tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43225384249866984572024-02-21T03:04:51.858+02:00Drumaminedrumming
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uselessnessStela Valasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13199651058636882110noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322538424986698457.post-51198071217541057012014-05-11T19:29:00.001+03:002014-05-11T19:56:18.849+03:00Something Changed!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #444444;">Hello everyone!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />I am happy to inform you about my new blog in this e-address: <a href="http://drumamine.wordpress.com/">http://drumamine.wordpress.com/</a><br /><br />Some of the old posts are quite the same (after some changes i did); and there are many new, coming soon...<br /><br />Feel free to contact me via e-mail: <span style="background-color: #45818e;"><a href="mailto:stela.of.fliuit@gmail.com">stela.of.fliuit@gmail.com</a></span><br />or check my news on twitter or facebook.<br /><br />twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/drumamine">https://twitter.com/drumamine</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stela.valasi">https://www.facebook.com/stela.valasi</a><br /><br />Enjoy your days with good music!</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">-Stela Valasi-</span></b></span><br />
<a href="http://stela%2Eof%2Efliuit@gmail.com/">stela.of.fliuit@gmail.com </a></div>
Stela Valasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13199651058636882110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322538424986698457.post-22819943379957685942012-09-17T21:03:00.001+03:002014-03-12T22:07:44.509+02:00My drumset<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brand new drumset came to me some weeks ago, while I was on vacation. It's the first drum-instrument I ever had and I am making an effort to understand its secrets. There are a lot of things to learn...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Face Control</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pearl FZ 725</b> Z/C Forum FZ Series</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colour: Pure White (#33)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Snare Drum: 14'' * 5.5'' (wooden)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Toms: 12'' * 9'' &' 13'' * 10''</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Floor Tom: 16'' * 16''</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bass Drum: 22'' * 18''</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cymbals: (Zildjian Planet Z) Ride 20'' Crash 16'' HiHat 14''</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drum Throne: D-70W</span></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><u>Set Up </u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">While unpacking I was trying to find the best position for the whole drumset, including cymbals; that took me about 4 hours. It was a little bit difficult since I've never done that before.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are the steps I followed according to the instructions included in the kit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During assembly everything was placed on a clean, solid surface.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Reguired Tools: a drum-key and patience!</i></span></div>
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</span> <u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">FLOOR TOM </span></b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I put the Back Head (drum skin) on the Shell (body) followed by the Steel Hoop (drum crown=rim). I lined up the ears of the Steel Hoop over the Lugs; then I inserted the Tension Rods through the ears of the Steel Hoop and finger-tightened them into the Lug Nuts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I turned the drum over and attached the Front Head and Steel Hoop with the remaining Tension Rods, following the same procedure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally I attached the Floor Tom Legs to the Floor Tom Leg Brackets and I set the height and tilt to my preference.</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">BASS DRUM</span></b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I placed the Shell with the Bass Drum Spurs (legs) and the Tom Holder Bracket facing upward. I put the Front Head (with logo) on the Shell; then attached the Hoop (rim) with flat side down on the rim of the Head. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>{Note: The Hoop without the Hoop Protector is used on the Front Head.}</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I assembled a Tension Rod and Hook and hooked in on the Hoop above a Lug; then I finger-tightened into the Lug Nut. I attached the rest of the Tension Rods / Hooks on this side of the drum.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I turned the drum over and attached the other Head and Hoop, using the remaining Tension Rods / Hooks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I positioned the Hoop Protector at the bottom of the Bass Drum, where the Pedal is to be attached. Finally I positioned the Bass Drum upright and set the Bass Drum Spurs with the front of the drum about an inch off the floor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bass Drum Spurs have spike tips for added slip resistance that can be exposed by turning the Lock Nut and Rubber Tip clockwise.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>{Note: We use the spikes only on thick carpeted surfaces to prevent damage to the flooring underneath.}</i></span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">TOM TOM</span></b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I followed the same steps as for the Floor Tom, but instead of the Floor Tom Legs I used the I.S.S. mount: I loosened the key bolts on the hooks and clipped the hooks over the Upper Hoop (rim) of each tom. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I slipped the Base Plate under the edge of the Hoop and centred the I.S.S. between the two nearest Lugs; then I tightened the key bolts securely.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(The I.S.S. mount can be quickly removed and reattached when changing heads)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>{Note: We keep a space between the end of the Tom Holder and the surface of the drum, to prevent damage to the drum's finish.}</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I inserted the two Tom Holders into the bracket on the Tom Holder Bracket (on the Bass Drum) and I tightened the Wing Nuts on the bracket. I set and locked the short tubes on the Tom Holders.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tom arms are equipped with StopLocks (that lock the Brackets on the Bass Drum and Toms) and keep the drums from rotating and memorize position settings for quick and repeatable set-ups. I attached the Toms to the Tom Holders and positioned the height and angles to my preference.</span></span></div>
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</span> <u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">CYMBALS (RIDE &' CRASH)</span></b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I opened the legs of the Stand Base to form a stable tripod and I inserted the Center Tube Assembly (medium body) into the base. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next, I inserted the Upper Tube Assembly into the Center Tube Assembly.I adjusted the angle of the Boom Gear (modulator) and the Uni-Lock Tilter (upper modulator) to position the cymbal to my preference. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I secured tightly all Wing Bolts and Wing Nuts before playing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I placed the cymbal over the Cymbal Post (small column) and rested it on the Lower Felt Washer. Then I placed the Upper Felt Washer on the cymbal and put the Reversible Nut on top.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Reversible Nut can be set right-side up to allow the cymbal freedom of motion; or upside-down to restrict the motion for a tighter sound.</span></span></div>
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</span> <u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">DRUM PEDAL</span></b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hooked the spring to the cam roller; then inserted the Beater into the Beater Holder Likn and secured it with the drum key.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I clipped the pedal to the Back Bass Drum Hoop and tightened the Wing Bolt on the Hoop Clamp to secure the pedal to the Hoop. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I tested the action of the pedal and adjusted the Upper and Lower Nuts below the spring. I adjusted the PowerShifter forward or backward by loosening the key bolt at the heel plate to change the feel of the pedal from light, normal, heavy; I also adjusted the angle of the Beater by loosening the Key Bolt on the Beater Angle Cam to increase or shorten the throw of the beater.</span></span></div>
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</span> <u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">HI-HAT</span></b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Footboard </u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I opened the legs of the stand and squeezed the Radius Rods (under the pedal) together and inserted the ends into the holes in the Support Casting. I stood the HiHat Base vertically by adjusting the width of the legs; then set the bottom of the Support Casting squarely on the floor to form a solid tripod.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Upper Section</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I threaded the Upper Pull Rod into the Connector and loosened the key bolt on the StopLock, until the StopLock slid freely on the Upper Tube. I inserted the Upper Tube into the Lower Tube and set the height to my preference; then tightened the Wing Nut on the Lower Tube.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I slid the StopLock against the Lower Tube and fit the tab into the slot in the Lower Tube and tightened the key bolt. Finally I placed the Lower HiHat Cymbal on the HiHat Cup, then attached the Top HiHat Cymbal to the HiHat Clutch and tightened the Bottom Lock Nut securely.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I mounted the Clutch with the Top HiHat Cymbal attached onto the Upper Pull Rod. I adjusted the distance between the Top and Lower HiHat Cymbals to my own preference and secured the Clutch to the Upper Pull Rod by tightening the Wing Bolt.</span> </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">SNARE DRUM</span></b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I opened the legs of the stand to form a tripod and inserted the Top Section into the base; then opened the basket and adjusted the Butterfly Nut as needed to accomodate the snare drum. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I placed the snare drum into the basket with the strainer positioned where it can be conveniently operated and I tightened the Butterfly Nut to hold the drum securely (but not overtightened). </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>{Note: We position the strainer where we can operate with our left hand.}</i></span></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the end, I adjusted the height of the Drum Throne and the distance between me and my drumset.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Afterwards I played; and still am!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5le9k2Py4A/UyC-gtBi9pI/AAAAAAAAA-E/J1CEADyJJ1k/s1600/my+drumset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5le9k2Py4A/UyC-gtBi9pI/AAAAAAAAA-E/J1CEADyJJ1k/s1600/my+drumset.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stela Valasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13199651058636882110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322538424986698457.post-31893892716358218762012-05-18T07:31:00.006+03:002012-09-17T23:26:32.740+03:00Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><style type="text/css">
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<div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The idea of the name</span> <b>Drumamine</b> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">came up suddenly while thinking about Drums and Travelling.</span> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The best medicine to have when you travel and you feel your stomach upset is Dramamine. “It helps you treat every kind of discomfort associated with motion sickness.”</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Drumamine</b> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">is about to do something similar: it will act as medicine to feelings and thoughts and it will try “to help you treat every kind of discomfort associated with (e)motional sickness”. It will make you feel the energy of the rhythm, make you imagine the form of a melody, make you wonder. </span></span> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What about having a journey through music, exploring different types of it, improvising through new techniques and never stop? </span></span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then you would need</span> <b>Drumamine</b> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">to have with you in that trip.</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After all, what is music if not an endless journey of internal search?</span></span>
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the trip!</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>
</div></div>Stela Valasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13199651058636882110noreply@blogger.com