Product Spotlight: Innovative Percussion CMS-1

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 No Comments

In this weeks blog we want to place the spotlight on a new product coming this year from Innovative Percussion. The new CMS-1 Concert Snare Multi-Stick is sure to become a favorite or multi-percussionist that have long desired a multi-stick that feels and responds great no matter which side you are using. These stick were designed in conjunction with Paul Rennick and modeled after his very popular marching tenor stick, but shaped down and constructed for better use in the concert setting.

The CMS-1 will give you the ability to play with both ends of the stick, while maintaining the feel and balance of a regular drumstick. The tip has a Taj Mahal shape with allows for some added weight at the front of the stick to help with playing low-end passages while still getting the warmth out of your drum. The butt end has a latex sleeve that will give any performer another tool to use on many surface such as wood blocks, toms, and more, elimination the need to switch to another mallet or beater. This smooth transition is sure to work well in many concert percussion settings, multi percussion solos, and even in front ensemble set-ups. At 16″ 9/16″ in length and .640″ in diameter these sticks offer the perfect blend for the concert percussion setting while still giving you added versatility.

For more information about these sticks or to get some on order give us a call today or stop by for a visit.
Email: chops@chopspercussion.com
Phone: 317.813.2070 or 1.877.900.DRUM (3786)

Indiana Percussion Association Season Preview: 2021

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 No Comments

Welcome back to the Chops blog!  Indoor Percussion season is about to get underway, and we’re proud to once again be the presenting sponsor for the Indiana Percussion Association!  Indoor Percussion continues to grow in popularity within the state and across around the world.  We’re lucky to have one of the best and largest indoor percussion circuits in the country, and we’re proud to support the efforts of IPA and all of the participating groups. The Indiana Percussion Association is celebrating their historic 25th year in existence this year and while things might still be a little different from normal, we are  so excited to see the students, directors, and parents enjoy an activity we all love!

Here’s a schedule contests for 2021 to help you find a show near you! (*denotes wind divisions at show)

February 13    IPA Invitational at Franklin Central HS
February 13    IPA Invitational at Norwell HS*

February 20   IPA Invitational at Franklin Community HS
February 20   IPA Invitational at Decatur Central HS*

February 27    IPA Invitational at New Palestine HS
February 27    IPA Invitational at Greenfield Central HS*

March 06        IPA Invitational at Carroll HS
March 06        IPA Invitational at Greenfield Invitational HS – Winds Only
March 06        IPA Invitational at Perry Meridian HS*

March 13         IPA Invitational at Plainfield HS
March 13         PSB/Winds Prelims at Pendleton Heights HS*

March 20        IPA State Prelims & PSB/Winds State Finals Avon HS or Center Grove HS

March 27        IPA State Finals at Ben Davis High School

Come visit us at IPA State Prelims and State Finals!
We have plans for running a booth at state prelims and state finals, so if you’re attending either of these, make sure to stop by and say hi!  We’ll have sticks, practice pads, mallets, stick bags, t-shirts, and many other items to choose from.

If you go to any shows, let us know what you think on our Facebook page! If you wear a Chops Percussion shirt, make sure to post a pic to our Facebook or Twitter page!

For more information on events, schedules, venues, ticket sales and more, visit the following:
Indiana Percussion Association (IPA)

Keep Improving at Home

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 No Comments

Keep improving at home with a rental from Chops Percussion!

Chops has several drum sets and keyboards available for rental that are perfect for home practice.

Pearl Decade Maple Drum Set

For $69 per month, you will now be able to rent the Pearl Decade Maple set with 830 series hardware, a Sabin XSR cymbal package (14” hi hats, 16” and 18” crashes, 20” ride), and a Pearl D930 drum throne. We’ve had many requests for drum set outfits with upgraded drum and cymbal options, and this package definitely fits the bill. Do you want to hear the Decade in action? Please check out this video (best to listen with headphones or high-quality speakers):




Adams MSPV43 Soloist Series Marimba

Adams MSPV43 Marimba

Adams Soloist Series Marimbas offer the precision construction methods and many of the great features found on the Artist and Concert series instruments, and combine them with a number of keyboards and size options ideal for beginners and schools looking for a high quality, wood bar instrument, at an extremely affordable price.
[Learn more]

Adams AMPD33R Academy Marimba

Adams AMPD33R Marimba

The AMPD33R 3.3 octave Academy Marimba with Resonators is designed to be an affordable option that allows the intermediate student to work on many of the pieces written for a low A marimba, all while still having the full tone and projection of a full size marimba.
[Learn more]

Rentals are only available for residents of Indiana. Please contact us for more information on our rental program.

Email: chops@chopspercussion.com
Phone: 317.813.2070 or 1.877.900.DRUM (3786)

Product Spotlight: Pageantry Innovations Concert Percussion Packs

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 No Comments



The newest product from Pageantry Innovations involves bringing their solid, innovative designs to the concert percussion setting. These new Concert Percussion Packs have been assembled as ready-to-use solutions for band, orchestra, and percussion directors. With three different set-ups, each one has been specifically designed to fulfill any concert percussion need. They all offer a a variety of tools to help with typically concert percussion set-ups so as trap-trays and crash cymbal holders. Depending on how much space you need, you can check out either the CP-10 Concert Band Pack, CP-20 Percussion Ensemble Pack or CP-30 Wind Ensemble Pack.

The CP-10 Concert Band Pack is a great starter pack for any level of percussion section and with enables programs to have a designated auxiliary percussion station.

The CP-20 Percussion Ensemble Pack is an excellent solution for large, cumbersome setups such as concert toms and multi-percussion setups.

The CP-30 Wind Ensemble Pack is designed to be the ultimate auxiliary percussion headquarters for wind band and orchestral applications

To find out more information on these great products you can check them on the Pageantry Innovations website. http://pageantryinnovations.com/concert-percussion-packs

 

Vibraphone Maintenance and Common Issues

Tuesday, January 12, 2021 No Comments

The vibraphone is one of the most complex instruments in the percussion family due to its many moving parts to make it all work. Unfortunately, the pedal and damper mechanisms are not universal from brand to brand so you will need to give these instruments a more thorough inspection. A majority of the time issues on vibraphones are from the pedal or the damper. Beyond the basic keyboard cleaning tips mentioned you can check for the following issues:

  • Bar Cleaning: Since the vibes have metal bars cleaning them with a dry cloth first and then denatured alcohol or a multi surface cleaner such as Pledge will help remove the built up dirt and grime.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • Broken or Worn String: If you notice some clanking of the bars when playing or some uneven dampening check the string to make sure it is in good condition.  It is best to change the string when you start to notice wear so it doesn’t break when you are in the middle of a performance.                                                                                                                                                                    
  • Pedal Issues: There are often three main concerns when it comes to the vibraphone pedals and they are as follows:
    • Pedal attachment loose from frame. Re-attach with new bolt and nut.
    • Upper Pull Rod gets stripped and won’t hold in place. Replace upper pull rod.
    • Bent upper pull rod that will often need to be replaced.
  • Damper Issues: The damper is the part that actually touches the keys and attaches to the pedal. In general you should look for the following issues on the damper system.
    • Missing or bent compression spring
    • Worn Damper Felt. Over time the keys will wear out the damper felt causing notes to ring when dampened.
    • Uneven dampening of bars. There could be many reasons for this such as uneven felt, uneven bar post that hold the string, or even tightness of the string.  You would likely need to have this looked at by a repair technician to fully diagnose the issue.  
  • Resonators: Take the time to clean out the resonators. Dust, dirt and other particles often collect at the bottom on these and can affect the overall sound of the keyboard.
    • First remove resonators from the keyboard and flip over and lightly tap.
    • Use a long dust brush to remove more dust.
    • On longer resonators you can carefully use a vacuum with hose attachment to help remove the lowest settled particles of dust or dirt.
  • Motor/Fan Issues:  Some common issues involved with the motor not working properly 
    • If you notice an uneven sound between the naturals and accidentals you need to check that the fans are on the same rotation.  (They should spin at the same speed and same angle throughout.  Easy to adjust)
    • Power Supply:  If you plug in and it is not working you likely will need to replace the power cord
    • Belt Issues:  Depending on the model of vibraphone there will be either one or two belts near the motor that attach to the resonators.  Over time these can wear out or snap and will need to be replaced.

With the basic information above you can at least diagnose what the issue might be and even potentially fix it yourself. If you have found the problem but are unsure how to fix it give us a call and we can either talk you through it over the phone or send our service technician out to your school to repair it for you. We can be reached at 317-813-2070 or chops@chopspercussion.com.