Overview of Percussion Instruments

Dive into the world of rhythm! Explore types of percussion instruments, from xylophones to djembes. Discover their sounds & find your perfect instrument to get started!
Overview of Percussion Instruments
3 min
16-Oct-2024

Percussion instruments form the backbone of many musical ensembles, adding rhythm, depth, and texture to performances. These instruments, categorised as idiophones and membranophones, produce sound through striking, shaking, or scraping. Common types of percussion include drums, cymbals, and tambourines, along with more exotic instruments like xylophones and marimbas. Each type of percussion instrument offers unique features, from varying pitch and resonance to diverse playing techniques. Whether you are interested in classical music or modern genres, exploring the world of percussion instruments can deepen your appreciation for their powerful role in music.

Explore a wide range of percussion musical instruments with competitive prices available on Bajaj Mall, where you will find all the details necessary to make an informed decision. However, sometimes hands-on experience is essential. Feel free to visit any of our partner stores to personally try out instruments from top brands. You can visit any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores in 4,000 cities across India. Choose the percussion instrument that suits your style and enjoy Easy EMI and zero down payment offers exclusively through Bajaj Finserv’s financing options.

Introduction to percussion musical instruments

Percussion instruments, the heartbeat of any musical ensemble, add rhythm, colour, and excitement to music. Encompassing a vast range of music instruments from around the world, percussion offers a unique and primal way to interact with sound. This article explores the different types of percussion instruments, their characteristics, and provides an estimated price list to help you get started on your rhythmic journey.

Types of percussion instruments

Percussion instruments can be broadly categorised into two main groups based on sound production:

Type of percussion instrument

Description

Examples

Idiophones

Instruments that produce sound through the vibration of their own body.

  • Xylophone: Wooden bars are struck with mallets to produce high-pitched tones.
  • Marimba: Wooden bars that produce warmer, lower tones.
  • Glockenspiel: Metal bars played with mallets for bright, high-pitched sounds.
  • Vibraphone: Metal bars with a vibrato mechanism.
  • Bells: Shaken or struck to produce ringing tones.
  • Triangles: A metal triangle struck with a beater for a high-pitched ringing sound.

Membranophones

Instruments that produce sound by a stretched membrane (drumhead) that is struck or vibrated.

  • Snare Drum: Double-headed drum with snares that vibrate for a sharp crack sound.
  • Bass Drum: A large drum played with a foot pedal for low-pitched sounds.
  • Tom-toms: Drums of various sizes for mid-range tones.
  • Congas: Hand-played drums from Cuba, known for their deep sound.
  • Djembe: Goblet-shaped drum from West Africa, played with hands for various tones.
  • Timpani: Large, tuned kettle drums producing deep, powerful sounds.


Best-selling percussion instruments: Price list

Here is a general price list for some popular beginner and mid-range percussion instruments:

Instrument

Estimated Price Range (Rs.)

Xylophone (25 keys)

2,000 - 5,000

Glockenspiel (25 bars)

1,500 - 3,000

Marimba (Alto range, 3.5 octaves)

15,000 - 25,000

Vibraphone (2.5 octaves)

30,000 onwards

Cajon

4,000 - 10,000

Djembe (medium size)

5,000 - 12,000

Congas (Set of 2)

8,000 - 15,000

Snare drum (standard size)

5,000 - 12,000

Bass drum (single drum with pedal)

8,000 - 15,000

Tom-tom set (3 or 4 drums)

6,000 - 15,000

Timpani (single drum)

30,000 onwards


Please note: This is not an exhaustive list, and prices can vary depending on the brand, quality, and size of the instrument. For professional-grade instruments, prices can be significantly higher.

Discover a diverse range of percussion instruments that match your musical style at your nearest partner stores. Enjoy Easy EMI options with flexible tenures ranging from 1 month to 60 months. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned musician, there is an instrument for everyone.

Additional considerations

Choosing a percussion instrument depends on your musical interests and budget. Here are some additional factors to consider:

  • Skill level: Beginner instruments are often more affordable and easier to learn.
  • Sound: Consider the desired sound you want to achieve. For example, a xylophone offers bright tones, while a djembe produces a deep, rich sound.
  • Portability: Some instruments, like congas and djembes, are more portable than large drum sets.
  • Playing style: Do you prefer hand-played instruments like congas drum sets with sticks and pedals?

Also read - Musical instruments used in electronic dance music

Financing Options with Bajaj Finserv

When it comes to acquiring percussion instruments, Bajaj Finserv offers flexible financing options tailored to your needs. Whether you are looking for a snare drum, congas, or a djembe, you can explore various payment plans that fit your budget. With convenient EMI options, you can spread the cost of your instrument over manageable tenures, making it easier to invest in quality musical gear without straining your finances. This approach allows you to focus on honing your musical skills while enjoying your new instrument right away.

Benefits of shopping with Bajaj Finserv’s financing options

Affordable pricing: At any of the Bajaj Finserv partner stores, enjoy cost-effective pricing on musical instruments, making your investment lighter on the wallet.

Easy EMIs: Buying any musical instruments is now more convenient. With financing from Bajaj Finserv, opt for flexible repayment options and spread the cost over Easy EMIs.

Zero down payment: Say goodbye to upfront costs. Select the best musical instruments that come with a zero down payment option, letting you pay gradually without an initial lump sum.

Wide range and accessibility: Access a vast selection of musical instruments across multiple partner stores, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your home.

Special deals and cashback: With Bajaj Finserv's financing options, you can unlock exciting offers and cashback when you choose your desired musical instruments.

Complimentary home delivery: Enjoy the convenience of free home delivery on the selected musical instruments, enhancing your overall shopping experience.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are they called percussion instruments?

Percussion instruments are named for their defining characteristic: sound production by striking or hitting them. The word "percussion" itself comes from the Latin "percutere" which means "to strike through".

Who plays percussion instruments?

The musician who plays percussion instruments is called a percussionist. Percussionists can further specialize in specific instruments or styles, like a timpanist (plays timpani) or a drum set player.

How many types of percussion instruments are there?

The exact number is difficult to define due to global variations and constant innovation. But, there are hundreds of identified percussion instruments worldwide, offering a vast sonic palette.

What are some popular brands for percussion instruments?

Some popular brands for percussion instruments include Yamaha, Pearl, tama, Meinl, and Roland. Each of these brands is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and wide range of products, catering to both beginners and professional musicians. Exploring their offerings can help you find the perfect instrument to suit your needs.

What are the benefits of playing percussion instruments?

Playing percussion instruments offers numerous benefits. It enhances coordination, rhythm, and motor skills. It also promotes cognitive development and reduces stress. Percussion playing fosters teamwork and social interaction in group settings, making it a holistic activity for personal and musical growth.

Can percussion instruments be used in different music genres?

Yes, percussion instruments can be used in various music genres. From classical and jazz to rock, pop, and traditional Indian music, percussion instruments add rhythm and depth. Their versatility allows them to fit seamlessly into different musical styles, enriching the overall sound.

What is percussion and its types?

Percussion refers to musical instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. Common types include drums, cymbals, and xylophones. Each type creates unique rhythms and tones, enhancing music across genres. Percussion instruments are integral to various musical styles, offering rich and dynamic sounds.

What are the 10 types of percussion instruments?

There are numerous types of percussion instruments, but some of the most common include the drum set, congas, bongos, djembe, maracas, tambourine, xylophone, timpani, triangle, and cymbals. Each instrument has unique characteristics and is used in various musical genres and settings.

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