Chops Percussion will be selling Tama gear used by Pi Percussion during the 2024 WGI season. This is a HUGE opportunity to save on gear that has only been used for a less than 2 months. If you’re looking to upgrade your battery percussion or your front ensemble gear, this is the time to do just that.

In order to reserve an item we must have a PO from your school, check or credit card payment. We will arrange delivery to you in the final weeks of April/May 2024. Keep an eye on the list to see what is still available and give us a call to get more information!

To check out the currently available gear, click here!

With the weather we experienced across Indiana last weekend, we though it would be a great idea to share some tips we have found useful over the years that will help you be prepared for anything on the day of the show. What are some useful tips you can share with others?

• Be sure to check the weather report the day before the event
• Think about what the students will wear when uploading your trailer and moving equipment inside.
• Have students bring a change of shoes and socks to keep their feet dry and free from slipping on the tarp.
• Have covers and tarps ready in case of unexpected rain or snow.
• Plan on spending a little extra time tuning indoors if your equipment sat on a trailer for a long drive or the night before.
• Have some hand warmers on hand to help get students hands warm before going into warmup.
• Be sure to check all electronics and cables for excessive moisture once inside. And have some extra on hand just in case.
• Have extra towels and cloths to dry equipment after moving inside for warmup. This will not only help protect the equipment but your mallets and sticks as well.
• Try not to adjust your routine to much, but be ready to move a little quicker than normal. Have student leaders, staff and parents find the quickest and safest route inside.

Be sure to stay safe and calm when fast with adverse conditions and remember that everyone is doing there best to manage a situation out of their control. We look forward to warmer days ahead and seeing you all performing soon!

Chops Percussion will be selling all of the Pearl/Adams gear used by Veritas Percussion during the 2024 WGI season. This is a HUGE opportunity to save on gear that has only been used for a few months. If you’re looking to upgrade your battery percussion or your front ensemble gear, this is the time to do just that.

In order to reserve an item we must have a PO from your school, check or credit card payment. We will arrange delivery to you in the final weeks of April/May 2024. Keep an eye on the list to see what is still available and give us a call to get more information!

To check out the currently available gear, click here!

Welcome back to the Chops blog.  The Indoor Percussion Association (IPA) season is about to begin, 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. Along with local IPA contests, there’s also a national WGI regional, hosted by Franklin Central, where you can see performances by ensembles from all over the Midwest.

Here’s a schedule of remaining contests to help you find a show near you!

We thought we would re-post this as a great reminder for things not to forget as you prepare to venture out into the wild this indoor season!

With indoor percussion shows starting to happen on a weekly basis, we thought it would be a good idea to give you a small reference of items you should always keep on hand during show days in case of an emergency. While you can’t always predict when an emergency or accident will happen, you can be prepared for some of the most common issues by having a proper percussion repair kit available to you and your students at all times. A great idea is to get a tackle-box or divided toolbox that is always with your percussion section whether it is during travel to a show, a concert in the auditorium, or a rehearsal on the field.  By keeping the following items in your kit you will be able to address many repairs quickly and efficiently.

The following items are standard tools and supplies to keep in your toolbox:  

Tools

Drum Key (Standard) 
SAE/Metric Wrench Set
Drum Key (High Tension T-Style) 
Screw Drivers (Various – Phillips and Flat)
Drum Dial 
Medium Sized Vice Grips
Timpani Key (Ludwig/Yamaha vs. Adams) 
Needle Nose and Regular Pliers
Scissors
SAE/Metric Allen Key Set
Lighter 

Supplies

White Lithium Grease (Tube or Container)  
Various Size Cymbal Felts (large, small, hi-hat, clutch)  
Wing Nuts (8mm and 6mm)  
Cymbal Stand Sleeves (6mm and 8mm)  
Keyboard Percussion String (Paracord is best – 1/8” shock cord)  
Snare Strand Cord or Nylon Strips
Various Size Nuts/Bolts (Most Common are 10m or 12m and ⅞” or ½”)

It is very important to have tools in both standard and metric, as depending on where things are made, you will have all sizes and types to fit most of your percussion needs. Being prepared is the number one factor in performing emergency repair needs for percussion instruments.  While you may end up needing to perform a “quick fix” to get you by for a performance, having the right items for those scenarios will go a long way into getting your gear working again.

If you need more suggestions or help with percussion repairs feel free to give us a call today at 1-877-900-3786 or bring your equipment into the shop for a free evaluation.