Don't know if there are any timbale players on here. Got a set myself, and am trying to decide which way round to set them up. "traditionally" the timbales are st with the hi tuned one on the right. However the drum kit has the high tom on the left, and I read that some players like to put them this way round. To complicate matters, I'm left handed, so I reverse the drum kit and my tomtoms are the same way round as a right-handed "traditional" timbalero... I figure I could go the same way round as the majority of people have them, so that if I want to jam with someone we don't have to switch the timbales around. But which way round DO most people have them in this country?

Subject: Question for any timbaleros
From: Christian (Christian Weaver)
Date: 6th Jan 2006, 9:57 am
Replying to: A message by sweavo (Steve Carter) posted on 12th Dec 2005, 11:31 am

Hi Steve, Everyone I know in the Uk and Cuba plays with the traditional set up i.e. the macho (high timbal) on their lead side, which for you being left handed is your left side. I would recomend this way, particularly as it leads you to set the bells with the larger one also on the lead side (left for you) so your other hand can play on the head of the hembra (low timbal). If you want to use traditional timbale patterns you will find this set up much easier. But ultimately it is up to what ever you find suits your sound and playing style. I follow the Cuban path and the traditional set up suits me fine.  BEGIN QUOTE  Don't know if there are any timbale players on here. Got a set myself, and am trying to decide which way round to set them up. "traditionally" the timbales are st with the hi tuned one on the right. However the drum kit has the high tom on the left, and I read that some players like to put them this way round. To complicate matters, I'm left handed, so I reverse the drum kit and my tomtoms are the same way round as a right-handed "traditional" timbalero... I figure I could go the same way round as the majority of people have them, so that if I want to jam with someone we don't have to switch the timbales around. But which way round DO most people have them in this country?  END QUOTE

Subject: Question for any timbaleros
From: sweavo (Steve Carter)
Date: 10th Jan 2006, 8:27 pm
Replying to: A message by Christian (Christian Weaver) posted on 6th Jan 2006, 9:57 am

BEGIN QUOTE  Hi Steve, Everyone I know in the Uk and Cuba plays with the traditional set up...  END QUOTE  Great thanks for the info. I have been playing left handed with traditional setup since I got them so I'll stick this way now I guess. Just means it's a pain if I wanna play someone else's set... that's assuming they'd let me anyway Now have the pair set up on a slight tilt (started flat but the tilt helps get the rimshots) two bells and a jam block. Jam block is central rather than offset but it was half the price of the next one up and sounded better IMO. Playing with WAFFER THIN sticks and have still not really let rip on them as I live in a terraced house!