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During last night rehearsal we had an extended conversation on adding alternative instrumentation to augment our sound.

So yeah we have an egg shaker, a rain stick, and the requisite cow bell.

But what are some of your favorite alternative instruments ?

Very open to suggestions ...

As well as input as to brands or types of things like wood blocks ETC. that have worked well and proved durable for y'all.

sanshouheil wrote:During last night rehearsal we had an extended conversation on adding alternative instrumentation to augment our sound.

So yeah we have an egg shaker, a rain stick, and the requisite cow bell.

But what are some of your favorite alternative instruments ?

Very open to suggestions ...

As well as input as to brands or types of things like wood blocks ETC. that have worked well and proved durable for y'all.

I like the Indonesian, Asian, Indian instruments...Always loved the sound of those. and they can really enhance the parts of songs intended to sound ethereal or surreal.

Congas, big fat juicy ones caressed and slapped with open hands.

First off, you don't have enough cowbell. I suggest adding another cowbell. Yeah and bang it louder...more cowbell!!!

Seriously though a FLUTE would kick butt. But first, you gotta get rid of some of that cowbell. You might be surprised to see how cool a viola would sound in some of your stuff, George. Another idea? How 'vout doing something with acoustic bass and guitar? Hmmm

Black57 wrote:First off, you don't have enough cowbell. I suggest adding another cowbell. Yeah and bang it louder...more cowbell!!!

Seriously though a FLUTE would kick butt. But first, you gotta get rid of some of that cowbell. You might be surprised to see how cool a viola would sound in some of your stuff, George. Another idea? How 'vout doing something with acoustic bass and guitar? Hmmm

I Got a fever!...and the only prescription ...is more Cowbell!

Gimme some electric SITAR..

Timbales and a China Boy for the drummer.

It depends on what kind of sound you're going for, obviously, but percussion always adds a tighter feel to a song. After that, a violinist (who knows how to play melodically) is easy to add and quite tasteful.

No matter what kind of style you're playing, a violin can find a part to make the song more dramatic.

For alternative instrumentation
Trying to use the keyboard/synthesizer

Ive always like a touch of strings

Flute is a good one Mary

We used to beat on trash cans and stuff, even use multiple voices to thicken things then take the main vocal channel out and just insert the reverb, there are hundreds of tricks to do

Thanks for the input
Although I'd love to have some flute, violin, cello, keys, as a part of the band or at least on an occasion to add emphasis to some specific songs, that was not quite what I was looking for as it would require us to add another full time player to our outfit.

I suppose I did not make my intent clear ... allow me to try again.

Our back up vox ( Tony ) has free hands and free time in / on some of our tunes.
He plays the cowbell and a shaker device.
He / we have experimented with Roto toms which, I did not like the sound at all. and Congas that did not really fit our " sound scheme ".
I was thinking more in the line of a hand held device say a vibra clap or a stand mounted set of blocks.
I have no experience with these devices so I seek some information to assist in my quest for decent equipment that does not cost a fortune.

Based on that ... any suggestions.

Cello. They sound so friggin good and really set a mood.

Sans, thats why I said congas, it gives him something to (hide) behind, wont cost that much,(used on CL $200) (not the really good ones) won't change your sound unless you unleash a real conga player, and they look real cool on stage. It makes the whole band look big and after all this is show biz.

Its called having a singing second percussionist. Just tell him to play softly.

jw123 wrote:Ive always like a touch of strings

Flute is a good one Mary

We used to beat on trash cans and stuff, even use multiple voices to thicken things then take the main vocal channel out and just insert the reverb, there are hundreds of tricks to do

With that thought, how about wine glasses. Either tapped with dinnerware or filled with water then run your fingers around the edges.

That do you think of these George?

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/i ... nstruments