Schlagwerk - Percussion
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Pioneer Valley Imports presents Schlagwerk at the 2009 Summer NAMM Show
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Udu Drums®

    
For over 20 years, designer and pottery master, Kai Koesling, has been handcrafting Schlagwerk Udu® Drums. Inspired by the original African Udu, our new designs and developments have resulted in a wide range of models. The origin of the Udu® drums lies in Nigeria. Members of the Hausa and Ibo tribes discovered the wonderful sound of these earthenware instruments with two openings. Udu means “clay pot” in the language of the Ibos. Originally from Africa, the Udu can also be found in Latin America and the Caribbean. Having made the leap into western music culture, Schlagwerk Udus belong to the basics of every percussionist as sound-effect and rhythm instruments. They are played by rhythmically opening and closing the side-hole with the palm of the hand. This produces a deep bass tone, reminiscent of the sound of the Indian Tabla. This playing technique is combined with the bright, percussive body-sound produced by hitting any part of the pot with the fingers. All Udu® Drums are hand-turned – this manufacturing technique guarantees optimum sound development.
     
Neck Udo mit Standring  

U 80 Neck Udu®

H 35 cm Ø 25 cm, with floor base

with floor base This Udu® is designed in the fashion of the African original. The long, ribbed neck can also be played and yields a high percussive sound – an appealing interval to the bass root tone.

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Basic Udu mit Standring  

U 62 Basic Udu®

H 35 cm Ø 27 cm with floor base

Construction and shape identical with the U 60 Bass Udu®, but available in a smaller size.

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Bass Udu mit Standring  

U 60 Bass Udu® the Original

H 40 cm Ø 31 cm, with floor base

This Udu is formed after the traditional construction methods of the east Nigerian Ibo tribe, and is very much a bass tonal range Udu®.

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Bongodu  

U 50 Bongodu

H 40 cm Ø 20 cm, with floor base

Adapted from the skin drum, this Udu® has a slightly domed playing surface with two sound holes for playing, which yield different bass tones, while the rest of the body produces a whole range of varied sounds.

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Twin Udu®

Our Twin Udu® construction design has made it possible to control the pitch and the result is a Set of 2 models with superb tonal harmony. The sound is distinctly earthy, with a short, powerful bass tone and a full, rich body-sound. Response is quick.
     
Twin Udu hoch mit Standring  

U 10 H Twin Udu® high tonal range

H 26 cm Ø 23 cm, with floor base

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Twin Udu tief mit Standring  

U 20 T Twin Udu® lower tonal range

H 28 cm Ø 25 cm, with floor base

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Twin Udu - 2er Set  

U 30 Twin Udu® Set of 2

U 10 H and U 20 T

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Skin Udu®

The Skin Udu® is the highlight of our Udu® range and offers a variety of features. Apart from the side sound hole, which yields soft, round harmonious bass tones, this Udu® has a thin, natural skin. Depending on the playing technique, this high pitched, pre-tuned membrane is capable of producing a kaleidoscope of sounds ranging from deep resonant basses to powerful Darabuka-related, high tonal sounds. The varying surface strengths of this Udu mean that it is capable of two body-sounds, which can be produced by playing with the fingers and technique and yield a stony-percussive sound type. The combination of oriental drum sounds and soft low pitched bass tones create a unique and inspiring sound experience.
     
     
Skin Udu XL stimmbar mit Standring  

U 70 S Skin Udu® XL tunable

H 43 cm Ø 31 cm, with floor base

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Skin Udu L  

 

U 72 Skin Udu® L

H 37 cm Ø 27 cm, with floor base

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Skin Udu L - stimmbar  

 

U 72 S Skin Udu® L tunable

H 37 cm Ø 27 cm, with floor base

The “Top of the Line” Udu. A tension ring allows for tuning of the natural skin head. A wealth of sound possibilities for all atmospheres and wishes.

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Side Skin Udu  

 

U 78 Side Skin Udu®

H 35 cm Ø 25 cm, with floor base

The new Side Skin Udu®, differs significantly from the other models due to the side position of the natural skin playing surface. This enables the player to use new techniques, e. g. playing the membrane and the side hole with one hand simultaneously.

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