Key Of Grey

Photo courtesy of FAO Schwarz

April 1st, 2009 – Over the years, I’ve accumulated a wealth of small, interesting instruments. Some are toys, some are cheap percussive instruments, and some are cool “ethnic” doodads. Not that I’ve been many places around the world in my life so far, but a few years back, I resolved to pick up a simple instrument(something that will fit in my duffel bag) wherever I go if possible.

Sometimes, that unique sound is exactly what a song needs. When you have your own instruments to record, you have flexibility over how that sound is recorded; to have the instrument sound exactly like you want it to. That’s something that you can’t get from a sample. Sometimes, it’s hard to even find a sample of anything interesting at all. You’d be surprised how hard it is to get a good toy piano sound, although I got a set linked by Tara Busch the other day on Twitter (Don’t forget to add me!). I’ve been searching thrift stores to find an old one, just so I can record it’s awesomeness.

At the very least, I believe that all producers, engineers, and musicians should have a small kit of simple instruments. We don’t have to be talking hundreds of dollars worth, but something simple to make “wood-striking-block” sounds, tiny cymbals, and the like. Here’s a kit by wooden toy brand “Melissa and Doug”. It’s $25 from FAO Schwarz and contains a tambourine, shaker, a triangle, and a tiny cymbal set along with some other knick knacks. It’s a good start to your collection.

Melissa and Doug “Band in a Box”