What is an Afro Crusher? (Honest, it's in my music!)

[Tom Allebrandi]

Hi!

I play percussion in a community band. We got a new piece of music the
other day that calls for an Afro Crusher. Anyone ever heard of this
instrument?

From the sound of the music at the point that the Afro Crusher is called
for, a cabasa would sound right. A tambourine also sounds right in that
area, that's what I've been playing for the time being since it is
convenient.

Any ideas?

Thanks for your help!

--- Tom

[Dennis Boxem]

Are you shure it isn't a crAsher? thats a percussion instrument made up of a
Couple of small metal sheets stacked on top of each other with two metal
pins running trough them to keep it together. You play them with sticks or
your hand and they make a short crashy sound. hence the name

[Dan Radin]

Is it a Holsinger piece? I've seen the term in his stuff. It's incorrect, a
version of the instrument called a ribbon crasher. Afro is a company that makes
them, fairly commonly. The other big company is Pete Englehart, which is
distubuted by rhythm tech.

The instrument is comprised of two to four thin strips of metal which are
loosly layed against each other, and struck upon a frame. They are avaiable in
various sizes, from about 6" up to 12" or so.

There are a few ways of simulating the sound without shelling out for a real
one (~$20ish). The one that has worked best for me is taking a small crash
cymbal (16ish), and placing a hihat on top of it, and a splash upon that. Put
them right on each other, without felts to separate them. Strike the largest of
the cymbals on the edge, like a drumset crash cymbal with a stick. Experiment
with different cymbals to fine tune the sound. My best success has come with
this stack: 16" K Custom heavy with rivets, 14" New Beat top, 10" K Splash. The
other way that has worked for me is putting a headless tambourine in between
two different sized hihats. I used a 14" New Beat top on the bottom, a 10"
wooden tambo in the middle, and a 13" Sabian Fusion hats bottom on top. No
clutch, just play them loose. Strike the top cymbal on the edge as before, with
a stick.
-----------------------------------------
-Dan Radin
Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University
FAQ: http://www.rmmpfaq.club24.co.uk/toc.htm
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