Setup: • Traditionally low drum on left and high drum on the right • Height of drums different from player to player and set up to set up • A cha cha cowbell, a timbale bell, a pearl block • Sometimes players use a crash cymbal as part of their set up to be used for hits, mambo patterns, suspended cymbal rolls, etc.
Additional Set-up Possibilities
Oftentimes you may find the use of a bass drum and a snare drum suspended near the timbale for quick access. This particular set-up resembles that of a drum set without the high-hat and additional toms. Placement / setup of the additional instruments vary from player to player. The setup for the cowbells and block is up to the performer.
Helpful Hints:
When selecting cowbells for your timbales, it is extremely important to pay close attention to sound quality. For the cha cha bell, make sure the sound is equal to those heard on an actual cha cha. This requires you to test out as many cowbells as needed to get that right one. Use the same process for the timbale block. Do not purchase an instrument based on price. Just because it was a good deal does not mean it is the best sound
Tuning:
Varies from player to player and from one style to another. I like the high timbale to have a high piercing sound when playing rim shots, fills or solos. I like it tight enough to produce great sounding rolls. The low drum should be tuned low enough to produce a good impact sound when combined with a crash cymbal. Remember that the low drum often acts like a bass drum on a drum set. The head should also be tight enough to create some good sounding rolls and pitch bends. Pitch bends are achieved by placing your elbow in the middle of the drum. Press firmly down with your elbow while striking the low drum with your right hand stick. This process raises the pitch on the drum. This technique is used oftentimes in solos and fills.
Timbale Sounds
First make sure you have good quality timbale sticks and heads when practicing and performing on timbales (see appendix).
On the high drum: • Practice playing some alternating strokes directly in the center (like a snare drum). Keep in mind the center of the high drum is hardly played except for maybe during some solos. • Now practice alternating strokes between the center and the edge of the drum. This is the area where most rhythms and solos are performed – especially with the use of rim shots. • Now practice alternating rim shots. Try placing the tip of the timbale stick between the edge of the drum and the center of the head. Strike the drum and hit edge / rim at the same time to get a high /piercing rim shot. This particular sound is used when playing solos, ensemble hits, and usually precedes an “abania” (discussed later). • Now put the tip of the timbale stick about an inch or two away from the rim. Now hit both areas at the same time. This technique produces an even higher pitched sound. These shots are commonly used during solos.
On the low drum:
Most sounds are produced towards the center of the drum. This sound is used during solos and ensemble hits. Practice alternating strokes on this drum. The low drum is also used for impacts when combined (played at the same time) with cymbal crashes. Other sounds produced on the low drum: • With left stick strike the drum on beat 2 and immediately muffle. Then strike on beat 4 with an open stroke. • Hold the left stick between thumb and first finger and strike the drum on beat 2 and leave the fingers on the drum (i.e. muffle). On beat four strike with the fingers again only this time get the fingers off of the drum. • Pitch bends with elbow (see tuning).
And Finally – The Cascara
Cascara simply means shell. For this sound, you strike the shell of the timbale. Place the stick on the side / shell of the high drum. Use the part of the stick between the tip and middle of the stick. Leave the stick on the shell when you strike it so that you get as dry of a sound as you can. Do the same with the left stick but play / strike on the side of the low drum. Try the patterns below and then try the actual “cascara” patterns.