my part, I would say that "Ride Of The Walkryies" is not only a great piece despite its having been perhaps played out, as it captures not only the essence of Wagner but what became to be known as German opera. I would also like to add that it is my friend, Małgorzata's love for this piece which in part inspired me to write this article.
About the Author
My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. I also am the author of the book entitled "New York's Opera Society" which is now available on Amazon.
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