DRUMMING INTUITION

DRUMMING INTUITION

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Octoban Heavan!


One must admit that Octobans look pretty cool when tastefully integrated into the drum kit proper. My first exposure to them was brother Stewart Copeland of “The Police” pictured over yonder. You can hear them within the background tune playing as we speak. Octoban drums, also known as tube toms and quarter toms, are tom-toms grouped in melodically-tuned sets of eight, hence the reference to octave, from octo meaning "eight". Octobans have 6 inch diameter drum shells, and range in length from 11 inches to 23-1/2 inches. Their higher pitched yet “throaty” sound will require ample amplification in a live situation and they do not bode well for every musical style. As long as you have really good aim, you should have much success playing these tubular oddities.

Click on the Octobans below if you are interested in purchasing a set:
Tama Octobans 4 Pieces Low Pitch


Additional drummers who use Octobans:
Buddy Rich
Roy Mayorga
The Blue Man Group
Billy Cobham
Tim Alexander
Mike Portnoy
Simon Phillips
Bill Bruford